Watch Out: What Buy A Real Driving License Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It
Buy a Real Driving License in New York
After 2025, if your standard driver's license or non-driver ID states "Not for real ID purposes" It will not be valid for travel on air and federal buildings. Make an appointment to upgrade to a real ID or an ENHANCED ID today!
Congress approved the REAL ID Act in 2005 and it sets minimum security standards for all drivers issued by states' licenses, permits and identification cards.
How to Get an ID Real ID
You'll require all the documents required to upgrade your driver's license, obtain an enhanced license or REAL ID card. To do this, you must arrange an appointment with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
If you make an appointment, you must bring all the documents you have to the DMV, so they can be scanned and verified. This will prevent any issues when you attempt to use your real driving license. Be sure to bring the proper form or identification such as a passport, birth certificate, or any other state-issued document.
You will need to submit two proofs of residency in New York if you are applying for either a REAL ID (Enhanced ID) or REAL ID (Real ID). It could be as simple as a credit card statement or utility bill, or a pay stubs that show your name and New York residence. Any document with the word P.O. box or a nickname on it is not accepted.
The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 by Congress and established 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 to obtain fake documents. By May 7, 2025 you must have a REAL ID or an enhanced ID card to fly within United States, or access certain federal facilities.
For more information about the required documentation and the documentation required, you can go to the DMV's Document Guide for a REAL ID or ENHANCED Driver's License(opens in new tab). You can also download an easy-to-follow checklist that outlines exactly which documents you need to bring when you visit the DMV.
You can also download a copy of the checklist on PennDOT's REAL ID Document Check page(opens in a new tab). You must visit a 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, then you'll be required to travel in person to the Department of Motor Vehicles. In contrast to renewing standard licenses and ID cards, the process of getting or upgrading to an ENHANCED or REAL ID requires you to visit the department 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 on state-issued identification cards as well as driver's licenses. This was in response to the 9/11 Commission suggested that the federal government be more selective in the credentials it accepts for access to federal buildings, military bases and air travel.
You'll need to provide several forms of identification to your local DMV to upgrade to REAL ID. This includes one form of photo ID and proof of your birth date (birth certificate) and two proofs of New York State residency that display your name and 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 an account statement or mortgage statement, or pay stub. Also a credit card statement or utility bill.
deutscher führerschein kaufen 'll also have to show 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 offers an online document list that will help you decide what documents you need to bring to your DMV appointment.
After you've scheduled an appointment at the DMV office, put all your paperwork together and prepare to take an eye test during your visit. Bring your contact lenses and eyeglasses in the event that you require them. Once your documents are in order, you will be able to get your enhanced or REAL ID, and begin traveling with confidence. The DMV will show a gold star in the upper right corner of the new card to signify that it is in compliance with federal regulations.
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 licensing requirements vary from one state to another. Anyone who wants 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 of getting a real driver's license is similar to the process of obtaining an ordinary state driver's licence. However, it's essential to verify your state's DMV website before you go to make sure you have all the required documents to simplify the process and avoid unnecessary delays or complications.
For example In Hawaii, a Real ID driver's license costs $40 for the duration of eight years, while a Real ID state identification card costs the same. To process payments, the DMV accepts personal checks, money orders and banker's check.
Different states might have different requirements to verify the authenticity of a person's identity and citizenship. For example, they might require two forms of proof of address or certified copies of birth certificates. Some states also require applicants to present their Social Security number, U.S. passport or legal name, while others require only a birth date and legal name.
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 prove their identity. A Real ID non-commercial license costs $50, while a Real ID photo ID card costs $25.

If you're applying for a new Real ID or replacing the license you have you'll be required to pay any normal transaction fees that are associated with your application. These fees could include administrative and state filing fees.
Insurify's calculators can help you calculate the cost of getting a new Real ID for any state and include any applicable transaction fees. The calculator estimates the prices based on your input however they may fluctuate between the time that you submit your application and the actual transaction. However, the calculators can be an excellent starting point to help estimate your costs and to prepare for any fees you might incur.
Where Can I Get an authentic ID?
If you are 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 purchase an enhanced or REAL ID will have to upgrade their current documents for use on domestic flights and in federal buildings starting May 7 2025. The online document guide for your state will help you create a checklist of the documents that you must bring to the DMV.
The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for driver's licences permits, ID cards and driver's licences issued by states. Federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration are prohibited from accepting cards which do not meet the requirements. Older cards can still permit individuals to drive and buy alcohol and other age-regulated products, play at casinos, and access certain government services.
New Yorkers can obtain an enhanced or REALID card by visiting their local DMV office and presenting a ID proof, one proof for legal status and two documents proving New York residency. Documents that can be used to prove of residence include a bank statement and credit card bill, as well as a pay stub with an address that is listed in New York.
If you are renewing your license, permit, or ID prior to the date this deadline comes into effect and you want to change it into a real ID by supplying the required documentation. Additionally, if you were born in the United States or have been legally admitted through 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 eligible to apply for a REAL ID at your local DMV.
The Real ID Act was modified to include residents of the Freely Associated States (FAS) such as the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau. This change, made as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 permits them to obtain a full-term Real ID.