Information about Traffic Tickets.
General Information About Driver Licenses
You must have a NYS driver license or a valid driver license from another US state or from Canada to drive in NYS. In most cases, you can drive in NYS if you have a valid driver license from another country. See "Drivers From Other Nations". The minimum driving age in NYS is 16.
If you become a resident of NYS, you must get a NYS driver license within 30 days and surrender your out-of-state driver license. Normally, you cannot have a NYS driver license and a driver license from another state, but there are exceptions. It is a violation of Federal law to hold more than one commercial driver license (CDL).
Learner Permits and Junior Licenses From Another State
NYS restricts driving privileges if:
- you are under the age of 18 and have an out-of-state driver license, or
- you are any age and you have an out-of-state learner permit.
You must obey the restrictions of both your home state and the NYS restrictions for learner permits or junior licenses in NYS. Read the DMV brochure, Learner Permits and Junior Licenses.
You cannot drive in NYS if you are under the age of 16. If you have a learner permit or a driver license from another state, you are not exempt from this rule.
Make sure that your out-of-state learner permit is valid outside the state that issued the permit. If it is valid only in the issuing state, you cannot use the permit to drive in NYS.
You cannot exchange an out-of-state permit for a NYS permit. You must apply for a NYS learner permit and driver license. Read the information about the application process for new drivers.
The NYS driver license classes include:
- Operator, Class D: Issued to drivers age 18 or over, or to drivers age 17 with Driver Education. Valid for passenger cars and trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 lbs. or less. A Class D driver can drive a vehicle that tows another vehicle (for example a trailer) that has a maximum gross weight of 10,000 lbs. or less. A Class D driver can tow a vehicle with a GVWR of more than 10,000 lbs only if the combined weight rating of the two vehicles is 26,000 lbs. or less. See the important information about changes for Class D drivers that result from a law that eliminates the Non-CDL Class C license.
- Taxi and Livery, Class E: Issued to drivers age 18 or over. Valid for the same vehicles that a class D driver can drive, plus for-hire vehicles that carry 14 passengers or less.
- Junior License, Class DJ: Issued to drivers under the age of 18, with restrictions. Read the DMV brochure, Learner Permits and Junior Licenses. Valid for passenger cars and trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 lbs. or less. A class DJ driver can drive a vehicle that tows another vehicle (for example a trailer) with a GVWR of 3,000 lbs. or less.
- Motorcycle, Class M: for motorcycles.
- Junior Motorcycle License, Class MJ: for motorcycle drivers under the age of 18, with restrictions. Read the DMV brochure, Learner Permits and Junior Licenses.
- Non-CDL Class C: See the important information about changes for Class D drivers that result from a law that eliminates the Non-CDL Class C license.
- Commercial, Class A, Class B and Class C (CDL): Drivers age 21 or over can apply for a Class A driver license or any CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement. Drivers age 18 or over can apply for a Class B or Class C driver license. Valid for the same vehicles that a Class E driver can drive plus buses and trucks that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more. There are several endorsements and restrictions for different types of vehicles and cargos. See the important information about changes for CDL drivers that result from a law that eliminates the Non-CDL Class C license.
Proofs of Identity and Date of Birth
With the increase in requirements for public security, the DMV frequently updates the list of acceptable proofs of identity and date of birth. Carefully read the requirements for proofs of identity and date of birth. Make sure that you have the proofs required before you apply for any DMV document.
Junior Drivers / Graduated Licensing Law
You must be age 16 or over to drive in NYS. If you have a learner permit or a driver license from another state, you are not exempt from this rule. Drivers under the age of 18 must obey the restrictions described in the DMV brochure, Learner Permits and Junior Licenses. An out-of-state driver under the age of 18 must also obey all restrictions of the state that issued the driver license.
Graduated Licensing Law: The NYS Graduated Licensing Law affects how drivers under the age of 18 ("junior drivers") receive senior driving privileges and the restrictions on junior drivers. Junior drivers are drivers who have a driver license or a learner permit of Class DJ or Class MJ.
The law requires that a supervising driver be 21 years of age or older.
In addition, under the Graduated Licensing Law:
- A junior driver cannot operate a vehicle that has more than two passengers who are under the age of 21 unless a parent, a guardian, or a driving instructor also rides in the vehicle. There is an exception to this rule if the passengers are immediate family members.
- When the law requires supervision of the junior driver, only the supervising driver can ride in the front seat. The supervising driver must be 21 years of age or older and must have a valid driver license.
- All passengers that ride with a junior driver must use the correct safety restraints (seat belts, child safety seats, or child restraint systems).
These rules apply to junior drivers who have learner permits:
- A driver with a Class DJ or Class MJ learner permit must bring to the road test a completed form MV-262 (Certification of 20 Hours of Supervised Driving). The form certifies that the junior driver had a minimum of 20 hours of supervised driving experience. The supervising driver must be a driver qualified by the law to supervise a junior driver. A parent or a legal guardian of the junior driver must sign form MV-262.
- The DMV will issue a limited-use junior license to a junior driver who passes a road test during the first six months after the learner permit was issued. A limited-use junior license allows the junior driver to drive without supervision during specific hours of the day and within specific geographical boundaries. A supervising driver must supervise the junior driver at all other times. Six months after the learner permit of that driver was issued, the DMV will issue a normal junior license to replace the limited-use junior license.
- When a junior driver passes a road test more than six months after the learner permit was issued, the DMV issues a normal junior license.
For more information about the restrictions and requirements that apply to drivers with learner permits and junior licenses, see the brochure Learner Permits and Junior Licenses.
New Drivers: How to Get Your Driver License
The process to apply for a non-commercial driver license in NYS includes the following steps:
- Apply for a learner permit. Pay the application fee and the driver license fee. Pass the vision test and the written test. Receive your permit.
- Practice for your road test.
- Take a driver education course or a DMV-approved pre-licensing course.
- Use your driver education certificate or pre-licensing course certificate to make an appointment for your road test by phone or on-line.
- Pass your road test and receive your NYS driver license.
You can download form CCRP-1 (Original Driver License). The form includes a summary of the complete process that is explained below. Use form CCRP-1 to make sure that you have the documents and the forms that you need to apply for your driver license.
What You Need to Know to Apply for a Learner Permit:
You must be 16 years of age or older to apply for a learner permit. If you are under the age of 18, your parent or your legal guardian must sign the consent section of your form MV-44 (Driver License Application). Your parent or legal guardian can sign the form before you bring it to a DMV office. Your parent or legal guardian is not required to go to the DMV office with you to sign form MV-44. You do not require consent if you are age 17 and you have form MV-285 (Driver Education Student Certificate of Completion).
Study the New York State Driver's Manual. You can read the Driver's Manual on-line and take practice quizzes, or you can get a Driver's Manual from your local DMV office or DMV Call Center. Part Two and Part Three of the Driver's Manual contain the information you must know to pass the written test to get a learner permit. You are not required to take the written test if you have form MV-285 (Driver Education Student Certificate of Completion).
You must have proof of identity. The proof must have a total value of at least six points and must prove your date of birth. If you do not have 6 points of proof of identity, your parent or your legal guardian can complete form MV-45 at a DMV office and show proof of identity.
You must show your Social Security card. If you are not eligible for a Social Security Number, you must get a letter from the Social Security Administration that indicates that you are not eligible for a Social Security Number. You must show the letter to the DMV.
When You Apply for a Learner Permit:
Complete form MV-44 (Driver License Application). Take the form and your proofs of identity and date of birth to a local DMV office. Take a vision test at the DMV office, or bring a valid form MV-619 (Eye Test Report) completed by an eye-care professional. If the form MV-619 has a print date of 9/03 or earlier, the form is valid for 6 months after the date of the eye test. If the form has a print date of 3/04 or later, the eye-care professional marks a box on the form to indicate if the form is valid for 6 months or for 12 months after the date of the eye test. Bring cash, a personal check or a credit card to pay the application fee and the driver license fee. See the driver license fee schedule to determine your fee.
Take the written permit test. An appointment is not required, but you must arrive at the DMV office at least one-half hour before the office closing time. On a day when the office has late hours to 6 p.m. or later, you must arrive at least one hour before the closing time. The written test for a commercial learner permit (CDL) is given during specific hours. Contact your local DMV office to determine when the test is given. To pass the test, you must give the correct answers to at least 14 of the 20 multiple-choice questions, which includes the correct answers to at least two of the four questions about road signs.
If you do not pass the written test for a non-CDL class license (class D, DJ, E, M, or MJ), you can take the written test again any number of times without a limit. For the non-CDL license classes, you do not pay additional fees to take the test more than one time. If you do not pass, the DMV recommends that you study the Driver's Manual and take the test on another day. If you pass the test, the DMV issues you a learner permit valid for approximately 5 years. The exact expiration date depends on your date of birth and the date that you applied for the permit.
You are not required to take the written test if you have form MV-285 (Driver Education Student Certificate of Completion).
Read the DMV brochure, Learner Permits and Junior Licenses, to learn about the restricted driving privileges for learner permits and junior licenses.
When You Have Your Permit:
Practice frequently. The DMV recommends that you practice at least 30 hours for your road test. Practice at least 10 hours in medium to high volume traffic. You can practice with a driver who has enough driving experience, but the DMV recommends that you take professional driving lessons. Most new drivers fail their road test because they were not prepared.
Attend a mandatory pre-licensing course or complete a high school or college driver education course. Most commercial driving schools licensed by the DMV offer the DMV-approved pre-licensing course. Look in the telephone directory under "Driving Instruction."
When you complete the course, you receive a pre-licensing course certificate (MV-278). You must provide the certificate number when you schedule your road test. You must also show the certificate to the road test examiner on the day of your road test.
Only students who complete a high school or college driver education course approved by the NYS Education Department (NYSED) receive an MV-285 student certificate. (This certificate was called a "blue card" in the past.) You do not receive an MV-285 if you complete the pre-licensing course. The DMV does not provide a list of approved driver education courses. Contact your school or the NYSED.
Schedule a Road Test. Make an appointment for a road test by phone or schedule a road test on-line. The test date is normally from three to ten weeks after the date that you make the appointment. The time between an appointment and the road test is normally longer in the summer.
Before you take your road test, read the DMV brochure, Road Test Tips.
After your road test, the examiner will inform you of the results. If you did not pass, you can schedule another road test. If you do not pass the second road test, you must pay a $10 fee to take a maximum of two more road tests.
You can renew a learner permit if:
- You passed the written test in the last two years, and
- Your permit expired in the last 30 days.
Because learner permits are normally issued for 5 years, most new drivers never renew their learner permits.
After Your Road Test:
How to Change Your Class DJ Junior License to a Class D Senior License with Driver Education
If you have a Class DJ junior license, and you complete a high school or college driver education course, you can change your Class DJ junior license to a Class D senior license when you are 17 years old.
To change the class of your driver license, you must have a driver education certificate (MV-285) issued from a DMV-approved driver education program. You cannot use another certificate.
If you do not have an MV-285, the DMV automatically changes your driver license from Class DJ to Class D on your 18th birthday. The DMV automatically mails you a new driver license that indicates "Class D". You will not get this document faster if you visit a DMV office.
On your 18th birthday, your driver record indicates that you are a Class D driver. There is no need to wait until you have your new Class D driver license before you drive as a senior driver. You can drive as a senior driver on your 18th birthday.
Give your driver education certificate (MV-285) to the DMV examiner after your road test. The DMV will update your driver record and will automatically issue a Class D photo driver license on your 17th birthday. You will receive the new driver license in the mail. There is no fee when you change the class of your driver license by this method.
Your driver license record will show that you are a Class D driver. You do not need to have your Class D document to drive as a senior license driver. You can drive on your 17th birthday.
Note: If your 17th birthday occurs on a weekend or a state holiday, your record is updated and your Class D driver license is issued on the next business day.
If you did not give your MV-285 certificate to the DMV examiner, you must go to a DMV office. Bring your Class DJ driver license and the MV-285 certificate to a DMV office on your 17th birthday or any following day. Complete form MV-44, and pay the fee of $10.
You receive a temporary Class D driver license, without a photo, at the office. The DMV mails your Class D photo driver license in approximately three weeks.
You must make the change. If you have an MV-285 certificate and a Class DJ driver license you do not have Class D driving privileges. You must change your driver license from Class DJ to Class D (as described above) in order to get senior driving privileges.
Out-of-state Driver Education courses: Effective September 1, 2005, you cannot get a NYS MV-285 driver education course certificate for completion of a driver education course in another state. NYS does not accept driver education courses attended in other states, and the form MV-285.1 is no longer in use.
Drivers From the US or Canada Who Move to NYS
NYS recognizes valid driver licenses held by residents of other US states, US territories and Federal districts and Canadian provinces. If you become a resident of NYS, you must apply for a NYS driver license not more than 30 days after you become a NYS resident.
You can exchange an out-of-state driver license or Canadian driver license for a NYS driver license if the driver license has your photograph, the driver license is not suspended or revoked and the driver license:
- has been valid for at least 6 months, or
- has expired in the past 12 months, or
- is a valid CDL and has been valid for any amount of time, and
The driver license that you exchange must show the date that your driver license was issued. The date is required to verify that the driver license was issued at least six months before you applied for a NYS driver license. If your out-of-state photo driver license does not show the date of issue, get a driver license record or letter from the state that issued the driver license that indicates the date of issue. The letter or driver record must be an original and must be on the letterhead of the Department of Motor Vehicles of the other state. The letter or driver abstract cannot be a copy or a fax.
If your out-of-state driver license or Canadian driver license is suspended or revoked, you cannot apply for a NYS driver license. You must remove the suspension or revocation and bring to a NYS DMV office a valid driver license that meets the requirements listed above.
If you have only a driver license like those listed below, you must apply for a NYS driver license as a new driver. See "New Drivers-How to Apply".
You cannot exchange the following types of driver licenses for a NYS driver license:
- a driver license with no photo
- a driver license that does not show the date that the driver license was issued. Read the information about the requirement that your driver license show the date of issue.
- a learner permit
- a temporary driver license or an interim driver license
- a hardship driver license or an "employment only driver license"
- a driver license expired for more than 12 months
- a non-commercial driver license valid for less than 6 months.
- a driver license marked "non-renewable" or "non-transferable"
To exchange an acceptable out-of-state photo driver license for a NYS driver license:
- Complete application form MV-44 and apply at a local DMV office.
- Pass a vision test at the DMV office, or bring a valid form MV-619 (Eye Test Report) completed by an eye-care professional. If the form MV-619 has a print date of 9/03 or earlier, the form is valid for 6 months after the date of the eye test. If the form has a print date of 3/04 or later, the eye-care professional marks a box on the form to indicate if the form is valid for 6 months or for 12 months after the date of the eye test.
- Surrender your out-of-state driver license. See the information below if your out-of-state driver license is lost or stolen.
- Provide at least two points of identification and proof of date of birth, and your out-of-state photo driver license and your Social Security Card.
- Show your Social Security Card. If you are not eligible for a Social Security Card, you must provide a letter from the US Social Security Administration (SSA) that states that you are not eligible. The SSA Letter must have been issued within the last 30 days. You must also show an I-94 with one of the following codes: B-1, B-2, E-2, F-2, H4, L-2, M-2, O-3, P-4, Q-3, R-2 or TD. At least 11 months of valid, legal status must remain on your I-94.
- Pay the $10 application fee and the driver license fee with cash, check, money order or credit card.
If Your Out-of-State Driver License is Lost or Stolen. If your out-of-state photo driver license is lost or stolen, you can apply to the previous state for a duplicate photo driver license. The duplicate driver license must be a photo driver license. The driver license or a letter from the state DMV must show that your out-of-state driver license was valid for at least 6 months.
Instead of a duplicate driver license, you can apply to the previous state for a letter or driver abstract. The letter or driver abstract must be an original and must be on the letterhead of the Department of Motor Vehicles of the other state.
The letter or driver abstract must have been issued by the other state within
six months before you submit the letter or driver abstract to the NYSDMV. The letter or driver abstract cannot be a copy or a fax. The letter or driver abstract must contain all of the following information:
- your name, address, date of birth and driver license identification number,
- type or class of driver license and any restrictions.
- any convictions, suspensions or revocations, and
- the date your driver license was issued, and the expiration date of your latest driver license.
Bring the letter, driver abstract or duplicate photo driver license to a DMV office to apply for your NYS driver license. Remember that you must have six points of identification and proof of date of birth. A letter or driver abstract has no value as proof of identity or date of birth.
NYS Vehicle Registration: See "register your out-of-state vehicle" to learn how to get a NYS registration and title certificate for your vehicles.
Drivers From Other Nations
Drivers from Canada.
A valid driver license from another country is also valid in NYS. You do not need to apply for a NYS driver license unless you become a resident of NYS.
According to NYS law, a resident of another country can get a NYS driver license. The DMV does not recommend this because:
- NYS recognizes your foreign driver license if you remain a resident of the nation that issued the license. You do not need to have a NYS driver license to drive in NYS unless you become a resident of NYS.
- If you have a driver license from any nation except Canada, you must pass a written test, complete a 5-hour pre-licensing course and pass a road test to qualify for a NYS driver license. See "New Drivers - How to Apply".
- You must show a Social Security Card. If you are not eligible for a Social Security Card, you must provide a letter or form SSA-L676 from the US Social Security Administration (SSA) that states that you are not eligible. The SSA Letter or form must have been issued no more than 30 days before the date of your application. You must also show the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) documents that the SSA used to determine that you are not eligible for a Social Security Card. The USCIS was formerly known as the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Read the specific requirements on the identification requirements page.
- When you receive your NYS driver license, you must surrender your foreign driver license to the DMV road test examiner. The local DMV office keeps your foreign driver license, and then destroys the license after 60 days. If you plan to return to your home country and use your foreign driver license, ask the road test examiner how to make sure that your foreign driver license is not destroyed. If you need to get your foreign driver license, go to the local DMV office where you applied for your NYS driver license.
International Driving Permit: An International Driving Permit is not a driver license. The permit only verifies that you hold a valid driver license in your home country. Your foreign driver license, not the International Driving Permit, allows you to drive in NYS. Contact the authorities in your home country to get an International Driving Permit. If you are not a resident of the US, you cannot apply for an International Driving Permit in the US.
You are not required to have an International Driving Permit to drive in NYS, but the permit has value. The permit verifies, in several languages, that you have a valid foreign driver license. A police officer who cannot read the language on your foreign driver license can read the permit.
Note for US residents: The DMV does not issue International Driving Permits. Contact an automobile club that is a member of the American Automobile Association (AAA).
Motorcycle Licenses
A New York resident must have a Class M or Class MJ driver license or learner permit to drive a motorcycle. The process to apply for a motorcycle license is different for the following conditions:
If you have a NYS driver license or permit:
- Study the on-line MV-21MC NYS Motorcycle Operator's Manual to prepare for the motorcycle written test. You can also get a copy of the manual from your local DMV Office or DMV Call Center.
- Read the MV-44.1 driver license application instructions and complete form MV-44 for a learner permit.
- Bring the completed form MV-44 and your current NYS photo driver license to a local DMV Office that offers written tests, and pay the
$21 permit fee.
- Pass the written test, and receive your Class M or Class MJ permit. This permit is valid for one year. You can renew the permit one time for an additional year. To get a new permit after a renewal, you must apply for a new permit and take the motorcycle written test again.
Motorcycle Permit Supervision, Restrictions and Practice: If you drive a motorcycle with a permit, a driver who is 21 years or age or older and who has a valid motorcycle license from NYS or another state must supervise you. The motorcycle driver who supervises you must remain within 1/4 mile of you at all times. To learn about all the restrictions for learner permits and Class MJ driver licenses, see the DMV brochure, Learner Permits and Junior Licenses.
The DMV recommends that you take instruction from a commercial driving school if possible. The DMV recommends that you have at least 30 hours of practice on a motorcycle, with at least 10 hours of practice in medium to high volume traffic before you take your motorcycle road test.
Schedule your motorcycle road test. See "Schedule a Road Test." You do not need a pre-licensing course or Driver Education certificate if you already have a NYS driver license. For the road test, you must provide:
- A registered and inspected motorcycle with the correct equipment. NYS law defines a motorcycle as a motor vehicle that has no more than three wheels in contact with the ground. The examiner will not conduct the test if the vehicle has more than three wheels in contact with the ground.
- A registered and inspected motor vehicle with the correct equipment operated by a driver age 18 or older who has a valid driver license. This motor vehicle and driver will transport the license examiner during the road test.
- The documents listed in the DMV brochure "Road Test Tips".
If you pass the road test, the examiner issues you a temporary motorcycle license. Wait at least 7 days after your road test, and then bring your temporary motorcycle license, motorcycle permit and current photo driver license to a DMV office. Complete form MV-44 and mark the box at the top of the form that indicates "Change." Write "Add Class M (or MJ)" in the other box that indicates, "Other Change." Pay the $10 driver license document fee.
The two driver license classes are listed on one driver license document (for example, Class DM). The local DMV office issues a temporary driver license without a photo. You receive your photo driver license by mail in approximately three weeks. The new driver license expires on the same date as your previous driver license.
If you DO NOT have a NYS driver license or out-of-state driver license:
- Study the on-line NYS Motorcycle Operator's Manual and the on-line NYS Driver's Manual to prepare for the written tests. You can also get these manuals from a local DMV Office.
- Read the MV-44.1 driver license application instructions and complete form MV-44 for a learner permit.
- Pay the fees indicated for an original Class M or Class MJ permit / driver license as shown on the original driver license fee schedule. If you plan to apply for a motorcycle permit and another class of learner permit, apply for the other learner permit first. When you have the other learner permit, complete another form MV-44 to apply for your motorcycle permit.
- Pass the written tests, and receive your Class M or Class MJ permit. The motorcycle permit is valid for a maximum of 5 years. You cannot renew this permit. If your permit expires, you must apply for a new permit and take the written tests again.
Motorcycle Permit Supervision, Restrictions and Practice: If you drive a motorcycle with a permit, a driver who is 21 years or age or older has a valid motorcycle license from NYS or another state must supervise you. The motorcycle driver who supervises you must remain within 1/4 mile of you at all times. To learn about all the restrictions for learner permits and Class MJ driver licenses, see the DMV brochure, Learner Permits and Junior Licenses.
The DMV recommends that you take instruction from a commercial driving school if possible. The DMV recommends that you have at least 30 hours of practice on a motorcycle, with at least 10 hours in medium to high volume traffic before you take your motorcycle road test.
A pre-licensing course or Driver Education course is required. Because this is your first driver license, you must take a pre-licensing course or driver education course before you can make a road test appointment. See "Driving Instruction" in the telephone directory yellow pages for DMV-licensed commercial schools that provide the pre-licensing course. The pre-licensing course certificate is valid for one year. A driver education certificate is valid for two years.
Schedule your motorcycle road test. See "Schedule a Road Test". You do not need a pre-licensing course or Driver Education certificate if you already have a NYS driver license. For the motorcycle road test, you must provide:
- A motorcycle with a valid registration, current inspection and the correct equipment.
- A motor vehicle with a valid registration, inspection and correct equipment and a driver age 18 or older who has a valid driver license. This vehicle and driver will transport the license examiner during the road test.
- The documents listed in the DMV brochure "Road Test Tips".
If you pass the road test, the license examiner issues you a temporary motorcycle license. If you do not have another class of license, you receive your photo motorcycle license by mail in approximately three weeks and you do not have to visit a DMV office.
If you have a motorcycle license from another state:
Complete form MV-44 to exchange your out-of-state driver license for a NYS license.
Surrender your out-of-state driver license, show proof of identity and date of birth, and pay the application fee and driver license fee. The DMV calculates your fee at the time you apply. The DMV cannot calculate your exact fee until you apply.
The local DMV office issues a temporary driver license without a photo. Examine the temporary driver license and make sure Class M is listed. You receive your photo driver license by mail in approximately three weeks.
See "Drivers From the US or Canada" for more information.
Motorcycle road test waiver
The DMV can waive the motorcycle road test if you complete an approved rider course.
Non-Driver Photo ID Cards
A person of any age who does not have a driver license can apply to the DMV for a non-driver photo ID card. You must provide acceptable proofs of identity and date of birth. You can apply for a non-driver photo ID card if your NYS driver license is suspended or revoked. When you apply for a non-driver photo ID card you must surrender your NYS driver license. There are no exceptions. You do not have to surrender a non-driver photo ID card when you get a driver license or your driver license is reinstated.
A non-driver photo ID card contains the same personal information, photo, signature and special protection against alteration and fraud as a photo driver license. To get more information, read the DMV brochure, Non-Driver Photo IDs -- Secure Proof for Non-Drivers.
Use these instructions to renew a non-driver photo ID card.
How to Change Your Address or Your Name
Read the instructions on how to change your address or change your name on a driver license, learner permit, or non-driver photo ID card.
If Your Photo Document is Lost or Stolen
To replace your driver license, learner permit, or non-driver photo ID card, you can:
If your driver license or your learner permit was lost or stolen because of a crime:
Get form MV-78B from a police agency. This form is available only from police agencies, not from the DMV.
Make a photocopy of the form for your records. Complete form MV-44. Bring form MV-44 and the original form MV-78B to a DMV office. Show your proof of identity. There is no fee to replace your driver license or your learner permit if the MV-78B shows that the document was stolen. Note: You cannot use form MV-78B to replace a non-driver photo ID card for no fee.
How to Renew a Driver License, a Learner Permit, or an ID Card (Photo Documents)
You can renew a driver license no more than one year before the expiration date, or no more than two years after the expiration date. The expiration date of your driver license is your date of birth. The DMV mails you a driver license renewal notice approximately 45 to 60 days before your driver license expires. You can renew a driver license on-line, by mail, or at a DMV office.
You can renew a learner permit only if you passed the written test during the previous two years. This requirement means that you cannot renew a learner permit that was issued more than two years ago. If you passed the written test more than two years ago, you must apply for a new learner permit and pass a new vision test and a new written test.
If you are eligible to renew your learner permit, you can renew your the permit no more than 30 days before the permit expires, or no more than two years after the date you passed the written test for your original permit. You must renew by mail or at a DMV office. You
cannot renew a learner permit on-line.
You must renew a non-driver photo ID card at a DMV office. You cannot renew a non-driver photo ID card on-line or by mail.
How to Renew a Driver License On-Line
To renew a driver license on-line, you must comply with the requirements. Read the requirements and the restrictions below. If you are eligible to renew your driver license on-line, you can go to the on-line renewal instructions. If you are not eligible to renew your driver license on-line, use the instructions shown below to renew by mail or at a DMV office.
- You must pass a vision test and you must have a valid form MV-619 or form MV-619R (Eye Test Report) completed by a qualified eye care professional. If the form MV-619 or form MV-619R has a print date of 9/03 or earlier, the form is valid for 6 months after the date of the eye test. If the form has a print date of 3/04 or later, the eye-care professional marks a box on the form to indicate if the form is valid for 6 months or for 12 months after the date of the eye test.
- Your current address must match the address that is listed on your DMV record. You cannot renew your driver license on-line if the two addresses are different.
- The date that you renew your driver license cannot be more than one year before the expiration date, or no more than two years after the expiration date.
- Your mailing address must be a location within the US. You cannot renew your driver license on-line if your mailing address is located outside the US. This requirement includes military addresses.
- Your Social Security Number must be on your DMV record. You cannot renew your driver license on-line if the DMV does not have your Social Security Number.
You cannot renew your driver license on-line if:
- you are in jail, or
- your driver license is suspended or revoked, or
- you currently participate in the Ignition Interlock Device Program, or
- you have a conditional license or a restricted license, or
- your driver license displays the words, "Valid Without Photo".
- you want to convert from a regular document to an enhanced document when you renew. You must apply for an enhanced driver license (EDL) or enhanced non-driver photo ID card (ENDID) at a DMV office.
- There are additional restrictions. For information about all restrictions, see the On-line License Renewal FAQs.
How to Renew a Driver License By Mail
The DMV mails you a renewal notice approximately 45 to 60 days before your driver license expires.
To update the photo on your driver license or your non-driver photo ID card, you must apply at a DMV office.
You cannot convert from a regular driver license, learner permit or non-driver photo ID card to an enhanced document by mail.
If you renew by mail, you must send proof that you passed a vision test. You can use form MV-619 or Mv-619R, or you can send proof of a vision test at a DMV office in another state.
Use Form MV-619 or MV-619R. You can send a valid form MV-619 or form MV-619R (Eye Test Report) completed by an eye care professional. The DMV includes a copy of form MV-619R with your renewal notice.
If the form MV-619 or form MV-619R has a print date of 9/03 or earlier, the form is valid for 6 months after the date of the eye test. If the form has a print date of 3/04 or later, the eye-care professional marks a box on the form to indicate if the form is valid for 6 months or for 12 months after the date of the eye test.
An eye-care professional in another state or country can complete form MV-619 or form MV-619R. The eye-care professional must report the results in English and on the Snellen visual acuity scale. The eye-care professional must provide a professional license number if a number was assigned by the other state or country.
DMV Vision Test in Another State. You can send a form or a letter from a motor vehicle office in another state that indicates that you passed a vision test at a motor vehicle office in that state within the previous six months. The form or letter must indicate that you passed a vision test for a visual acuity of 20/40 or better on the Snellen Visual Acuity Scale.
If you have a renewal notice: Complete the renewal application that you received. Use the envelope that was included to mail the application and your fee to the DMV. The DMV uses the stored copy of your photo and your signature to process your renewal. You normally receive your photo document in approximately three weeks. Do not wait to renew after you receive your renewal notice. Renew immediately.
If you do not receive a renewal notice: Use these instructions to renew by mail. If you renew by mail, you must send proof that you passed a vision test. (Read the explanation that appears above.)
How to renew by mail while you are not in NYS: Use these instructions to renew your driver license or your non-driver photo ID card by mail if you are not in NYS.
How to Renew a Driver License or a Non-Driver Photo ID Card at a Local DMV Office
To renew your driver license or your non-driver photo ID card, bring the completed renewal application or a completed form MV-44 to a DMV office. To renew a non-driver photo ID card, you must also show your Social Security Card or proof that you are not eligible for a Social Security Card.
To renew your driver license, you must pass a vision test at the DMV office, or bring form MV-619 or form MV-619R (Eye Test Report) that was completed by an eye-care professional. If the form MV-619 or form MV-619R has a print date of 9/03 or earlier, the form is valid for 6 months after the date of the eye test. If the form has a print date of 3/04 or later, the eye-care professional marks a box on the form to indicate if the form is valid for 6 months or for 12 months after the date of the eye test.
Read the list of renewal fees to determine the amount of your fee.
If Your Driver License or Your Learner Permit Expires
If your driver license or your learner permit expires, you cannot drive. Do not drive after the expiration date.
If your driver license or your learner permit is expired for two years or more, you cannot renew your driver license. There are no exceptions. You must apply for an original license. You must pass the vision test, the written test, and the road test, and complete a pre-licensing course. To apply, use these instructions.
If your driver license is expired for less than two years, use the instructions that appear above to renew your document. If you renew after your driver license expires, the expiration date of your driver license and the renewal fees do not change.
If you use an expired driver license to drive and you get a traffic ticket, you will receive fines and penalties.
- 60 days or less after the expiration date: a fine of $25 to $40, plus state and local surcharges.
- 60 days or more after the expiration date: a fine of $75 to $300, plus state and local surcharges.
I Did Not Receive My Photo Document
Allow four weeks from the date that the DMV processes your photo document to receive the document by mail. You can check on-line for the mailing status of your photo document.
If you changed your address, do not order a photo document on-line. If you order the photo document on-line and your address is incorrect, you will not receive your photo document. You then must apply for a duplicate photo document and pay a fee.
If your photo document is not delivered four weeks after the date the document was processed, you can contact the DMV on-line or by telephone, or visit a local DMV office.
Record of Convictions Stub
A law that began on January 29, 2002 removed the requirement for a record of convictions stub. A driver does not need a record of convictions stub and does not need to show the stub to a judge after a conviction. The DMV does not issue record of convictions stubs to drivers as in the past.
Driver Violation Point System
The DMV driver violation point system helps to identify drivers who commit several traffic violations during a specific time period.
Remember that the point system is not the only reason for a driver license suspension or revocation. There are mandatory suspensions or revocations. For example, the DMV must revoke your driver license if you are convicted of three speeding violations within an 18-month period, regardless of how many driver violation points you have.
This table lists the number of points given for specific traffic violations:
| Violation |
Points |
|
Violation |
Points |
| Speeding (MPH over speed limit not indicated) |
3 |
Following too closely |
4 |
| Speeding (MPH over speed limit): |
Passing improperly, changing lanes unsafely, driving to the left of center, driving in the wrong direction |
3 |
| 1 - 10 MPH |
3 |
|
|
| 11 - 20 MPH |
4 |
Failed to obey a traffic signal, a Stop sign, or a Yield sign |
3 |
| 21 - 30 MPH |
6 |
Railroad crossing violation |
3 |
| 31 - 40 MPH |
8 |
Failed to yield the right-of-way |
3 |
| More than 40 MPH |
11 |
Passenger safety violation, including seat belt and child safety seat violations for passengers under the age of 16 |
3 |
| Reckless driving |
5 |
Left the scene of an accident that includes property damage or the injury of a domestic animal |
3 |
| Failed to stop for a school bus |
5 |
Other moving violations |
2 |
| Inadequate brakes |
4 |
Inadequate brakes (vehicle of an employer) |
2 |
|
How the DMV Calculates Your Point Total
The DMV computer system automatically calculates your point total as follows:
- You must be convicted of the traffic violation for the points to be added to your point total, but the calculation of your point total is based on the date of the violation, not the date of the conviction.
- The points for violations that all occurred within the last 18 months of one another are added together to calculate your point total.
- The record of the conviction, and the points, are listed on your driver record for as long as the conviction remains on your record. The information about the conviction and points is not removed after 18 months from the violation date. Only the calculation of your point total changes. Learn more about convictions and your driver record.
Point Total Example
You are convicted of a 3-point violation and the violation occurred on January 1, 2009. You are later convicted of a 4-point violation that occurred on July 1, 2010. Your point total includes the points from both violations, because they both occurred with a single 18-month period. Your point total is 7 points.
The Effect of Points
If your point total reaches 11 points or more based on the calculation described above, the DMV notifies you and suspends your driver license. You can request a DMV hearing only to show that a different person committed the violations. You cannot request a DMV hearing to prove that you were not guilty of the violations. You cannot request a DMV hearing to request a waiver of the suspension.
Insurance Company Points and Out-of-State Violations
Insurance companies have point systems that are different from the DMV driver violation point system. The two point systems are not related. Contact your insurance company about their point system.
Except for Ontario and Quebec, points are not added to your NYS driver record if you commit an out-of-state traffic violation. Points can appear on your NYS driver record if you commit a traffic violation in Ontario or Quebec.
Driver Responsibility Program
To get information about driver responsibility assessments and the Driver Responsibility Program, read the FAQs.
How to Reduce Your Points and Your Insurance Premiums
If you take a DMV-approved accident prevention course, you can
- reduce your driver violation point total by a maximum of four points, and
- save 10 percent on your automobile liability and collision insurance premiums.
You cannot receive the point or insurance benefits for an Internet course.
An accident prevention course cannot prevent a mandatory suspension or revocation.
An accident prevention course and point reduction does not affect a driver responsibility assessment.
You cannot use the course as a credit against future driver violation points.
The DMV computer system automatically applies the point reduction when your course completion is added to your record. Your record shows your convictions and the points they carry, and has a notation that you completed the course and that a reduction of up to 4 points has been applied. Your driver record does not show any summary or total that includes the subtraction of the points. The reduction is automatically applied within the DMV computer system.
For more information, read the DMV brochure, The Point and Insurance Reduction Program, and see the list of course providers.
Military Personnel
Important information for NYS military personnel who return from active duty that is related to the war on terrorism or the military action in Iraq. (You need Adobe Acrobat Reader®.)
Automatic Military Extension: A valid NYS driver license is automatically extended when you are on active military duty. Your driver license does not expire and is extended during your active service. Your driver license is also extended for a maximum of six months after your discharge from military service. Complete form MV-75 (Military Service Notification) to inform the DMV to update your driver record. The DMV will keep your driver record after the expiration date of your driver license.
Form MV-75 (Military Service Notification): This form is normally filed when you enter military service. You can file form MV-75 after you enter military service, but you must file the form before your NYS driver license expires. If your driver license expires before you file form MV-75, you must send the form and a letter from your commanding officer. The letter must certify the date that you entered military service and that you are on active duty. The date that you entered military service must be earlier than the expiration date of your NYS driver license.
How to Renew Your Driver License: You can renew your driver license when there is an automatic military extension after you have filed form MV-75. Use the instructions to renew by mail.
If you did not file form MV-75, complete form MV-75 and send it with your renewal application.
Military Driver Licenses: If you have a driver license issued by the US Armed Forces, you can drive in NYS for a maximum of 60 days after you enter NYS. After 60 days, you must have a valid driver license to drive in NYS.
You must be a member of the US Armed Forces to use a military driver license in NYS. A dependant who has only a military driver license cannot drive in NYS.
You cannot exchange a military driver license for a NYS driver license. If you have only a military driver license, you must apply for an original NYS driver license. Learn how to apply for a NYS driver license.
Vision Correction
You can remove the corrective lenses restriction (B restriction) from your driver license after you have vision correction surgery.
By Mail: Your eye-care professional must complete form MV-619 (Eye Test Report). If the form MV-619 has a print date of 9/03 or earlier, the form is valid for 6 months after the date of the eye test. If the form has a print date of 3/04 or later, the eye-care professional marks a box on the form to indicate if the form is valid for 6 months or for 12 months after the date of the eye test. You must complete form MV-44. Mail the forms and the fee of $10 to your local DMV office.
The DMV mails your new photo driver license with the restriction removed in approximately three weeks.
At a local DMV Office: Complete form MV-44. Pass the vision test at the DMV office and pay the fee of $10. The DMV office issues you a temporary driver license without a photo and with the restriction removed. The DMV mails your new photo driver license with the restriction removed in approximately three weeks.
Medical Conditions of a Driver and Accident Re-examination
The DMV considers each case of a possible medical condition separately. The DMV does not consider the age of a driver in these cases. The DMV acts when it has information that a driver has a possible condition that can affect driving skills.
NYS law and DMV procedures identify conditions that require a driver to take a re-examination.
Possible Medical Conditions
The DMV receives information about the possible conditions of a driver from many sources. Drivers can provide the information in answers about medical conditions on a driver license application or a renewal form. The DMV can receive information about medical conditions from an accident report, a physician's report, a police report, a report by a member of the family of the driver, or from another citizen.
Physician's Reports: If a physician reports a condition that can affect the driving skills of a patient, the DMV can suspend the driver license. The DMV suspends the driver license until a physician provides a certification that the condition is treated or controlled and does not affect driving skills. The DMV can require that the physician certify again in the future that the condition is controlled and not dangerous. If the DMV does not receive the required certification, the DMV can suspend the driver license until it receives the certification.
A physician can use form DS-6 (Physician's Request for Driver Review) to report the condition to the DMV. Only a licensed physician can use form DS-6.
Other Reports: If the DMV receives a report from a person who is not a physician, the DMV decides each case separately. The DMV can schedule a re-examination for the driver, or an evaluation interview with a license examiner.
After an evaluation interview, the license examiner can require that the driver take a re-examination or ask for other specific tests. The license examiner decides if a re-examination or specific tests are required.
A re-examination can include a vision test, a written test, a road test or two or more of these tests. If the driver does not appear for a re-examination or does not pass the tests, the DMV suspends or revokes the driver license.
To report possible medical conditions, complete form DS-7 (Request For Driver Review). This form provides the only method to report a possible medical condition. Make sure that you include all the required information and that you provide the details about the condition of the driver. A notary public must observe that you sign the form and then must notarize the form. Send the original completed form to:
Driver Improvement Bureau
NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
6 Empire State Plaza
Room 220A
Albany, NY 12228
The DMV does not accept reports by e-mail or by telephone. The DMV decides the action to take or can decide to take no action.
Privacy. If a person uses the Freedom of Information Law to request a copy of the form that you filed, the DMV does not disclose your name or other information that identifies you. If the person who sends the report is a person who is in a position of authority, (for example, a physician or a police officer) the DMV does disclose the name of the person who sent the report.
Accident Re-examination Program
The DMV Accident Re-examination Program identifies those drivers who have a series of motor vehicle accidents. The DMV requires some drivers to take a re-examination. A re-examination normally includes a vision test, a written test, and a road test. The DMV uses the following standards to identify drivers to participate in the Accident Re-examination Program:
- All drivers who have three accidents in a six-month period are notified to take a re-examination.
- All drivers who are between 25 and 65 years of age and who have three accidents in a period of six to nine months receive a "Re-examination Questionnaire." The DMV evaluates the answers to the questionnaire and decides if the driver must take a re-examination.
- All drivers who are under the age of 25 or who are over the age of 65 and who have three accidents in nine months are notified to take a re-examination.
Actions Taken
If the driver does not appear for a re-examination or does not pass the required tests, the DMV suspends or revokes the driver license. If the driver does not appear for an evaluation interview or does not provide the required medical certification or re-certification, the DMV suspends the driver license until the driver complies with the requirements.
