REAL ID for New York Residents
What is a New York REAL ID?
The REAL ID act was passed in congress in 2005 as a way to ramp up security measures across the country. The requirements for obtaining a federally accepted REAL ID are stricter than a standard ID or driver’s license.
Obtaining a REAL ID is not mandatory. However, beginning on May 1, 2025, the federal government will begin requiring U.S. residents to use either a passport or a REAL ID to:
- Board a plane (even domestic flights).
- Enter a federal facility.
- Enter a nuclear power plant.
There is no additional fee associated with obtaining a New York REAL ID compared to a standard state ID or driver’s license. However, it will require a trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to present additional documents.
New York REAL ID Requirements
To get your NY REAL ID for the first time, you’ll need to present items to the DMV in person.
Visit your local DMV office and provide*:
- Proof of identity. This may include your:
- Valid NY driver’s license or state ID.
- U.S. birth certificate.
- Proof of social security. This can be your:
- Social security card.
- Letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are ineligible for social security.
- W-2 (only accepted if you have a valid NY license, permit, or state ID).
- Proof of residency (2 documents required). This may be your:
- Utility bill.
- Mortgage statement.
- Bank statement.
- High school photo ID and report card.
- Proof of your date of birth. This can be your:
- Valid NY driver’s license or ID.
- U.S. passport.
- Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization.
- Payment for the driver’s license or ID card fee.
You will have to take a new ID photo before you are issued your New York REAL ID.
*Use the DMV REAL ID Document Guide to see all acceptable documents.
NY REAL ID vs. an Enhanced License
An enhanced driver’s license (EDL) or non-driver ID (ENDID) is a form of REAL ID that allows you to travel to and from Canada or Mexico without a passport.
You may upgrade your NY driver’s license or ID card to an enhanced license or ID by providing the documents needed to obtain a REAL ID plus an additional fee.
NY REAL ID Fees
There are no additional fees associated with getting a REAL ID vs. a standard ID or license in New York.
NY driver’s license renewal fees are as follows.
- Class D or DJ: $64.50.
- With Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD) Fee*: $80.50.
- Class E: $112.50.
- With MCTD Fee*: $128.50.
- Class M or MJ: $72.50.
- With MCTD Fee*: $88.50.
- Commercial driver’s license (CDL): $164.50.
- With MCTD Fee*: $180.50.
- Endorsement: $8.
NY non-driver ID renewal fees are as follows:
- Under age 62 with a birthday within the next 6 months: $9.00 (ID valid 4 years).
- Under age 62 with a birthday more than 6 months away: $13.00 (ID valid 8 years).
- Under age 62 and receive SSI: $6.00 (ID valid 8 years).
- Age 62 or older: $6.00 (ID valid 8 years).
- Age 62 or older and receive SSI: $0.
EDL or ENDID upgrade fee: $30.
*MCTD Fee is required for NY residents in the following areas:
- Dutchess.
- Brooklyn.
- Suffolk.
- Manhattan.
- Staten Island.
- Putnam.
- Bronx.
- Orange.
- Nassau.
- Queens.
- Rockland.
- Westchester.