Don't Forget Buy A Real Driving License: 10 Reasons That You No Longer Need 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 air travel and federal buildings. Upgrade to a REAL ID or ENHANCED ID by making an appointment today! Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005, and it establishes minimum security standards for all drivers issued by states licenses, permits and identification cards. How to Get an ID Real ID If you're looking to upgrade your driver's license, or get an enhanced license, or even a REAL ID card, you'll need to gather all the necessary documents. To do this, you will need to make an appointment with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles. If you make an appointment, you must bring all the documents you have to the DMV so they can be checked and scanned. This will prevent any problems when you attempt to use your actual driving license. Also, remember to carry a valid proof of identification like your birth certificate or passport, or any other state-issued document. If you are applying for an REAL ID or ENHANCED ID, you will need two proofs of residency in the state of New York. This could be like a simple utility bill or credit card statement, or pay stub that shows your name and New York address. Documents that have an address such as a P.O. box or nickname on it is not accepted. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards on state-issued identification cards as well as driver's licenses. It was designed to stop identity fraud by making it harder for criminals to obtain fake documents. As of May 7, 2025, you will 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 information on the documentation that is required. You can also download a handy list of 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 will need to visit a Pennsylvania DMV REALID center (opens in separate tabs) to have the documents checked and scanned. This process is not performed online. What documents do I require? You will need to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles in person if you are looking for an ENHANCED ID or REAL ID. The process of upgrading to an ENHANCED or REAL ID card requires you to be present in person, and bring certain documents. This is different from renewing your regular ID or license. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set minimum security standards for driver's licenses and identification cards following the 9/11 Commission recommended that the federal government be more selective regarding the kind of credentials it will accept for accessing federal facilities, military bases and air travel. You'll need to provide several forms of identification to your local DMV in order to upgrade to REAL ID. You will need to bring one photo identification form, 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 an New York State driver's license, permit, or non-driver's identification card as well as the bank statement or mortgage statement or pay stub. Also, a credit card statement or utility bill. You'll need to present evidence of U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Resident Status or Temporary Legal Status in the United States. If you have a Social Security Number, please bring it along to. The DMV website offers an online document list which will assist you in deciding what documents to bring to your DMV appointment. Prepare your documentation and be ready to undergo the vision screening at your DMV appointment. Bring your contact lenses and eyeglasses, if necessary. Once you have all of your documents in order and you have your REAL ID or enhanced ID will be available 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 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. License requirements differ from state to state, and people who are looking to obtain an updated driver's license should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to learn details about their requirements and costs. In general, the process of obtaining an actual driving license is very similar to that required for the standard state license. It's important to check the DMV website for your state to confirm that you have all the necessary documents in order to avoid delays and complications. In expressdeutschekartes , for example, in Hawaii, for instance, a Real ID license costs $40 for an eight-year period, whereas a Real ID identification card costs the exact same amount. To make payments, the DMV accepts personal checks, money orders and banker's check. Different states might have different requirements for proving citizenship and identity. For instance, they may require two forms of proof 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 legal name and date of birth. In Massachusetts the Registry of Motor Vehicles administers the Real ID program. People who wish to apply for a Real ID must bring the required original or certified documents to verify their identity. A Real ID non-commercial license costs $50, while a Real ID photo ID card costs $25. You'll need to pay the standard transaction fees that are associated with your application, whether you're replacing your license or applying for an Real ID. These fees could include state filing and administrative fees. Insurify's calculators can help you calculate the cost of a new Real ID for any state as well as any applicable transaction fees. The costs calculated by the calculator are estimates from the information you provide and may change from the time of your application until the actual transaction. The calculators are a good starting point for estimating your costs and preparing for any fees that you might be charged. Where can I get an ID that is authentic? If you are a New York resident, the Department of Motor Vehicles offers three options: an enhanced ID or REAL ID, as well as an ordinary 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 some federal buildings starting May 7, 2025. The online document guide for your state will help you create a checklist of documents that you must bring to the DMV. The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for driver's licenses permits, ID cards and licences issued by states. Federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration are prohibited from accepting cards that do not meet these requirements. Older cards will still allow individuals to drive and buy alcohol and other age-regulated products, gamble in casinos, and access certain government services. New Yorkers can get an enhanced REALID or a new one by visiting their local DMV office and providing one ID proof and one proof of legal presence and two documents proving New York residency. Documents that can be used to prove of residency include bank statements and credit card bill, as well as a pay stub with an address listed in New York. If you are renewing your license, permit, or ID before this deadline comes into effect then you can change it into a real ID by providing the appropriate documents. Additionally, if you were born in the United States or have been legally admitted to the country through a treaty (such as an immigration visa issued by the Department of Homeland Security) or have a lawfully permanent status, you will be eligible to apply for a REAL ID at your local DMV. The Real ID Act was modified to include residents of Freely Associated States (FAS) such as the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau. This modification was made in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 and allows them to get a Real ID for a full-time period.