Enhanced Licenses and REAL ID In New York

If you plan to travel in a year, you may need a new enhanced driver's license or a REAL ID. When will you require them? Confused? Let's compare REAL ID and Enhanced IDs to help you decide which identification you'll need in a year and how to get it.

REAL ID

The REAL ID, or Real ID, was created in 2005 to strengthen federal security measures after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Beginning October 1, 2020, adults 18 and older will be required to show a REAL ID when flying within the United States or entering federal buildings and military bases. REAL IDs look similar to standard driver's licenses and identification cards, but the REAL ID has a gold circle with a star in the top right corner. A REAL ID has no additional cost, but you must obtain one in person at a DMV office. A REAL ID cannot be obtained online, by phone, or by mail.

Eligibility

To apply, applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or temporary lawful status in the United States. Undocumented residents of New York are not eligible to apply. People without legal status in New York and New Jersey can apply for a standard driver's license, which can be used for driving and identification but not for domestic travel after May 2023.

Required Documents

To apply, you must complete Form MV44 and provide the following documentation to prove your identity, status, and residency. You must schedule an appointment with your state's DMV online.
  • Identity proof, such as a valid driver's license, birth certificate, or passport
  • Proof of Social Security number or ineligibility for a Social Security number
  • Proof of your birth date.
  • Proof of United States citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or temporary lawful status in the United States
  • Two pieces of evidence of New York State residency include a utility bill, bank statement, or mortgage statement (P.O. Box not acceptable). This address will appear on your card.
  • Suppose the name on your license, permit, or non-driver ID application differs from the name on your identity, lawful status, and social security documents. In that case, you must bring court or government-issued documents proving the event that caused your name change, such as a marriage license, divorce decree, adoption, or court-ordered document.

New York REAL ID Cost

A REAL ID costs $65, the same as a standard driver's license or renewal. In the meantime, an EDL costs $95, plus standard transaction fees. Assume you need to upgrade to one of these documents, but your identification isn't up for renewal. In that case, you can use the DMV's website to calculate the cost of early renewal with conversion to an enhanced document.

Enhanced Driver License

The Enhanced Driver License, which looks similar to a standard driver's license, has been available to New York state residents since 2008. On the other hand, an EDL has a banner that says "Enhanced" and a picture of an American flag in the bottom-right corner. An Enhanced ID is valid for REAL ID purposes and allows you to board any domestic flight and enter federal buildings and military bases. An EDL is also accepted at land and sea borders for travel to and from Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries; however, a passport is still required for all international flights.

Is It Required?

No. Standard driver's licenses and non-driver ID cards are still valid in the United States and New York state for driving and identification. All new standard IDs issued after October 30, 2017, include "NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES" to indicate that they cannot be used to board United States flights or enter federal buildings. The second form of valid identification, such as a passport, REAL ID, or EDL, will be required for domestic flights. In other words, if you don't plan on flying or driving to Canada anytime soon, you don't need to rush out and get a REAL ID or EDL. You also don't need a REAL ID or an EDL to travel if you have a valid U.S. passport, a Global Entry card, a U.S. Department of Defense identification, federally recognized tribal photo IDs, transportation worker identification credentials, or U.S. Qualifications as a Merchant Mariner.

Required Documents

Proof of Citizenship

  • U.S. Birth Certificate
  • It must be an original or a certified copy (Hospital certificate will NOT be accepted)

Proof of Social Security Number (SSN)

  • U.S. Social Security Number (or)
  • W2, pay stub, 1099, or 1098 (must display FULL SSN)

Proof of Identity

  • Current New York driver's license, permit, or non-driver ID

Proof of New York Residence

TWO (2) proofs of physical residence (with a physical address, not a PO Box) are required, such as:
  • New York driver's license, a permit, or a non-driver ID
  • New York State Certificate of Title
  • New York State Professional License
  • Statement of Account (issued within one year)
  • Utility Bill from the United States, complete with name and address (issued within one year)
  • On letterhead, a credit card statement (issued within one year)
  • Current-year property or school tax bill or receipt

How About Minors?

Children under 18 must apply in person, accompanied by parent/guardian(s) who have proof of relationship to the minor applicant. The minor child must prove their Social Security number and U.S. citizenship. If a parent's or guardian's name has changed since the original documents were issued, evidence of a legal name change must be submitted (e.g., photocopy of a marriage certificate, etc.). Children under the age of 15 are not required to show a photo ID.

What's Better, REAL ID or Enhanced Driver's License?

Which is preferable, REAL ID or an Enhanced Driver's License? That is entirely up to you. Both are acceptable forms of identification for a driver's license, domestic flights, and entry into federal buildings. A REAL ID is the same price as standard identification, but an Enhanced Driver's License is $30 more. The state of New York now issues three kinds of identification cards: standard, REAL ID, and EDL. Only REAL IDs and EDLs will be accepted as forms of identification on domestic flights after the May 3, 2023 deadline. As a result, your standard driver's license will no longer be accepted as identification when boarding a domestic airline flight. The most significant distinction between the two documents is that an EDL allows you to enter the United States by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries, whereas a REAL ID does not. However, if you are flying across an international border, you will still need a passport.