Five States Where AAA Can Renew Your Driver's License — No DMV Visit Needed
From New York to Montana, these AAA offices offer a surprising shortcut for renewing your driver's license — but only if you live in the right state.
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
Want to add more newsletters?
Delivered daily
Kiplinger Today
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more delivered daily. Smart money moves start here.
Sent five days a week
Kiplinger A Step Ahead
Get practical help to make better financial decisions in your everyday life, from spending to savings on top deals.
Delivered daily
Kiplinger Closing Bell
Get today's biggest financial and investing headlines delivered to your inbox every day the U.S. stock market is open.
Sent twice a week
Kiplinger Adviser Intel
Financial pros across the country share best practices and fresh tactics to preserve and grow your wealth.
Delivered weekly
Kiplinger Tax Tips
Trim your federal and state tax bills with practical tax-planning and tax-cutting strategies.
Sent twice a week
Kiplinger Retirement Tips
Your twice-a-week guide to planning and enjoying a financially secure and richly rewarding retirement
Sent bimonthly.
Kiplinger Adviser Angle
Insights for advisers, wealth managers and other financial professionals.
Sent twice a week
Kiplinger Investing Weekly
Your twice-a-week roundup of promising stocks, funds, companies and industries you should consider, ones you should avoid, and why.
Sent weekly for six weeks
Kiplinger Invest for Retirement
Your step-by-step six-part series on how to invest for retirement, from devising a successful strategy to exactly which investments to choose.
It's all over the news – as of May 7, you'll need a REAL ID to fly and enter some government buildings. If you haven't gotten one yet, or yours is set to expire, you might dread a trip to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
However, if you're a member of the American Automobile Association (AAA) and you live in a participating state, you may be able to get your new, compliant driver's license without the hassle.
We'll share which states have AAA offices that provide the service and explain what you need to do before your visit. That way, you can cross this task off your list and keep flying domestically without worry.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
State | Services |
Connecticut | License renewal and duplication License upgrade to REAL ID Driving records for employment |
Massachusetts | License renewal and duplication License upgrade to REAL ID Registration renewal Title duplication |
Montana | License renewal and duplication License upgrade to REAL ID ID issuance |
New York | License renewal and duplication License upgrade to REAL ID or Enhanced Driver's License Registration renewal |
Rhode Island | License renewal and duplication License upgrade to REAL ID Registration renewal |
What you need to do to get your REAL ID through AAA
Here's what you need to do to get your REAL ID through your local AAA office:
- Contact the branch to verify the services offered and learn the requirements to receive them. They may vary from location to location.
- Make a reservation. Reservations must be for one person and one service at a time.
- Gather the required information, such as proof of identification. Depending on your state's processes, you may need more documentation for a REAL ID than you did for your previous driver's license.
- Fill out the paperwork in advance. Ask your AAA office to email you the forms when you call to verify services.
Please note: Some offices may require AAA membership to receive these services or charge an additional fee to non-members.
Other AAA services
If you're a AAA member, are you taking advantage of all the perks? Besides the DMV services available in select locations, here's a snapshot of the benefits you may have access to:
- Roadside assistance, towing, tire changes, fuel delivery, locksmith services, vehicle extrication and battery charging
- Discounts on auto repairs, gas, dining, shopping, travel and more
- Travel planning services and travel insurance
- Passport photos
- Identity theft protection
AAA membership includes a variety of services that go beyond DMV assistance and travel perks. Members can access financial services like auto loans, credit cards, and car buying assistance, as well as insurance options including auto, home, and life insurance — sometimes at discounted rates.
Additionally, AAA's Discounts & Rewards program offers savings at popular retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues. Another benefit is AAA’s identity theft protection, which includes monitoring and resolution services to help protect personal information. These resources can be useful in case of a data breach or fraudulent activity.
Whether you're looking for roadside assistance, travel planning or financial services, AAA membership provides a range of options that might be worth considering.
Your benefits may vary based on your membership level and location. Check with your local AAA office to learn more.
Related Content
-
Quiz: Do You Know How to Avoid the "Medigap Trap?"Quiz Test your basic knowledge of the "Medigap Trap" in our quick quiz.
-
5 Top Tax-Efficient Mutual Funds for Smarter InvestingMutual funds are many things, but "tax-friendly" usually isn't one of them. These are the exceptions.
-
AI Sparks Existential Crisis for Software StocksThe Kiplinger Letter Fears that SaaS subscription software could be rendered obsolete by artificial intelligence make investors jittery.
-
One of the Most Powerful Wealth-Building Moves a Woman Can Make: A Midcareer PivotIf it feels like you can't sustain what you're doing for the next 20 years, it's time for an honest look at what's draining you and what energizes you.
-
I'm a Wealth Adviser Obsessed With Mahjong: Here Are 8 Ways It Can Teach Us How to Manage Our MoneyThis increasingly popular Chinese game can teach us not only how to help manage our money but also how important it is to connect with other people.
-
Looking for a Financial Book That Won't Put Your Young Adult to Sleep? This One Makes 'Cents'"Wealth Your Way" by Cosmo DeStefano offers a highly accessible guide for young adults and their parents on building wealth through simple, consistent habits.
-
My Spouse and I Are Saving Money for a Down Payment on a House. Which Savings Account is the Best Way to Reach Our Goal?Learn how timing matters when it comes to choosing the right account.
-
We're 78 and Want to Use Our 2026 RMD to Treat Our Kids and Grandkids to a Vacation. How Should We Approach This?An extended family vacation can be a fun and bonding experience if planned well. Here are tips from travel experts.
-
Why Most Millionaires Don't Feel Wealthy — and What It Really Takes to Feel Financially SecureA growing share of Americans reach millionaire status yet still worry about money. Here's why wealth feels different today and how to build true financial confidence.
-
You Could Be Overpaying for Internet. Here’s How to Choose the Right TypeFiber, cable, 5G wireless and satellite internet all offer different speeds, reliability and price points. Understanding the differences could help you lower your monthly bill or improve performance.
-
My First $1 Million: Retired From Real Estate, 75, San FranciscoEver wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
