New York offers three types of documents

Customers have three options when it comes to getting a driver license, permit, or non-driver ID in New York State.  

  • Enhanced
  • REAL ID
  • Standard

After October 1, 2021, only the Enhanced or REAL ID will be accepted to get on a domestic flight, enter certain federal buildings or military bases (unless you have a Passport). If you plan to travel, we recommend you upgrade before 2021. 

Watch our REAL ID Video on YouTube! 


Which type is right for you?

Answer the yes/no questions below to find out. 

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 ID card.

 


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

a Federal REAL ID driver license, permit or ID card.

If you have a Passport, it can be used for identification, boarding a plane for domestic and international flights, and entry into a federal building or military base.

 


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

a Federal REAL ID driver license, permit or ID card.

If you have a Passport, it can be used for identification, boarding a plane for domestic and international flights, and entry into a federal building or military base.

 


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

a Federal REAL ID driver license, permit or ID card.

If you have a Passport, it can be used for identification, boarding a plane for domestic and international flights, and entry into a federal building or military base.

 


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

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

If you have a Passport, it can be used for identification, boarding a plane for domestic and international flights, and entry into a federal building or military base.

 

 

See what you need to bring to the DMV

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 the documents you need

 


ENHANCED

An Enhanced license, permit, or non-driver ID can be used

  • to board a domestic flight (within the U.S.)
  • to enter a federal building or military base
  • to cross a U.S. border coming from Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries (it is not acceptable for air travel between these countries)
  • for photo identification purposes 

Enhanced

  • is Federal REAL ID compliant
  • costs an additional $30 on top of the regular transaction fees
  • requires an office visit to prove your
    • identity- *if your name has changed bring in marriage certificate(s), divorce decree(s) or court order document(s)
    • NY State residency
    • U.S. citizenship
    • date of birth
    • Social Security status
  • shows your full legal name (first, middle, last)
  • shows your residential address (where you live)
  • has an American flag displayed on the document

 


REAL ID

A REAL ID license, permit, or non-driver ID can be used

  • to board a domestic flight (within the U.S.)
  • to enter a federal building or military base
  • for photo identification purposes 

REAL ID 

  • is Federal REAL ID compliant
  • does not have additional cost, but all regular transaction fees will apply
  • requires an office visit to prove your
    • identity- *if your name has changed bring in marriage certificate(s), divorce decree(s) or court order document(s)
    • NY State residency
    • lawful presence in the U.S.
    • Social Security status
  • shows your full legal name (first, middle, last)
  • shows your residential address (where you live)
  • has a star displayed on the document

For more information please visit the about Federal REAL ID webpage.

 

 

STANDARD

A Standard license, permit, or non-driver ID can be used

  • to board a domestic flight only until October 1, 2021
  • for photo identification purposes 

Standard

  • is not Federal REAL ID compliant
  • does not have additional cost, but all regular transaction fees will apply
  • does not require an office visit to replace or renew
  • shows your mailing address
  • will require a second form of identification to board a flight after October 1, 2021
  • has “NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES” displayed on the document if issued after October 30, 2017

*If issued before October 30, 2017 and is not Enhanced, you have a Standard document.

 

Comparison between Enhanced, REAL ID and Standard documents
Document TypeDisplayed on documentUsed for identificationFly within U.S., enter Federal facilities**Enter U.S. by land or sea***
Enhanced (EDL)Flag displayed on Enhanced Driver LicenseYesYesYes
Federal REAL IDStar displayed on REAL ID documentsYesYesNo
Standard*NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSESYesNoNo

* 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, 2021)

*** U.S. Border Crossing from Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries