License

Driver’s License Info

If ya wanna drive, ya gotta have one. So here are some helpful hints on how to get a driver’s license, renew it, replace it, and more.

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New York State
Department of Motor Vehicles

6 Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12228

Telephone:

New York City: 212-645-5550, 718-966-6155

516 and 914 area codes: 800-342-5368

Upstate: 800-225-5368

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Vehicle Licensing FAQ:

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How to renew a driver’s license

As of 2001, licenses are valid for eight years rather than five, as they previously were. This applies to licenses renewed May 1, 2001 or later. The DMV will send you a renewal notice via postal mail, 45 to 60 days before your current license expires. The standard license renewal fee is $43, $51 for a class M license that allows the operation of a motorcycle.

Send both back in the provided envelope, along with a Visual Acuity Report (form MV-619) completed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist within the previous six months. In about two to three weeks, your new license with your old photo and signature will arrive. If you don’t receive a renewal notice, you can still renew

by mail
by visiting your local DMV office
by contacting the DMV Call Center

Renewal in person is pretty easy, since there are several express branches for renewals of licenses and registrations. Your vision can be tested at the DMV at no extra charge.

Learn about all your options at the New York Department of Motor Vehicles website.

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Renewing an expired driver’s license

You can renew your license without retaking any tests for up to two years. If your license is more than two years expired, then you must apply for a brand new license, which does require retaking vision, written, and road tests, as well as the mandatory pre-licensing course.

A learner’s permit may only be renewed if you took the written test within the last two years, and the permit hasn’t expired.

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How to replace a lost driver’s license

Download the MV-44 License and Non-driver ID Application Form and the MV-44.1 instructions form). Fill out the form and enclose copies of acceptable proofs of identity that add up to six points, as detailed in the instructions. The replacement license costs $8, payable by check or money order to: “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.” Send all paperwork to:

License Production Bureau
P.O. Box 2688, ESP
Albany, NY 12220-0668

Your duplicate license will be delivered by mail.

If your license was stolen, fill out form MV-78 B, available at local police stations. Your license will be replaced free of charge if the police report shows it was lost due to crime.

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How to get an in-state license when relocating from another state or from Canada

You have 30 days after becoming a New York State resident to get an in-state license. NYS residency is achieved by one or more of the following conditions:

You pay New York State income taxes
Your children are enrolled in New York’s public school system
You maintain a primary residence in New York State
You earn your primary income in or vote in New York State

Exceptions include college students and military personnel from other states, who are in the state temporarily.

You will need your out-of-state license, which must have been in effect for at least six months, and must be valid or have expired within the last 12 months. This acts as the first three “points” that go toward proving your identity and residency. In addition, you will need three more proof points, such as a utility bill, a bank statement, a major credit card, or a passport. Fill out the MV-44 form. This form will also register you to vote in New York.

Your out-of-state or Canadian license exempts you from road and written exams, but a basic eye test is mandatory. The cost will be between $38.50 and $47.

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Applying for a non-driver photo identification card

Non-driver photo ID cards are available regardless of your age, and can be acquired at any DMV office. The cost is $6. These ID cards contain the same personal identification information, photo, signature and security features as a regular driver’s license, but do not allow you to drive a motor vehicle. Six points of acceptable proof of identification and age must be provided. Applicants under 16 require parental consent. A holder of a valid New York license or permit cannot apply for or hold a non-driver ID card.

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In-state change of address or name on driver’s license

When you move to a new address in New York state from a previous New York address, you have 10 days to notify the DMV of your new address. However, your current license is valid until its original expiration date. To update the address on your license, submit form MV-232 and mail it to the address at the top of the second page of the form.

A replacement license can be ordered with your new address for $8. The new license is delivered via the mail in four to six weeks.

For a name change go to the DMV in person with your old license or six points of acceptable proof of identification and age along with the official court documents certifying your name change. The cost is $3 for a replacement license.

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Adding motorcycle operation to your driver’s license

To drive a motorcycle you need a Class M or MJ license or permit. Learn how to get one at the New York DMV website.

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Infractions and penalties that result in a suspended or revoked license

The New York DMV point system identifies drivers who commit several traffic violations in a short period of time. Three speeding violations or 11 or more points accumulated in an 18-month period will result in mandatory revocation of your driver’s license.

Infractions that result in point accrual include:

Speeding: 3 – 11 points, depending on excess speed
Reckless driving: 5 points
Failure to stop for a school bus: 5 points
Faulty brakes: 4 points
Tailgating: 4 points
Improper passing or unsafe lane changing: 3 points
Traffic signal, railroad crossing or right-of-way violation: 3 points

These infractions are not the only bases for the suspension or revocation of a driver’s license. A single “driving under the influence of intoxicating substances” violation can result in mandatory revocation.

Up to 4 points may be reduced, and up to 10% on auto liability insurance premiums can be saved, when an approved DMV accident prevention course is taken. Point reduction cannot prevent a mandatory suspension or revocation or be applied as a “credit” against future points. Learn more

Driver’s License Info