Proof requirements for a permit, license or non-driver ID
The proof you need may depend on what type of DMV document you want.
| Document Type | Displayed on document | Used for identification | Fly within U.S., enter Federal facilities** | Enter U.S. by land or sea*** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enhanced (EDL) |  | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Federal REAL ID |  | Yes | Yes | No |
| Standard* | NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES | Yes | No | No |
* If your license or permit was issued before October 30, 2017 and is not Enhanced, you have a Standard document.
** Boarding a domestic (U.S.) flight, and entering a Federal Building or Military Base (starting October, 2020)
*** U.S. Border Crossing from Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries
Learn more about Enhanced, REAL ID and Standard documents.
Be prepared and know what to bring to the DMV office
Complete this guide to make sure you have the documents and proofs of identification you need.
Download forms
Proofs of Identity for an Enhanced Learner Permit, Driver License, and Non-Driver ID Card (ID-44EDL)
Proofs of Identity for a REAL ID Learner Permit, Driver License, and Non-Driver ID Card (ID-44RID)
Proofs of Identity for a Standard Learner Permit, Driver License, and Non-Driver ID Card (ID-44)
Standard Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card
If you would like to apply for a Standard document that displays "NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES", please review this information below. You will need 6 points of name, plus your proof of date of birth.
| Document | Point Value | Date of Birth? |
|---|---|---|
US or US Territory Birth Certificate that shows your first and last name
| 0 | YES |
Tribal Birth Certificate from a Federally recognized tribe, proving birth in the U.S. | 0 | YES |
US DOS Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240, DS-1350, F-545) | 0 | YES |
NYS Photo Driver License, Permit or Non-Driver ID Card (must be current or expired for less than two years) | 6 | YES |
US State Department issued Passport or Passport Card | 4 | YES |
Statement of Identity and/or Residence (MV-45) You can only use this if you are under age 21. The statement must be signed by parent or legal guardian in the presence of a DMV representative. Your parent or guardian must present 6 points of proof. | 4 | NO |
| 4 | NO | |
Statement of Identity for Applicants who can be Considered a Disenfranchised Homeless Youth (MV-45B) | 4 | NO |
US Military Photo ID Card (issued to active, reserve, and retired military personnel only) | 3 | YES |
Certificate of Citizenship (N-560, N-561 or N-645) | 3 | YES |
Certificate of Naturalization (N-550, N-570 or N-578) | 3 | YES |
Valid Employment Authorization Card (I-688B or I-766) with photo, issued by DHS | 3 | YES |
Permanent Resident Card (I-551) | 3 | YES |
Reentry Permit (I-327) | 3 | YES |
Refugee Travel Document (I-571) | 3 | YES |
Foreign Passport with a valid I-551 stamp or with a statement on the Visa (must be in English or translated by an embassy) | 3 | YES |
Foreign Passport with a Visa and a valid I-94 issued by DHS
| 3 | YES |
Welfare/Medicaid/NY Food Stamp Card with photo | 3 | NO |
Welfare/Medicaid/NY Food Stamp Card without photo | 2 | NO |
NYS Interim License/Permit without photo | 2 | NO |
NYS or NYC Pistol Permit | 2 | NO |
NYS Professional License | 2 | NO |
NYS Registration Document (vehicle or boat only) | 2 | NO |
NYS Certificate of Title | 2 | NO |
Out-of-State ENHANCED Driver License/Learner Permit/Non-Driver ID Card (Must be current or expired no longer than two years) | 2 | YES |
Photo Driver License issued by another US State, jurisdiction, Canadian Province or territory (must be current or expired no longer than 2 years) | 2 | NO |
St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Photo ID Card | 2 | NO |
Canadian Birth Certificate with St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Photo ID Card | 2 | YES |
US Military Dependent ID Card | 2 | NO |
US College ID Card With Photo and Transcript | 2 | NO |
US High School ID Card with Report Card | 2 | NO |
US Marriage or Divorce Record OR Court Issued Name Change Decree | 2 | NO |
US Social Security Card | 2 | NO |
US Computer Printed Pay Stub (must have your name) | 1 | NO |
US Employee ID Card | 1 | NO |
US High School Diploma OR GED (General Equivalency Diploma) | 1 | NO |
US Supermarket Check Cashing Card with signature and pre-printed name | 1 | NO |
US Union Card | 1 | NO |
US Health Insurance Card/Prescription Card | 1 | NO |
US Life Insurance Policy (in effect at least 2 years) | 1 | NO |
US Utility Bill (must include your name and address) | 1 | NO |
Veterans Universal Access Photo ID Card | 1 | NO |
W-2 Form (must have your Social Security number on it) | 1 | NO |
Only one of these items, if issued by the same financial institution, can be accepted
| 1 | NO |
Need help finding enough proofs of ID?
You may have more proof than you think. Here are some ideas for how you can gather enough proofs of ID.
