Buy A Real Driving License: A Simple Definition
Buy a Real Driving License in New York
If your standard driver's license or non-driver ID card states "Not for Real ID purposes," it will no longer be valid for travel on air or federal buildings after 2025. Make Trike-Führerschein kaufen to upgrade to a Real ID or an ENHANCED ID today!
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005. It sets security standards for all state-issued identification cards, permits and driver's licenses.
How do you get a Real ID
If you're looking to upgrade your standard driver's license or obtain an enhanced license, or even a REAL ID card, you will have to gather all the required documents. To accomplish this, you'll need to make an appointment with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.
When you schedule an appointment, bring all the documents you have to the DMV so they can be checked and scanned. This will ensure that you don't face any issues if you are trying to use your actual driving license for any reason. Be sure to bring an authentic form of identification such as a passport, birth certificate, or any other state-issued document.
You must provide two proofs of your residence in New York if you are applying for either an REAL ID (Enhanced ID) or REAL ID (Real ID). It could be as basic as a utility bill or credit card statement pay stubs showing your name and New York address. Any document with 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 on state-issued identification cards as well as driver's licenses. It was designed to prevent identity theft by making it harder for criminals to get 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.
Visit the DMV's Document Guide (opens in a separate tab) for more details on the required documentation. You can also download a useful 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 must visit a Pennsylvania DMV REALID center (opens in a separate tab) to have your documents scanned and verified. This process is not done 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. As opposed to renewing standard licenses or ID cards, the process of upgrading or obtaining a REAL or ENHANCED ID requires you to be 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 the state-issued identification cards and driver's licenses. This was in response to the 9/11 Commission recommended that the federal government be more selective with the credentials it accepts for access to federal buildings, military bases and air travel.
To upgrade to a REAL ID, you'll need to bring some identification documents with you to your local DMV office. This includes one type of photo ID, evidence of your birth date (birth certificate) and two proofs of New York State residency that show your name and full address. You can use a New York State driver's license, permit, or 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 will also need to show proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident status, or temporary legal status in the United States, and your Social Security number if you have one. The DMV website includes an interactive online document guide that will assist you in determining what you need to bring to your DMV appointment.
Make sure you have your paperwork ready and ready to take the vision test at your DMV appointment. Be sure to bring an eyeglasses or contact lenses if needed lenses. Once you have all your documents in order and you have your REAL ID or enhanced ID will be ready for you to travel in confidence. The DMV will place a gold star on the upper right-hand corner of your new card which means it is in compliance with 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. The licensing requirements vary from state to state. Individuals who wish to obtain a new license should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles to find out more about the requirements and fees.
In general the process for obtaining an actual driving license is similar to the process required for a standard state license. It is essential to check the DMV website of your state to make sure you have all the required documents in order to avoid delays and problems.
For example In Hawaii in Hawaii, an Hawaii Real ID driver's license costs $40 for eight years and a Real ID state identification card costs the same amount. The DMV accepts cash personal checks, money orders, and banker's check to process payments.
Other states have different requirements for verification of identity and citizenship for example, bringing two documents of proof of address or a certified copy of birth certificates. In addition, some states require applicants to provide their Social Security number or U.S. passport, while others only require a valid name and date of birth.
In Massachusetts, Registry of Motor Vehicles manages the Real ID Program. To be eligible for a Real ID, applicants must present original or certified documents that prove 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 a new Real ID or replacing the license you have, you'll need to pay any normal transaction fees associated with your application. These can include administrative and state filing fees.
Insurify's calculators let you calculate the cost of a new Real ID for any state, including any applicable transaction fees. The calculator estimates prices based on your input however they may alter between the time you submit your application and the actual transaction. However, the calculators can be an excellent place to start to help you estimate your expenses and to prepare for any fees you might incur.
Where can I get an ID that is authentic?
If you are a New York resident, the Department of Motor Vehicles offers three options that include an enhanced ID as well as a REAL ID, and the standard driver's license. If you choose an enhanced ID or REAL ID, you'll need to upgrade your existing documents in order to be able to use them on domestic flights and some federal buildings starting May 7, 2025. Suggested Browsing of the state will assist you in creating an individual list of documents you'll need to bring to visit the DMV.
The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for drivers' licences permits, ID cards and licences issued by states. Federal agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration are prohibited from accepting cards that do not meet these requirements. However older cards will be able to permit people to drive, purchase alcohol and other products that are age-regulated as well as gamble in casinos and use certain government facilities.
New Yorkers can get an enhanced or REAL ID by visiting an DMV office in person with one proof of identity, one document proving legal presence, and two proofs of New York residency. To prove residency, you can present a bank statement or credit card bill that has an address in New York.
If you are renewing your permit, license, or ID prior to the date this deadline comes into effect and you want to change it into a real ID by providing the appropriate documentation. Additionally, if you were born in the United States or have been legally admitted to it through an agreement (such as an immigration visa issued by the Department of Homeland Security) or a lawfully permanent resident status, you will be eligible to apply for an ID REAL at your local DMV.
The Real ID Act has been modified for citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, who are residents of the Freely Associated States, or FAS. This change was introduced in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 and permits them to obtain an actual ID for a full term.