New York ID Guide
New York license and ID designs, what to check on each, plus the New York Mobile ID and age verification laws.
- Current card design
- 2022Issued since 10 Mar 2022
- Older designs still valid
- 2017Until each card expires
- Digital ID
- Mobile ID appSince 11 Jun 2024. It does not replace the card
- Alcohol, tobacco, cannabis
- 21The law lists the IDs a seller may accept
New York licenses and IDs
Sample images: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (memos to enforcement agencies of 2013, 2014, 2017 and 10 Mar 2022, the March 2022 news release, and the Sample Photo Documents page). The agency's call-out boxes and lines were removed from the Standard 2022 and under-21 2022 driver license images; nothing else was changed.
2022 design, REAL ID
CurrentBack of the card
- Barcodes
- A large 2D barcode across the top and a small 1D barcode at the bottom.
- Document number
- After "Doc #". Upper right on cards for 21 and over, upper left on under-21 cards. It changes with every renewal or replacement.
- What a scan proves
- That the barcode matches the front. Not that the card is genuine: a copied barcode also scans and matches.
- Magnetic stripe
- The DMV does not state one, and none shows on its sample backs.
- Record
- NY-DL-2022-REALID
- First issued
- 10 Mar 2022
- Last issued
- Still being issued
- In circulation until
- Still being issued
- Checked
- 15 Nov 2026
The current card. A star in a black circle marks it as REAL ID.
What to check on the front of the 2022 design, REAL ID
Press a letter or a row to see its source and what the check does not prove.
A card that passes every check is consistent with a genuine New York document. No visual check proves it is genuine or still valid. The DMV says it does not publish all of its security features.
Checking a card against state records
- Record check through AAMVA
- Not confirmedAAMVA shows which states take part in its Driver's License Data Verification service only on an interactive map, which could not be read. New York's status is not confirmed here.
- Public status check
- Own record onlyThe DMV's license status check is for the holder's own record. No free public lookup of another person's card was found.
- Scanning for alcohol and tobacco
- AllowedA seller may scan the card. If the scan does not match the printed card, the sale must be refused.
- What a seller may keep from a scan
- Four detailsName, date of birth, license or ID number, and expiration date. Scan data may not be sold or used for marketing. Up to $1,000 per violation.
- Two numbers on the card
- ID and documentThe 9-digit DMV ID number stays with the holder. The document number on the back changes with every new card, so it shows which card you are holding.
- Mobile ID keys
- On AAMVA's trust listNew York joined AAMVA's Digital Trust Service on 30 Jun 2026, so a reader can check that a New York Mobile ID was issued by the DMV.
Sources: NYS DMV, Sample Photo Documents (opens in a new tab) · NYS DMV, Enhanced or REAL ID (opens in a new tab) · DMV memo P 2 (2022), the redesigned card (opens in a new tab) · DMV news release, Mar 2022 (opens in a new tab) · DMV news release, 12 Jan 2023 (opens in a new tab) · DMV memo, REAL ID documents (Oct 2017) (opens in a new tab) · DMV memo, document number (Mar 2017) (opens in a new tab) · DMV memo, changes to the license (Jan 2014) (opens in a new tab) · DMV memo, redesigned license (2013) (opens in a new tab) · DMV flyer C-51A (Aug 2015) (opens in a new tab) · NYS DMV, Renew a driver license (opens in a new tab) · Alcoholic Beverage Control Law §65-b (opens in a new tab)
How to read a New York card
- Star in a black circle, upper rightREAL IDOn cards issued since 30 Oct 2017.
- US flag, upper rightEnhancedREAL ID compliant, and usable at land and sea borders. US citizens only.
- NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSESStandardA valid New York card. Not accepted to board a domestic flight since 7 May 2025.
- Upright cardIssued to someone under 21With UNDER 21 in red and the dates the holder turns 18 and 21.
- A1 on the backTemporary visitorA restriction code. The card does not expire on the temporary visitor date.
- Paper documentTemporary license or IDFrom an online renewal. Valid for 60 days.
New York digital ID
- Digital license issued by New York
- AvailableThe New York Mobile ID, launched 11 Jun 2024. Free and optional.
- In Apple, Google or Samsung Wallet
- NoneIt lives in its own app, for iPhone and Android.
- Replaces the physical card
- NoThe DMV says it does not replace the license, permit or non-driver ID.
- Alcohol sales
- Accepted, optionalThe State Liquor Authority allows it. A seller may not require it.
- Airport security
- Selected airportsLaGuardia, JFK, Albany, Buffalo, Syracuse and Stewart, and others. Carry the card too.
- Police at a traffic stop
- VariesOfficers may accept it or ask for the card. The card must be carried when driving.
Sources: NYS DMV, Mobile ID for holders (opens in a new tab) · NYS DMV, Mobile ID for businesses (opens in a new tab) · Governor, Mobile ID launch (11 Jun 2024) (opens in a new tab) · Governor, one year of Mobile ID (16 Jun 2025) (opens in a new tab) · TSA, participating states (opens in a new tab)
New York Mobile ID
One way to hold it: the DMV's own app. It is not in a phone wallet.
| New York Mobile ID appAvailable | |
|---|---|
| Showing it | |
| In person | YesThe holder shows a QR code, then approves each detail |
| Online, to a website or app | LimitedThe DMV lists online verification as an option for businesses |
| Age only, without other details | YesA bar can ask for photo and over 21 only |
| Acceptance | |
| Airport security | YesTSA, at selected airports |
| Alcohol and tobacco sales | LimitedAlcohol: allowed, optional. Tobacco: not stated |
| Police at a traffic stop | LimitedEach agency decides. The card must still be carried |
| Replaces the physical card | NoThe card must still be carried |
| For verifiers | |
| Follows the ISO mobile license standard | LimitedThe maker says it is designed to conform. The DMV says standards-based |
| On the issuers' trust list | YesAAMVA Digital Trust Service since 30 Jun 2026 |
| How a business reads it | A reader app or point-of-sale software scans the QR code. Looking at the screen is not enough. |
| Cost to the holder | Free. |
New York Mobile ID appAvailable
Showing it
- In person
- YesThe holder shows a QR code, then approves each detail
- Online, to a website or app
- LimitedThe DMV lists online verification as an option for businesses
- Age only, without other details
- YesA bar can ask for photo and over 21 only
Acceptance
- Airport security
- YesTSA, at selected airports
- Alcohol and tobacco sales
- LimitedAlcohol: allowed, optional. Tobacco: not stated
- Police at a traffic stop
- LimitedEach agency decides. The card must still be carried
- Replaces the physical card
- NoThe card must still be carried
For verifiers
- Follows the ISO mobile license standard
- LimitedThe maker says it is designed to conform. The DMV says standards-based
- On the issuers' trust list
- YesAAMVA Digital Trust Service since 30 Jun 2026
- How a business reads it
- A reader app or point-of-sale software scans the QR code. Looking at the screen is not enough.
- Cost to the holder
- Free.
Sources: NYS DMV, Mobile ID for businesses (opens in a new tab) · DMV memo on Mobile ID (2024) (opens in a new tab) · State Liquor Authority, 30 Oct 2024 agenda (opens in a new tab) · IDEMIA, 11 Jun 2024 (opens in a new tab) · AAMVA, New York joins the Digital Trust Service (opens in a new tab)
Age verification laws in New York
Checked 15 Nov 2026. Not legal advice.
- Laws tracked
- 13
- In effect
- 10
- Touched by a court case
- 1
Status keyIn effectIn effect, partly blockedBlocked by courtTakes effect later
| Law | Who must comply | Age | What you must do | Status | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social media | |||||
| SAFE for Kids ActGen. Bus. Law art. 45, §§1500 to 1508 · 13 NYCRR Part 700 (opens in a new tab) | Platforms where 20% or more of users' time is spent on addictive feeds | Under 18 | No addictive feed or overnight notifications without age assurance or parental consent | Takes effect laterTakes effect 25 Jan 2027 | Up to $5,000 per violation · Attorney General |
| Safe by Design ActGen. Bus. Law art. 45-B, §§1539 to 1547 (opens in a new tab) | Platforms with profiles and private messaging used by minors | Under 18 | Age assurance before messaging, full profiles, tagging, location or AI companions | Takes effect laterTakes effect 1 Jan 2027 | Up to $5,000 per violation · Attorney General |
| AI companion lawGen. Bus. Law art. 48, §§1800 to 1805 (opens in a new tab) | Operators of AI companions | Under 18 | No unsafe companion features unless the user is shown not to be a minor | Takes effect laterTakes effect 1 Jan 2027 | Up to $25,000 per violation · Attorney General |
| Child Data Protection ActGen. Bus. Law art. 39-FF, §§899-ee to 899-mm (opens in a new tab) | Websites, apps and connected devices that know a user is a minor | Under 18 | No processing or sale of a minor's data without consent. Not an age check mandate | In effectSince 20 Jun 2025 | Up to $5,000 per violation · Attorney General (reported) |
| Alcohol | |||||
| Proof of age for alcoholAlco. Bev. Cont. Law §65, §65-b · SLA Advisory 2024-2 (opens in a new tab) | Every licensee and anyone who sells or delivers alcohol | 21+ | Accept only the IDs the law lists. A scan is optional | In effectMobile ID accepted since 30 Oct 2024 | Up to $100 or 30 hours of service for accepting other ID |
| Tobacco and vapor | |||||
| Tobacco and vapor products, age 21Pub. Health Law §1399-cc (opens in a new tab) | Anyone selling tobacco, e-cigarettes, liquid nicotine or shisha | 21+ | Check ID unless the buyer reasonably appears at least 25 | In effectAge 21 since Nov 2019 (reported) | $300 to $1,500 first violation · $1,000 to $2,500 after |
| No shipping of cigarettes or vapor products to consumersPub. Health Law §1399-ll (opens in a new tab) | Sellers and carriers | Any age | Do not ship to consumers in New York. An age check does not make it lawful | In effectIn effect | Misdemeanor · up to $5,000 per violation |
| Cannabis | |||||
| Cannabis sales and deliveryCannabis Law §85 · 9 NYCRR §123.10, §123.20 (opens in a new tab) | Licensed retailers and their delivery staff | 21+ | Proof of age for every sale. At delivery, check identity and age of the person who ordered | In effectSince 27 Sep 2023 | Fines, suspension or revocation |
| Online gambling | |||||
| Mobile sports wagering accountsRacing, Pari-Mut. Wag. & Breed. Law §1367, §1367-a · 9 NYCRR §5330.37 (opens in a new tab) | Sports wagering operators and platform providers | 21+ | Verify identity and age before the first bet | In effectRule since 24 Nov 2021 | Civil penalties · Gaming Commission |
| Lottery ticketsTax Law §1610 (opens in a new tab) | Lottery sales agents | 18+ | No sale to anyone under 18. The law sets no ID procedure | In effectIn effect | Misdemeanor |
| Other products | |||||
| Diet pills and muscle-building supplementsGen. Bus. Law §391-oo (opens in a new tab) | Anyone selling them in New York, online sellers included | 18+ | Check ID in store. For delivery, an adult must sign and show photo ID | In effectSince Apr 2024 (reported)Court: Challenge failed: injunction denied, affirmed 13 Nov 2025 | Up to $500 per violation · Attorney General |
| Whipped cream chargers (nitrous oxide)Gen. Bus. Law §834 (opens in a new tab) | Any business selling the cartridges | 21+ | Check proof of age unless the buyer reasonably appears at least 25 | In effectIn effect | Up to $250 first offense · up to $500 after |
| Kratom products, age 21Pub. Health Law art. 13-I, §1399-xx (opens in a new tab) | Anyone selling kratom products | 21+ | Check photo ID unless the buyer reasonably appears at least 25 | In effectSigned 22 Dec 2025 | Up to $500 per underage sale |
This page lists New York law only. Federal rules apply here too and are covered on the United States page. New York has no age verification law for adult content websites or for app stores: the bill for adult sites, S3591, was defeated in a Senate committee on 21 May 2026.
Timeline
- 25 Jan 2027Upcoming · Social mediaSAFE for Kids Act and its rules take effect
- 1 Jan 2027Upcoming · Social mediaSafe by Design Act and the AI companion law take effect
- 28 Jul 2026Effective · Social mediaAttorney General releases final SAFE for Kids Act rules
- 26 May 2026Effective · Social mediaSafe by Design Act signed in the state budget
- 21 May 2026Bill failed · Adult contentSenate committee defeats S3591, age verification for pornography sites, for the second time
- 13 Nov 2025Court · Other productsSecond Circuit declines to block the diet pill and supplement law
- 20 Jun 2025Effective · Social mediaChild Data Protection Act takes effect
- 7 May 2025Effective · LicenseA Standard card can no longer be used to board a domestic flight
- 30 Oct 2024Effective · AlcoholState Liquor Authority accepts the New York Mobile ID for alcohol sales
- 11 Jun 2024New design · Digital IDNew York Mobile ID launches
- 10 Mar 2022New design · LicenseDMV begins issuing the redesigned license and ID
Questions
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Start by matching the card to its design. A card issued since 10 Mar 2022 has a small second image that changes between the holder's photo and the month and year of birth, clear windows you can see through from both sides, and text you can feel.
Then scan the barcode on the back and compare it with the front. A match does not prove the card is genuine, and the DMV says it does not publish its other security features.
Look at the upper right of the front. A star in a black circle is REAL ID. A US flag is Enhanced. NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES is Standard.
All three are valid New York licenses and valid proof of age. Since 7 May 2025 a Standard card cannot be used to board a domestic flight.
Not always. The card is upright when it is issued to someone under 21, and it stays that way until it is replaced.
A license renewed more than 40 days before the 21st birthday still shows UNDER 21. Read the date of birth and the U21 UNTIL box.
Yes, if you choose to. The State Liquor Authority says the New York Mobile ID is a permissible ID when it is read with software that carries the DMV key and the holder shares the data.
You may not require it, and you must still accept a valid physical ID. Looking at the phone screen is not enough: the DMV says a Mobile ID must be checked electronically.
For alcohol and tobacco sales, only the name, date of birth, license or ID number and expiration date.
Scan data may not be sold or used for marketing. The penalty is up to $1,000 per violation.
No. As of 15 Nov 2026 New York has no such law. The main bill, S3591, was defeated in a Senate committee in May 2025 and again in May 2026.
New York's new online age rules are about social media, messaging and AI companions, and they take effect in January 2027.
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