Buy a Real Driving License in New York
After 2025, if the standard driver's licence or non-driver ID says "Not for real ID purposes" It will not be valid for air travel and federal buildings. Upgrade to a REAL ID or an ENHANCED ID by scheduling an appointment today!
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005. It sets security standards for all government-issued identity cards, permits, and driver's licenses.
How do you get a Real ID
You will need all the necessary documents to upgrade your driver's licence, obtain an enhanced license, or REAL ID card. To do this, you'll need to arrange an appointment with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
If you make an appointment, bring all the documents that you have to the DMV, so they can be scanned and verified. This will ensure that there are no problems when you attempt to use your current driving license. Be sure to bring a valid form or identification, like a passport, birth certificate, or any other state-issued document.
You will need to provide two proofs of residency in New York if you are applying for a REAL ID (Enhanced ID) or REAL ID (Real ID). This can be something as simple as a utility bill or credit card statement pay stubs showing your name and New York address. Documents that have a P.O. box or a nickname on it is not accepted.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set minimum security standards for state-issued identification cards as well as driver's licenses. It was created to protect against identity fraud by making it more difficult for criminals to obtain fake documents. As of May 7, 2025, you will require a REAL ID, or an ENHANCED ID to travel within the United States or to access certain federal facilities.
For more details on the required documentation and the documentation required, you can go to the DMV's Document Guide for a REAL ID or ENHANCED Driver's License(opens in an entirely new tab). You can also download a handy list that tells you which documents you need to submit to the DMV.
You can also download the checklist from PennDOT's REAL ID document check page (opens in an additional tab). However, you must visit an official Pennsylvania DMV REAL ID center(opens in a new tab) to have your documents imaged and verified, since this process is not possible online.
What documents do I need?
If you're looking to obtain an ENHANCED or REAL ID card, you'll need to make a trip in person to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Unlike renewing standard licenses and ID cards, the process of upgrading or obtaining a REAL or ENHANCED ID requires you to visit the department in person and bring certain documents. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for driver's licenses and identification cards after the attacks of 9/11. Commission recommended that the federal government be more discerning about the type of ID it will accept for accessing federal facilities, military bases and for plane travel.
To upgrade to a REAL ID, you will need to bring several pieces of identification along to your local DMV office. You'll need one photo identification form as proof of your birth date (birth certificate), as well as two proofs of New York State residence that include your full name and address. You can use a New York State driver's license permit, permit, or a non-driver's identification card as well as the bank statement or mortgage statement, or pay stub. Also a credit card statement or utility bill.
You will need to provide evidence of U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Resident Status or Temporary Legal status in the United States. If you have an Social Security Number, please bring it along with you to your appointment. The DMV website has an interactive online document guide that will guide you on what to bring with you to your DMV appointment.
After you've scheduled an appointment at the DMV office, get all of your documentation together and prepare to take a vision screening during your visit. Bring your eyeglasses and contact lenses, if necessary. Once you have all your documents in order and you have your REAL ID or enhanced ID will be available for you to travel in confidence. The DMV will put a gold star on the upper right-hand corner of your new ID card, to indicate that it has met the federal requirements.
How Much Will It Cost?
A real driving license is a state-government-issued document that confirms a person's identity and allows them to operate certain types of motorized vehicles. The requirements for obtaining a license vary from state to state and those seeking a new driver's licence should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to learn more about their specific requirements and fees.
In general, the process of obtaining an actual driving license is similar to that required for the standard state license. It is important to check with the state's DMV website prior to registering to ensure you have all the required documents in place to streamline the process and avoid any delay or issues.
For example In Hawaii, an Hawaii Real ID driver's license costs $40 for eight years, however, a Real ID state identification card costs the same amount. The DMV accepts cash personal checks, personal checks, money orders and banker's check to process payments.
Different states might have different requirements to prove citizenship and identity. For example, they might require two forms of proof of address or certified copies of birth certificates. Some states also require applicants to present their Social Security number, U.S. passport or legal name, whereas others require only a date of birth and legal name.
In Massachusetts the Registry of Motor Vehicles administers the Real ID program. To be read full article for a Real ID, applicants must present original or certified documents that prove their identity. A Real ID non-commercial license costs $50 and a Real ID photo ID card costs $25.
Whether you're applying for an entirely new Real ID or replacing your current license, you'll need to pay any transaction fees that are associated with your application. These fees could include state filing and administrative fees.
Insurify's calculators can help you calculate the cost of a new Real ID for any state and include any applicable transaction fees. The costs calculated by the calculator are estimates based on the information you provide and could change from the time of your application to the actual transaction. However, the calculators can be an excellent starting point to help estimate your costs and prepare for any charges you may pay.
Where can I get a Real ID?
If you live in New York, the Department of Motor Vehicles provides three choices for a REAL ID, an enhanced ID or a standard license. The applicants who choose an enhanced or REAL ID will need to upgrade their current documents for use on domestic flights and in federal buildings starting May 7 2025. The online document guide for your state will assist you to make a list of documents that you must bring to the DMV.
The REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for driver's licenses, permits and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration from accepting cards that don't meet the requirements. Older cards can still permit individuals to drive and buy alcohol and other age-regulated products, gamble in casinos, and use certain government services.
New Yorkers can obtain an enhanced or REALID card by visiting their local DMV office and providing one identity proof and one proof of legal presence, and two proofs for New York residency. Documents that can be used as proof of residence include a bank statement, credit card bill or pay stubs with an address that is listed in New York.
Applicants that are required to renew their license or permit before the requirement takes effect will be able to change it to REAL ID once they can provide the required documents. If you were born in America or have a legal status as a permanent resident or a visa issued by Homeland Security You can apply for a REALID at the local DMV.
The Real ID Act was modified to include residents of Freely Associated States (FAS) such as the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau. This modification was made in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 and allows them to obtain an actual ID for a full term.