Buy a Real Driving License in New York
If your driver's licence or non-driver ID card reads "Not for Real ID purposes," it will no longer be valid for travel on air or federal buildings after 2025. Upgrade to a REAL ID or ENHANCED ID by scheduling an appointment today!
Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 and it outlines minimum security standards for state-issued drivers' licenses, permits and identification cards.
How do führerschein kaufen erfahrungen get a Real ID
You'll require all the documents required to upgrade your driver's license and obtain an upgraded license, or REAL ID card. To accomplish this, you'll have to schedule an appointment with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.
When you make an appointment, you must bring all the documents you have to the DMV, so they can be checked and scanned. This will allow you to avoid any issues if you are trying to use your original driving license for any reason. Remember to bring along the proper form or identification document, such as a passport, birth certificate or another state-issued document.
You will need to provide two proofs of your residence in New York if you are applying for either a REAL ID (Enhanced ID) or REAL ID (Real ID). This can be something as basic as a utility bill, credit card statement or pay stub that shows your name and New York address. Any document with the word P.O. Any document that has a P.O.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set 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 obtain fake documents. As as of May 7, 2025, you will require a REAL ID, or an enhanced ID to fly 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 find a handy checklist that outlines the exact documents you'll need to bring along when you visit the DMV.
You can download the checklist on 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 an entirely new tab) to get your documents photographed 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 are looking for an ENHANCED ID or REAL ID. Unlike renewing standard licenses and ID cards, upgrading or obtaining an ENHANCED or REAL 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 established the minimum security standards for state-issued identification cards as well as driver's licences. This was in response to the 9/11 Commission suggested that the federal government be more selective with the credentials it accepts for access to military bases, federal buildings and plane travel.
You'll need to provide several forms of identification to your local DMV to upgrade to REAL ID. You'll need one form of photo identification as evidence of your birth date (birth certificate) and two proofs 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 ID 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, bring it along with you to your appointment. The DMV website offers an interactive online document list that can help you decide which 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 eyeglasses and contact lenses in the event that you require them. Once you have all of your documents in order, your REAL ID or enhanced ID will be ready for you to travel with confidence. The DMV will place a gold star in the upper right corner of your new card, which means it is in compliance with the 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 obtaining a license differ from one state to another. Individuals who wish to renew their license should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles to learn more about the requirements and fees.
In general the process of getting an actual driving license is like that of an ordinary state license. It's important to check the DMV website of your state to ensure that you have all the required documents in order to avoid delays and complications.
For instance In Hawaii the cost of the cost of a Real ID driver's license costs $40 for the duration of eight years, while a Real ID state identification card costs the same amount. The DMV accepts cash personal checks, money orders, and banker's checks to process payments.
Different states have different requirements for verification of identity and citizenship, such as providing two forms of proof of address or a certified copy of birth certificate. Certain states also require applicants to give their Social Security number, U.S. passport or legal name, while others require only a date of birth and legal name.
In Massachusetts, the Registry of Motor Vehicles administers the Real ID program. To get a Real ID, applicants must present original or certified documents that confirm their identity. A Real ID non-commercial license costs $50 and a Real ID photo ID card costs $25.
If you're applying to get an entirely new Real ID or replacing your existing license, you'll need to pay any transaction charges that come with the application. These can include state filing and administrative fees.
Insurify's calculators let you determine the cost of a new Real ID for any state and include any applicable transaction fees. The calculator estimates the prices depending on the input you provide however, they could change between the time you submit your application and the actual transaction. The calculators can be an excellent starting point for estimating your costs and preparing for any fees you might be charged.
Where can I get an ID that is authentic?
If you live in New York, the Department of Motor Vehicles offers three options that include a REAL ID an enhanced ID or a standard license. Those that choose to get an enhanced or REAL ID will be required to upgrade their current documents to allow use on domestic flights and 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 credit cards that do not meet the requirements. Older cards can still permit individuals to drive and buy alcohol and other age-regulated products, gamble in casinos, and access certain government services.
New Yorkers can obtain an enhanced or REAL ID by visiting a DMV office in person with a single identity proof and one proof of legal presence, and two documents proving New York residency. Documents that can be used to prove of residence include a bank statement, credit card bill or pay stubs with an address listed in New York.

If you're renewing your license, permit, or ID prior to the date the deadline then you can convert it to a genuine ID by supplying the required documents. If you were born in America or have legal status as a permanent resident or an immigration visa issued by Homeland Security You can apply for an REALID at your local DMV.
The Real ID Act has been modified to allow 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 modification was made in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 and allows them to get a Real ID for a full term.