Get an Enhanced or REAL ID

After May 7, 2025, only the Enhanced or REAL ID will be accepted to get on a domestic flight (within the U.S.), or to enter certain federal buildings or military bases (unless you have a passport or another federally-accepted form of ID). 

Learn more about how to get an Enhanced or REAL ID in the DMV's new Youtube video

If you plan to travel, upgrade now!



Step 1: Determine which ID is right for you

New York State offers 3 types of IDs

  • Enhanced
  • REAL ID
  • Standard

See a detailed comparison


Answer the questions below to find out which type is right for you

Do you want to use your license/ID to board a domestic (U.S.) flight?
Do you want to use your license/ID to enter a federal building or military base?
Do you want to use your license/ID to cross into the U.S. border (by land or sea) coming from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean?


Based on your answers above, you should get a...

  • Standard driver license, permit or non-driver ID card

 If you have a Passport, you can use it for identification, boarding a plane for domestic (within the U.S.) and international flights and to enter certain federal buildings or a military base.

 


Based on your answers above, you should get...

Federal REAL ID driver license, permit or non-driver ID card.

Remember, you will need a Passport to fly to other countries.

 

Based on your answers above, you should get a

  • Federal REAL ID driver license, permit or non-driver ID card.

Remember, you need a Passport to fly to other countries.

 

Based on your answers above, you should get a

  • Federal REAL ID driver license, permit or non-driver ID card.

Remember, you need a Passport to fly to other countries.

 

 


Based on your answers above, you should get an

  • Enhanced driver license, permit or non-driver ID card, if you are a U.S. Citizen.

Remember, you need a Passport to fly to other countries.  

 

 

Step 2. Gather the necessary documentation

Be prepared! Complete this guide to be sure you have the proof of identity you need to get a license, permit or ID before you go to a DMV office. 


Find out what 
documents you need

 

Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (PDF) (MV-44)

How to Apply for a New York: Learner Permit, Driver License, Non-Driver ID Card (PDF) ID-44

 

Step 3. Visit a DMV office

Submit all your documentation to a DMV office.



See location, instructions and reservation information for your DMV

 

What happens next?

You will get your Enhanced or REAL ID in 2 weeks

It takes about 2 weeks for your new Enhanced and REAL ID document to arrive in the mail.