Real ID and Enhanced Driver’s License in New York

1. What is the Real ID and Enhanced Driver’s License status in New York?


The New York Department of Motor Vehicles is currently offering Real ID and Enhanced Driver’s Licenses. The Real ID licenses comply with the federal government’s Real ID Act of 2005, which requires states to verify the identity and legal status of license holders. The Enhanced Driver’s License is an optional, higher-security driver’s license or state identification card that also serves as a travel document to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries without a passport.

2. Is New York compliant with the Real ID Act?


Yes, New York is compliant with the Real ID Act. In 2017, the State of New York began issuing driver’s licenses and other forms of identification that meet the standards of the Real ID Act.

3. Does New York offer a Real ID and Enhanced Driver’s License program?


Yes, New York does offer a Real ID and Enhanced Driver’s License program. The program allows New York residents to apply for a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) that meets federal identification requirements for travel, access to federal facilities, and boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft.

4. Is a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License required to obtain a driver’s license in New York?


No, a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License is not required to obtain a driver’s license in New York. A standard driver’s license is all that is required.

5. What documentation is required to obtain a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in New York?


In order to obtain a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in New York, applicants must provide the following documentation:

-Proof of Identity: U.S. passport, valid foreign passport, U.S. birth certificate, valid foreign birth certificate, valid permanent resident card

-Proof of Social Security Number: Social Security card, W-2 form, or paystub with full SSN

-Two Documents Showing Proof of New York State Residency: Utility bill, bank statement, tax return, voter registration card, and/or other official documents showing name and address within the state

-Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Legal Presence in the U.S.: U.S. birth certificate or valid foreign passport

6. What are the fees associated with obtaining a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in New York?


The cost of a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in New York is the same as a regular driver’s license, which is $80.50. This fee includes the license fee ($64.50) and the license document fee ($16).

7. How long is a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License valid for in New York?


A Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in New York is valid for 8 years.

8. Are there any special restrictions for obtaining a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in New York?


Yes, there are certain restrictions for obtaining a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in New York. A Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in New York requires proof of identity such as a valid U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, U.S. Permanent Resident Card/Green Card, or an enhanced tribal ID card. In addition, two documents verifying your Social Security number and two documents verifying your residential address must be provided. The documents accepted as proof of address include utility bills, bank statements, or a valid U.S. military ID card with orders assigning the applicant to a permanent duty station in New York.

9. Does New York accept Real ID and Enhanced Driver’s Licenses from other states?


Yes, New York accepts both Real ID and Enhanced Driver’s Licenses from other states.

10. Can a person with a temporary visa obtain a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in New York?


No, according to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, individuals with a temporary visa are not eligible to obtain Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s Licenses.

11. Can a person use their Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License as identification for domestic air travel in New York?


Yes, a person can use their Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License as identification for domestic air travel in New York.

12. Are there any special requirements for renewing a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in New York?


Yes. To renew a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in New York, applicants must present documentation proving their identity, Social Security number, and date of birth. Applicants must also present proof of residence in New York State, such as a utility bill, rental agreement, mortgage statement or pay stub. Additionally, a vision test may be required to demonstrate that the individual meets the state’s minimum visual standards.

13. How can I apply for a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in New York?


You must apply for a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in person at a local DMV office. You must bring proof of identity, social security number and two documents proving New York residency. You must also pay the required fee. For more information, please visit the New York State DMV website at https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/apply-or-renew-driver-license.

14. Does New York have any additional requirements for obtaining a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License?


Yes, in addition to the requirements to obtain a standard driver’s license, New York requires additional documents for a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License. These include proof of identity (e.g., US Passport, birth certificate, etc.), proof of Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card), two proofs of New York State residency (e.g., utility bill, bank statement, etc.) and proof of any legal name changes (e.g., marriage license, court order).

15. Can I use my Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License for international travel from New York?


Yes, you can use your Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License for international travel from New York. However, all travelers must have a valid passport in order to enter or depart the United States.

16. Is there an age limit for obtaining a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in New York?


Yes, applicants must be at least 16 years old in order to obtain a Real ID or an Enhanced Driver’s License in New York.

17. Is a vision test required to obtain a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in New York?


No, a vision test is not required to obtain a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in New York. However, you must bring acceptable documents that prove identity, age/date of birth, Social Security number, and New York State residency to apply.

18. Is there a waiting period to obtain a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in New York?


Yes, there is a six-month waiting period to obtain a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in New York.

19. What forms of payment are accepted when applying for a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in New York?


In New York, the accepted forms of payment when applying for a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License are: cash, check, money order, debit card, or credit card.

20. Are there any special considerations when applying for a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in New York for military personnel and veterans?


Yes, there are special considerations for military personnel and veterans when applying for a Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License in New York. Military personnel and veterans are not required to provide proof of Social Security number and are eligible to have the license issued at no cost. They are also eligible to apply for a duplicate license or ID card at no cost if the license is lost due to military service.