How to book a New York City ID appointment
You book a New York City ID appointment through the New York State DMV's online portal at dmv.ny.gov. Go to the appointments section, select "REAL ID/Non-REAL ID ID Card" or "ID Card" depending on what you need, choose your preferred DMV office location, and pick an available date and time. You'll receive a confirmation number by email and text message if you provide both.
Walk-in appointments are not accepted at most DMV offices for ID cards. You must have a scheduled appointment to be seen. If the online system shows no available slots at your preferred location, check other nearby offices — availability changes daily, and some locations have shorter wait times than others.
You can also call 518-402-4368 (the DMV's main line) to book by phone, though wait times are typically longer than booking online. Have your information ready: your Social Security number, current address, and a photo ID or document that proves your identity.
Key Takeaways
- Book online at dmv.ny.gov in the appointments section, or call 518-402-4368 to schedule by phone.
- You need a scheduled appointment — walk-ins are not accepted for ID card services at most locations.
- Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to your appointment.
- If your preferred office has no open slots, check other DMV locations in your area, as availability varies by location and changes daily.
- The appointment confirmation will arrive by email and text, so provide both contact methods when booking.
What documents to bring to your NYC ID appointment
Bring one document that proves your identity — a valid passport, an out-of-state driver's license, a military ID, or a birth certificate. If you're using a birth certificate, bring a second form of ID as well, such as a school ID or work ID.
You also need proof that you live in New York City. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government letter addressed to you at your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 30 days.
Bring your Social Security number or Social Security card. If you don't have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
If you're renewing an ID card, bring your current card. If you're explore for a new card because yours was lost or stolen, bring a police report if you filed one.
Types of NYC ID cards and which one you need
New York City offers two types of ID cards: the REAL ID-compliant ID card and the non-REAL ID card. The difference matters if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building.
A REAL ID card meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal facilities. To get a REAL ID card, you must provide proof of your Social Security number, proof of identity, proof of New York residency, and proof of your legal name (such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or divorce decree). The card costs $64 and is valid for eight years.
A non-REAL ID card is a standard state ID that works for everyday purposes like opening a bank account or proving your age, but it cannot be used for domestic flights or federal building access. It costs $64 and is also valid for eight years. You need the same documents as for a REAL ID card, except proof of legal name is optional.
If you're unsure which you need, ask yourself: will I fly domestically or enter a federal building in the next eight years? If yes, get the REAL ID card. If no, either card works.
How long NYC ID appointments take and when you'll get your card
Your appointment itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is and whether your documents are in order. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to check in.
Your ID card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after your appointment. The DMV will mail it to the address you provide at your appointment. If you need the card sooner, you cannot request expedited mail through the DMV, but some offices offer a same-day photo ID service for an additional fee — ask when you book your appointment whether your location offers this.
If you don't receive your card within two weeks, contact the DMV to check the status. Have your confirmation number ready.
What to do if you can't make your appointment
Cancel or reschedule your appointment through the DMV website at least 24 hours before your scheduled time. Go to dmv.ny.gov, select "Manage Appointments," enter your confirmation number, and choose to cancel or reschedule.
If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may be charged a no-show fee or have to wait longer to book your next appointment. If you're running late, call the DMV office directly — some offices will hold your slot for 15 minutes, but this is not may provide.
DMV office locations in New York City
New York City has five DMV offices, one in each borough. When you book your appointment online, you can see which offices have availability and choose the one closest to you.
| Borough | Address |
|---|---|
| Manhattan | 33 Beaver Street, New York, NY 10004 |
| Brooklyn | 2875 Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11235 |
| Queens | 133-50 39th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11355 |
| The Bronx | 1304 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10459 |
| Staten Island | 1150 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10301 |
If one office is fully booked, try another borough's location. Appointment availability varies, and you may find an open slot at a different office even if your preferred one is full for weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a NYC ID if I don't have a Social Security number?
Yes. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number, along with your other required documents. The process is the same, and the card costs the same amount.
What if I lost my confirmation number?
Go to dmv.ny.gov and select "Manage Appointments." Enter your name, date of birth, and phone number or email address to find your appointment. You can reschedule or cancel from there without needing the confirmation number.
Do I need a NYC ID if I already have a driver's license?
No, a driver's license serves the same purpose for most situations. A NYC ID is useful if you don't drive, don't have a license, or want a second form of ID. Some people get one specifically for REAL ID compliance if they don't want to renew their driver's license.
Can someone else pick up my ID card for me?
No. The DMV mails ID cards directly to the address you provide at your appointment. You cannot have someone else collect it in person. If your mailing address changes before the card arrives, contact the DMV to update it.
What if my documents are expired?
An expired document can still be used to prove identity or residency, as long as it clearly shows your name and information. The DMV accepts expired passports, expired out-of-state licenses, and expired utility bills. Bring it along with your other documents.