Buy a Real Driving License in New York
If your driver's licence or non-driver ID card states "Not for Real ID purposes," it will no longer be valid for air travel or federal buildings after 2025. Upgrade to an actual ID or ENHANCED ID by scheduling an appointment today!
Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 and it outlines minimum security standards for all drivers issued by states licenses, permits, and identification cards.
How do you get a Real ID
You'll require all the documents required to upgrade your driver's license, obtain an enhanced license or REAL ID card. To accomplish this, you'll have to schedule an appointment at the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.
When you make an appointment, make sure you bring all the documents that you have to the DMV so they can be checked and scanned. This will ensure that there are no issues when you attempt to use your real driving license. Also, remember to bring a valid form of identification like your birth certificate or passport or other state-issued document.
If you are applying for an REAL ID or ENHANCED ID, you will require two proofs of residence in the state of New York. It can be as simple as a credit card statement or utility bill, or a pay stubs showing your name and New York residence. Any document that has the word P.O. box or a nickname in it is not accepted.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for the state-issued identification cards and driver's licenses. It was designed to prevent identity theft by making it more difficult for criminals to get fake documents. As of May 7 2025, 2025, you'll need a REAL ID or an enhanced ID to travel within the United States or to access certain federal facilities.
Visit the DMV's Document Guide (opens in a separate tab) for more details on the documentation that is required. You can also download a useful list of documents you need to submit to the DMV.
You can download the checklist on PennDOT's REAL ID document check page (opens in a separate tab). You will need to visit the Pennsylvania DMV REALID center (opens in an additional tab) to have your documents scanned and verified. This process cannot be performed online.
What documents do I need?
If you're looking to obtain an ENHANCED or REAL ID card, you will be required to travel in person to the Department of Motor Vehicles. In contrast to renewing standard licenses and ID cards, the process of upgrading or obtaining an ENHANCED or REAL ID requires you to be in person and present 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 in the credentials it accepts for access to military bases, federal buildings and flights.
To upgrade to a REAL ID you will need to bring various pieces of identification with you to your local DMV office. This will include one form of photo ID and proof of your date of birth (birth certificate), and two forms of New York State residency that show your name and full address. You can use a New York State driver's license permit, driver's license, or other non-driver's ID card, as well as the bank statement or mortgage statement or pay stub. Also a credit card statement or utility bill.
You will also need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident status or temporary lawful status in the United States, and your Social Security number If you have one. The DMV website has an online document listing that will help you decide what documents you need to bring to your DMV appointment.
Make sure you have your paperwork ready and ready to take the vision screening at your DMV appointment. Bring your contact lenses and eyeglasses as needed. Once your documents are in order you will be eligible 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 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. License requirements differ from state to state and those looking to obtain a new driver's licence should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to find out more about their specific requirements and charges.
In general, the process of obtaining an actual driving license is similar to that required for a standard state license. It is essential to check the DMV website of your state to confirm that you have all the required documents to avoid unnecessary delays and issues.
For instance, in Hawaii the cost of 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 money orders, checks and banker's checks to process payments.
Other states may have different requirements to prove citizenship and identity. For example, they might require two forms of proofs of address or certified copies of birth certificates. In addition, some states require applicants to show their Social Security number or U.S. passport, while others only require a valid name and birth date.
In Massachusetts, Registry of Motor Vehicles manages the Real ID Program. To be eligible for a Real ID, applicants must present the original or certified documents to verify their identity. Additionally, the Real ID non-commercial driver's license costs $50, whereas the Real ID photo identification card costs $25.
Whether you're applying for an entirely new Real ID or replacing your current license You'll have to pay any normal transaction fees that are associated with the application. These can include administrative and state filing fees.
The calculators at Insurify allow you to determine the cost of an Real ID in any state. This includes any transaction fees that could be applicable. The prices provided by the calculator are estimates from the information you enter and may vary from the time of your application until the actual transaction. However, the calculators are a helpful starting point to estimate the cost and plan for any fees you might incur.
Where can I get a Real ID?
If you're a New York resident, the Department of Motor Vehicles offers three options that include an enhanced ID or REAL ID, as well as the standard driver's license. If you choose to use an enhanced ID or REAL ID, you'll have to upgrade your current documents in order to be able to use them on domestic flights and certain federal buildings beginning May 7, 2025. The online document guide of the state will help you create an individual list of documents you need to bring to 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 able to permit people to drive, buy alcohol and other age-regulated goods gamble in casinos, and access certain government facilities.
New Yorkers may obtain an enhanced or REALID by visiting their local DMV office and presenting a ID proof as well as a proof of legal status and two documents proving New York residency. Documents that can be used as proof of residence include bank statements or credit card statement, or pay stub with an address in New York.
applicants who are required to renew their license or permit prior to when the deadline is reached will be able to change it to a REAL ID if they provide the necessary documents. In helpful resources to that, if you were born in the United States or have been legally admitted by an agreement (such as a visa issued by the Department of Homeland Security) or have a lawfully resident status, you'll be able to apply for a REAL ID at your local DMV.
The Real ID Act was modified to include residents of Freely Associated States (FAS) like the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau. This change, included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 allows them to obtain a full-term Real ID.