14 Clever Ways To Spend Extra Buy A Real Driving License Budget
Buy a Real Driving License in New York
After 2025, if the standard driver's licence or other ID says "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 ENHANCED ID today!
Congress adopted the REAL ID Act in 2005 and it outlines minimum security standards for state-issued drivers licenses, permits, and identification cards.
How to Get an ID Real ID
If you're planning to upgrade your standard driver's license, get an enhanced license or a REAL ID card, you will require all the necessary documents. In order to do this, you must arrange an appointment with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Bring all of your documents to the DMV when you schedule an appointment so that they can be scannable. This will ensure that you don't face any issues if you are trying to use your real driving license for any reason. It is also important to bring a valid form of identification such as your birth certificate, passport, or another state-issued document.
If you are applying for a REAL ID or ENHANCED ID you will require two proofs of residency in the state of New York. This could be as simple as a utility bill or credit card statement, or pay stubs that show your name and New York address. Any document that contains the word P.O. box or a nickname in it is not accepted.
The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 by Congress and established minimum security standards for all state-issued drivers' licenses and identification cards. It was designed to prevent identity theft by making it more difficult for criminals to obtain fake documents. In May of 2025, you will be required to have a REAL ID, or an ENHANCED identification card to fly within the United States, or access certain federal facilities.
For more details on the required documentation for the required documentation, visit the DMV's Document Guide for a REAL ID or ENHANCED Driver's License(opens in new tab). You can also find an easy-to-follow checklist that will inform you precisely what documents you must to bring along when you go 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 an additional tab) to have the documents scanned and verified. This process is not performed online.
What documents do I need?
If you'd like to get an ENHANCED or REAL ID card, you will have to go in person to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The process of upgrading to an ENHANCED or REAL ID card requires that you be present in person, and provide certain documents. This is different from renewing your regular ID or license. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued drivers' licenses and identification cards after the 9/11 Commission recommended that the federal government be more cautious regarding the kind of credentials it accepts for entry into federal buildings, military bases, and plane travel.
You'll need to show several forms of identification to your local DMV to upgrade to REAL ID. This includes one form of photo ID, proof of your birth date (birth certificate) as well as two forms of New York State residency that include your name and complete address. You can use a New York State driver's license, permit, or 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 an Social Security Number, please bring it along to. The DMV website has an interactive online document list that can help you decide what documents you need to bring to your DMV appointment.
Prepare your documentation and be ready to undergo the vision test at your DMV appointment. Bring your eyeglasses and contact lenses, if necessary. Once you have all of your documents in order, your REAL ID or enhanced ID will be ready for you to travel in confidence. The DMV will place a gold star in the upper right-hand 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. License requirements differ from state to state and people who are seeking a new driver's license should contact their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to learn details about their requirements and fees.
In general the process for obtaining an actual driving license is similar to the process required for an ordinary state license. However, it's important to check with your state's DMV website prior to registering to ensure that you have all the necessary documents in place to streamline the process and avoid any delay or issues.
For instance In Hawaii in Hawaii, an Hawaii Real ID driver's license costs $40 for the duration of eight years, and a Real ID state identification card costs the same. To pay for payments the DMV accepts personal checks, money order, and banker’s checks.
Other states may have different requirements to verify citizenship and identity. For instance, they might require two forms of proof of address or certified copies of birth certificates. Some states also require applicants to provide their Social Security number, U.S. passport or legal name, while others require only a date of birth and legal name.
In Massachusetts, Registry of Motor Vehicles manages the Real ID Program. To be eligible for a Real ID, applicants must present the original or certified documents that prove their identity. Additionally, the Real ID non-commercial driver's license costs $50, whereas a Real ID photo identification card costs $25.
Whether you're applying for a new Real ID or replacing your current license, you'll need to pay the normal transaction charges that come with your application. These could include state filing administration, service, and fees.
Insurify's calculators let you calculate the cost of getting a new Real ID for any state and include any applicable transaction fees. The calculator estimates the prices according to your input however they may 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 incur.
Where can I get an authentic ID?
If you reside in New York, the Department of Motor Vehicles gives you three choices that include a REAL ID an enhanced ID, or a standard license. If you choose to purchase an enhanced or REAL ID will need to update their current documents for use on domestic flights and in federal buildings starting May 7, 2025. The state's online document guide will assist you in creating an individual list of documents you'll need to bring along when you visit the DMV.
The REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued drivers' licenses, permits and identification cards. It also bans federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration from accepting cards that do not meet the requirements. Older cards are still able to allow drivers to drive, purchase alcohol as well as other age-regulated products, play at casinos, and access certain government services.
New Yorkers can get an enhanced REALID or a new one by visiting their local DMV office and presenting one identity proof as well as a proof of legal status and two documents proving New York residency. For proof of residency, you may use the bank statement or credit card bill with an address in New York.
If you are renewing your permit, license, or ID prior to when this deadline comes into effect and you want to convert it to a real ID by providing the necessary documents. Additionally the fact that 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'll be eligible to apply for a REAL ID at your local DMV.
relevant webpage was modified to include residents of Freely Associated States (FAS) such as the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau. This change was introduced in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 and allows them to obtain a Real ID for a full-time period.