Buy a Real Driving License in New York
After 2025, if your standard driver's licence or non-driver ID says "Not for real ID purposes" it will no longer be valid for travel on air and federal buildings. Make an appointment to upgrade to a real ID or ENHANCED ID today!
Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005, and it establishes minimum security standards for state-issued drivers licenses, permits, and identification cards.
How do you get an ID Real ID
If you're planning to upgrade your standard driver's license or obtain an enhanced license or REAL ID card, you will have to gather all the required documents. To do this, you will need to make an appointment with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.
Bring all your documents to the DMV when you make an appointment to be scanned. This will help avoid any issues when you try to use your actual driving license. Make sure you bring the proper form or identification document, like a passport, birth certificate, or any other state-issued document.
If you're applying for an REAL ID or ENHANCED ID for instance, you'll require two proofs of residency in the state of New York. It can be as simple as the credit card statement, utility bill or pay stub showing your name and New York residence. Any document that has an address such as a P.O. box or a nickname in it will not be accepted.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set minimum security standards on the state-issued identification cards and driver's licenses. It was designed to prevent identity theft by making it harder for criminals to get 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 information on the documentation you need, you can visit the DMV's Document Guide for a REAL ID or ENHANCED Driver's License(opens in new tab). You can also download a handy checklist that will tell you the exact documents you'll need to bring along when you go to the DMV.
You can also 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 a new tab) to get your documents scanned and verified, as this procedure is not available online.
What documents do I need?
If you're looking to obtain an ENHANCED or REAL ID card, you'll be required to travel in person to the Department of Motor Vehicles. As opposed to renewing standard licenses or ID cards, the process of getting or upgrading to a REAL or ENHANCED ID requires you to be present in the presence of a representative and show certain documents. The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and set minimum security standards for state-issued identification cards and driver's licenses. This came after the 9/11 Commission suggested that the federal government be more selective with the credentials it accepts to gain access to federal buildings, military bases and air travel.
You'll need to show several forms of identification to your local DMV to upgrade to REAL ID. This includes one type of photo ID and proof of your date of birth (birth certificate) and two proofs of New York State residency that show your name and full address. Documents that can be used include a New York State license, permit or non-driver ID card mortgage statement; bank statement; pay stubs credit card statement; utility bill and a certified copy of your marriage certificate divorce decree or court order containing the address and name of the person who issued it.
You'll also need to provide evidence of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident status, or temporary legal status in the United States, and your Social Security number if you have one. The DMV website includes an online document guide to guide you on what to bring with you to your DMV appointment.
Make sure you have your paperwork ready and ready to take the vision test at your DMV appointment. Be sure to bring an eyeglasses or contact lenses if you need lenses. When your documents are in order you will be able to get your enhanced or REAL ID and begin traveling with confidence. The DMV will place a gold star on the upper right-hand corner of your new card indicating that it meets federal requirements.
What is the 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 licensing differ from state to state. Individuals who wish to obtain a new license should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles to learn more about the requirements and costs.
In general the process for obtaining an actual driving license is very like that of an ordinary state license. However, it's essential to verify the state's DMV website beforehand to ensure you have all the necessary documents in order to speed up the process and avoid any unnecessary delays or problems.
For instance In Hawaii in Hawaii, an Hawaii Real ID driver's license costs $40 for eight years, however, a Real ID state identification card costs the same. The DMV accepts cash personal checks, money orders, and banker's checks to process payments.
Other states may have different requirements to verify identity and citizenship. For example, they might require two forms of proof of address or certified copies of birth certificates. Certain 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, Registry of Motor Vehicles manages the Real ID Program. To obtain a Real ID, applicants must present the original or certified documents to verify their identity. Additionally, a Real ID non-commercial driver's license costs $50, whereas the Real ID photo identification card costs $25.
If you're applying for an entirely new Real ID or replacing your existing license you'll be required to pay any transaction fees associated with your application. These fees could include state filing and administrative fees.
Insurify's calculators allow you to determine the cost of a new Real ID for any state as well as any applicable transaction fees. The prices provided by the calculator are estimates from the information you input and could vary from the time of your application to the actual transaction. However, the calculators are an excellent starting point to help you estimate your expenses and to prepare for any charges you may be charged.
Where can I get an authentic ID?
If you live in New York, the Department of Motor Vehicles provides three options that include 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 some federal buildings beginning May 7, 2025. The state's online document guide can help you make an individual list of documents you need to bring along when you visit 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 credit cards that do not meet these requirements. However older cards will be suitable to allow people to drive, purchase alcohol and other age-regulated products gamble in casinos, and use certain government facilities.
New Yorkers can obtain an enhanced or REAL ID by presenting a DMV office in person, armed with a proof of identity and one proof of legal presence, and two documents proving New York residency. Documents that can be used as proof of residence include bank statements and credit card bill, as well as a 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 can convert it to an actual ID if they provide the necessary documentation. In addition, if you were born in the United States or have been legally admitted to the country 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 a REAL ID 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, who are residents of the Freely Associated States, or FAS. This change was made in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 and allows them to get an authentic ID for a full-time period.