The Ultimate Glossary For Terms Related To Buy A Real Driving License
Buy a Real Driving License in New York
After 2025, if the standard driver's licence or other ID states "Not for real ID purposes" it will no longer be valid for air travel and federal buildings. Upgrade to a REAL ID or an ENHANCED ID by scheduling an appointment today!
Congress adopted the REAL ID Act in 2005 and it sets minimum security standards for state-issued drivers licenses, permits, and identification cards.
How do you get a Real ID
You'll require all the necessary documents to upgrade your driver's licence and obtain an upgraded license, or REAL ID card. To do this, you will need to make an appointment with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.
If you make an appointment, bring all the documents that you have to the DMV so that 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. Also, remember to carry a valid form of identification with you like your birth certificate or passport or other government-issued document.
If you are applying for a REAL ID or ENHANCED ID for instance, you'll require two proofs of residency in the state of New York. It could be as simple as a credit card statement or utility bill, or even a pay stubs that show your name and New York residence. Any document with a P.O. box or a nickname in it is not accepted.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards on the state-issued identification cards and driver's licenses. It was created to stop identity theft by making it harder for criminals to acquire fake documents. As of May 7 2025, 2025, you'll need a REAL ID or a UPDATED ID to fly within the United States or to access certain federal facilities.
Visit the DMV's Document Guide (opens in separate tab) for more details on the required documentation. You can also download a useful 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). You must visit the Pennsylvania DMV REALID center (opens in a separate tab) to have your documents scanned and verified. This process cannot be done online.
What documents do I require?
You'll need to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles in person if you wish to obtain an ENHANCED ID or REAL ID. The process of upgrading to an ENHANCED or REAL ID card requires that you be present in person and present certain documents. This is different from renewing your regular ID cards or licenses. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set minimum security standards for state-issued driver's ID cards and licenses after the 9/11 Commission recommended that the federal government be more discerning about what kind of credentials it will accept to gain access to federal buildings, military bases, and plane travel.
You'll need to provide various forms of identification to your local DMV in order to upgrade to REAL ID. You will need to bring one photo identification form as proof 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 ID card, as well as an account statement or mortgage statement, or pay stub. Also, a credit card statement or utility bill.
You'll also need to show evidence 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 offers an online document list that can help you decide which documents you need you need to bring to your DMV appointment.
Prepare your documentation and be ready to take the vision screening at your DMV appointment. Bring your contact lenses and eyeglasses, if necessary. Once you have all your documents in order and your REAL ID or enhanced ID will be available for you to travel with confidence. The DMV will place a gold star on the upper right-hand corner of your new ID card, to indicate that it has met 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 an updated driver's license should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to find out more about their specific requirements and fees.
In general the process for obtaining an actual driving license is very like that of the standard state license. It's important to check the DMV website of your state to make sure you have all necessary documents to avoid unnecessary delays and issues.
In Hawaii, for example, a Real ID license costs $40 for an eight-year period, whereas a Real ID identification card costs the exact same amount. To pay for payments, the DMV accepts personal checks, money orders and banker's check.

Different states might have different requirements to prove the authenticity of a person's identity and citizenship. For instance, they may require two forms of proof of address or certified copies of birth certificates. Some states also 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 The Registry of Motor Vehicles administers the Real ID program. Anyone who wants to get a Real ID must bring the required original or certified documents to verify their identity. deutsche führerschein kaufen -commercial license costs $50, while a Real ID photo ID card costs $25.
If you're applying for an entirely new Real ID or replacing your current license, you'll need to pay any normal transaction fees that are associated with the application. These can include state filing administration, service, and fees.
Insurify's calculators allow you to calculate the cost of getting a new Real ID for any state, including any applicable transaction fees. The calculator estimates the prices depending on the input you provide, but they may alter between the time you submit your application and the actual transaction. However, the calculators are an excellent place to start to help estimate your costs and to prepare for any fees you might be charged.
Where Can I Get an authentic ID?
If you are a New York resident, the Department of Motor Vehicles offers three options: an enhanced ID or REAL ID, as well as the standard driver's license. If you choose 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 as well as certain federal buildings beginning May 7, 2025. The online document guide for your state will assist you to create a checklist of the documents that you must bring to the DMV.
The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for drivers' licences, permits and ID cards issued by states. Federal agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration are prohibited from accepting credit cards that do not meet the requirements. However older cards will be acceptable to allow individuals to drive, buy alcohol and other age-regulated products, gamble in casinos and use certain government facilities.
New Yorkers can apply for an enhanced or REAL ID by visiting a DMV office in person with a single proof of identity, one document proving legal presence and two documents proving New York residency. To prove residency, you may use the bank statement or credit card bill with an address in New York.
Anyone who is due to renew their license or permit before the requirement takes effect will be able to convert it to REAL ID once they can provide the required documentation. Additionally the fact that you were born in the United States or have been legally admitted by the terms of a treaty (such as an immigration 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 has been modified for residents of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau and the Republic of the Marshall Islands which 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-time period.