Buy a Real Driving License in New York
If your standard driver's license or non-driver ID card states "Not for Real ID purposes," it will no longer be valid for travel on air or federal buildings after 2025. Make an appointment to upgrade to a Real ID or ENHANCED ID today!
Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 and it sets minimum security standards for state-issued drivers licenses, permits, and identification cards.
How to Get an ID Real ID
You will need all the required documents to upgrade your driver's license or obtain an enhanced licence or REAL ID card. In order to do this, you'll need to arrange an appointment with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

When you make an appointment, you must bring all the documents that you have to the DMV so they can be checked and scanned. führerschein kaufen erfahrungen Express Deutsche Kartes will allow you to avoid any issues when trying to use your actual driving license for anything. Remember to bring along a valid form or identification, like a passport, birth certificate or another documents issued by the state.
If you're applying for an REAL ID or ENHANCED ID you will require two proofs of residency in the state of New York. This can be something like a simple utility bill or credit card statement pay stubs that show your name and New York address. Any document that has a P.O. Any document that is issued a P.O.
The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 by Congress and set minimum security standards for state-issued drivers licenses and identification cards. It was created to protect against identity fraud by making it more difficult for criminals obtain fake documents. As of May 7 2025, 2025 you will require a REAL ID or a UPDATED ID to fly within the United States or to access certain federal facilities.
For more details on the documentation required for the required documentation, visit the DMV's Document Guide for a REAL ID or ENHANCED Driver's License(opens in a new tab). You can also find an easy-to-follow checklist that outlines exactly which documents you need to bring with you when you go to the DMV.
You can download a copy the checklist on PennDOT's REAL ID Document Check page(opens in a new tab). However you must visit an official Pennsylvania DMV REAL ID center(opens in new tab) to get your documents scanned and verified, since this procedure is not available online.
What documents do I need?
You'll need to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles in person if you wish to obtain an ENHANCED ID or REAL ID. 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 the presence of a representative and show certain documents. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued drivers' licenses and identification cards following the attacks of 9/11. Commission recommended that the federal government be more discerning regarding the kind of credentials it accepts for entry into federal facilities, military bases and air travel.
You'll need to provide multiple forms of ID to your local DMV in order to upgrade to REAL ID. You'll need one form of photo identification, evidence of your birth date (birth certificate), as well as two forms of New York State residence that include your full name and address. You can use the New York State driver's license permit, permit, or a non-driver's identification card as well as a bank statement, mortgage statement or pay stub. Also, a credit card statement or utility bill.
You'll need proof of U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Resident Status, or Temporary Legal Status in the United States. If you have a Social Security Number, please bring it along to. The DMV website has an online document listing which will assist you in deciding which documents you need to bring to your DMV appointment.
Once you've made an appointment at your DMV office, put all your paperwork together and get ready to take a vision screening during your visit. Be sure to bring a pair of glasses or contact lenses if you require them. Once your documents are in order you will be eligible to get your upgraded or REAL ID, and begin traveling with confidence. The DMV will display a gold star in the upper right corner of your new card to show that it is compliant with 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. Licensing requirements vary from state to state and those seeking an updated driver's license should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to learn details about their requirements and fees.
In general the process for obtaining an actual driving license is very similar to the process required for a standard state license. It's important to check the DMV website of your state to ensure that you have all the necessary documents to avoid delays and issues.
In Hawaii For instance, in Hawaii, the cost of a Real ID license costs $40 per year, while an Real ID identification card costs the same amount. The DMV accepts cash personal checks, personal checks, money orders, and banker's checks for payments.
Other states may have different requirements to prove the authenticity of a person's identity and citizenship. For instance, they might require two forms of proofs of address or certified copies of birth certificates. In addition, some states require applicants to present their Social Security number or U.S. passport, while others only require a valid name and date of birth.
In Massachusetts, Registry of Motor Vehicles manages the Real ID Program. Anyone who wants to get a Real ID must bring the required original or certified documents to prove their identity. In addition, the Real ID non-commercial driver's license costs $50, and a Real ID photo identification card costs $25.
You'll be required to pay the usual transaction fees that are associated with your application, regardless of whether you're replacing your license or applying for an Real ID. These fees can include state filing and administrative fees.
Insurify's calculators let you calculate the cost of getting a new Real ID for any state, including any applicable transaction fees. The calculator estimates the costs based on your input however, they could change between the time you submit your application and the actual transaction. However, the calculators are a helpful starting point to help estimate your costs and plan for any fees you could incur.
Where Can I Get an ID that is authentic?
If you live in New York, the Department of Motor Vehicles offers three options for a REAL ID, an enhanced ID, or a standard license. If you choose to purchase an enhanced or REAL ID will need to upgrade their current documents for use on domestic flights as well as in federal buildings starting May 7 2025. The online document guide for your state will assist you to create a checklist of the documents that you should bring to the DMV.
The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for drivers' licences, permits and ID cards issued by states. Federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration are prohibited from accepting cards that do not meet the requirements. Older cards will still allow people to drive and purchase alcohol as well as other age-regulated products, play in casinos, and use certain government services.
New Yorkers can get an enhanced or REAL ID by presenting the DMV office in person with a single proof of identity, one document proving legal presence and two proofs of New York residency. As proof of residency, you can present an account statement from a bank or credit card statement with an address in New York.
If you're renewing your license, permit or ID prior to when the deadline and you want to change it into a real ID by providing the necessary documents. Additionally to that, if you were born in the United States or have been legally admitted under the terms of a treaty (such as a visa issued by the Department of Homeland Security) or have a lawfully permanent status, you'll be able to apply for an ID REAL at your local DMV.
The Real ID Act has been modified for citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau and the Republic of the Marshall Islands that are residents of the Freely Associated States, or FAS. This change was made in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 and allows them to get a Real ID for a full-time period.