New York REAL ID Driver's License. The New York DMV issues federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses in addition to non-compliant licenses. As of October 1, 2021, only the REAL ID will function as federal identification for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings—a standard license will not after this date.Enhanced licenses in NY are automatically. Getting your driver’s license is a big deal—so why leave it to chance? Set yourself up for success with our free New York permit and license practice test. With information taken directly from the NY driver handbook, you have access to real questions you may face at the DMV and can get a feel for the format of the actual exam.
COVID-19 Effects on Licensing Services
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, state DMVs nationwide have closed driver licensing offices, extended license and registration expiration dates, and/or limited the transactions they are processing. If possible, residents should use the DMV's online services to complete any relevant transactions. Follow the DMV's most recent updates for the latest information.
How to renew your New York driver's license:
- Renew online on the New York DMV website and pay the $64.50 fee.
- Mail your completed renewal notice.
OR - Visit a NY DMV office, complete your renewal notice/Application for Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (Form MV-44), and pay the fee.
For more details on each driver's license renewal option, keep reading!
Ready to renew your NY driver's license so you can stay legal on the roads?
Look no further—we've got the guide you need to keep your license in good standing, including your renewal method options, documents, and forms.
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NY REAL ID Driver's Licenses
The New York DMV issues REAL ID driver's licenses and identifications in addition to standard driver’s licenses. REAL IDs allow you to use your license for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings.
While REAL IDs are NOT mandatory, you can choose to receive one upon renewal—it will be treated as a first-time application, due to the documents you'll need to bring in. Visit our guide to applying for a new driver's license in New York for details on the application process.
When to Renew Your NY Driver's License
The New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will mail your renewal notice before your NY driver's license expires. As a convenience, you can renew your valid NYS driver's license at any time up to 1 year before its expiration date.
If you have a NY driver's license that expires when you turn 21 years old, you will receive a NY driver's license:
- Without “UNDER 21' displayed, if you renew within 40 days before your card expires.
- With “UNDER 21' displayed, if you renew more than 40 days before your card expires.
If you have a valid NY driver license, you can renew it up to 1 year before and no more than 2 years after it expires. Active military can have your license's validity extended during your service and for a period after your discharge. SeeNY Military Driver License Renewalsbelow for more information.
Your requirements may differ if your license is NOT valid, but rather is one of the following:
- Expired.
- Suspended.
- Lost, stolen, or damaged.
To find out the status of your NY state driver's license, you will need to visit the NY DMV website and sign up for a MyDMV account. If you fall into one of the above categories, find your option below for details.
Expired Driver's License
If it has been 2 years or less since your NY driver's license expired, you can still renew it.
If you wait more than 2 years after your NY driver's license expires, you must reapply for a driver license in New York. This process includes a vision test, writtentest, roadtest, and pre-licensing course.
For more information, please read our pages about applying for a NY license for adult drivers age 18 and over or teen drivers.
NOTE: Do NOT drive if your NY driver license or learner's permit has expired. If an officer pulls you over, you will be cited and responsible for paying any fines, surcharges, and other penalties.
Suspended Driver's License
If your New York driver's license is suspended/revoked, you cannot renew it. You may instead apply for a NY state ID card. The New York DMV will ask you to surrender your NYS driver's license.
Visit our pages about NY Identification Cards and NY Suspended Licenses for more information.
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Need to figure out if your driver's license is valid or suspended? Check your driving record and stay on track!
Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Driver's License
Renew Driver's License Ny Dmv
If your NY driver's license has been lost, stolen, or damaged, and you need it to prove your identity when renewing, read our page about Replacing a Lost License in New York.
Renewal Requirements in NY
The New York Department of Motor Vehicles allows you to renew NY driver's licenses online up to 1 year before and no more than 2 years after it expires.
You may renew your NY driver license online, bymail, or inperson at your local New York DMV office.
NOTE: If you would like to update your NY driver's license photo, you must apply inperson. If you wish to renew your license and obtain an enhanced ID or REAL ID, visit our applying for a new driver's license in New York page for details on the application process.
You should allow 2 weeks from the date the NY DMV processes your application to receive your renewed NY driver license bymail. You may check the mailing status of your renewal application on the NY DMV website. You'll need to provide your:
- Client ID number OR name.
- Date of birth.
- Gender.
Vision Test Requirements
Whether you're renewing your NY driver's license online, bymail, or inperson, you must provide proof of your vision test.
If your optometrist is registered in the DMV Online Vision Registry, the NY DMV will be notified automatically.
If you're eligible to renew online, you'll be asked whether you:
- Use a hearing aid or full-view mirror.
- Were treated for the loss of the use of a leg, arm, foot, or eye, or other conditions that cause unconsciousness.
Otherwise, when you renew your NY driver's license bymail or inperson, you can provide a Vision Test Report (Form MV-619).
Please visit the New York DMV website for more information about the NY driver license vision test.
Non-U.S. Citizens
If your optometrist is located out of the country, he or she can complete the Vision Test Report (Form MV-619) but it must:
- Include a professional license number.
- Show the results in English.
- Show results on the “Snellen Visual Acuity Scale.'
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NY License Renewal Options
Depending on your eligibility and circumstances, you may be able to renew your New Your driver's license:
- Online.
- By mail.
- In person.
We'll go through each of these options below.
Enhanced/REAL ID Updates
If you wish to update your standard driver's license to an Enhanced or REAL ID license upon renewal, you MUST visit a DMV office in person.
Renew Online
If you're eligible to renew your NY driver license online, you'll need to visit the New York State MyDMV website and create an account, if you do not already have one.
There are no additional fees to use the NY MyDMV online renewal service. To find out how much your NY driver's license renewal will cost, see License Renewal Fees below.
Eligibility Requirements
Enhanced/REAL ID Renewals Online
If you already have an enhanced ID or REAL ID, you will be able to renew it online.
If you wish to update your standard license to an Enhanced or REAL ID license upon renewal, you MUST visit a DMV office in person.
You cannot renew your New York driver's license online if you have:
- NOT provided your Social Security number to the NY DMV previously.
- A regular NY driver license and would like to convert to an Enhanced Driver License (EDL) or REAL ID.
- A conditional, suspended, revoked, or restricted driver license.
- A NY driver's license that shows 'Valid Without Photo.'
- Residency outside of the United States (including military addresses).
- A vision or hearing restriction you would like to remove.
- A different address than what is listed on your NY DMV records.
The Department of Motor Vehicles provides additional NY driver's license online renewal restrictions.
NOTE: If you wish to renew your license and obtain an enhanced ID or REAL ID, you will need to visit your NY DMV office in person. Visit our applying for a new driver's license in New York page for details on the application process. However, if you already have an enhanced ID or REAL ID, you will be able to renew it online.
Renew by Mail
Want to update to an Enhanced or REAL ID?
If you wish to update your standard driver's license to an Enhanced or REAL ID license upon renewal, you MUST visit a DMV office in person.
To renew your NY driver's license with by mail, you'll need:- Proof of your vision test results (see Renewal Requirements in NY above for more information).
- A completed and signed NY driver's license renewal notice.
- If you do not have your renewal notice, complete the Application for Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (Form MV-44). You will also need to provide proof of your identity.
- Payment for your applicable fee (see License Renewal Fees below).
To receive your renewed card by:
- Regular mail: Send the above to the address on the form.
- Express mail: Send the above plus a pre-paid, pre-addressed express mail envelope to the address listed on the form.
The New York DMV will send your renewed NY driver license within 2 weeks of processing. If you haven't received your renewed driver's license, you can check the status of your order by contacting the NY DMV.
NOTE: If you wish to renew your license and obtain an enhanced ID or REAL ID, visit our applying for a new driver's license in New York page for details on the application process.
Renew in Person
The New York DMV will send your NY driver's license renewal notice approximately 50 days before the expiration date.
To renew your NY driver license inperson at your local NY DMV office, you'll need:
- A completed and signed renewal notice.
- If you do not have your renewal notice, complete an Application for Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (Form MV-44).
- Proof of your vision test results (see Renewal Requirements in NY above for more information).
- Payment for your applicable fee. See License Renewal Fees below for details.
NOTE: If you wish to renew your license and obtain an enhanced ID or REAL ID, visit our applying for a new driver's license in New York page for details on the application process.
NY Military Driver License Renewals
Notice for Military Members Stationed in Germany
If you are currently stationed in Germany, please be aware that some states require you to have a valid U.S. driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license. Read our article for more information.
If you're stationed outside of New York on active military duty, your license is automatically extended for 6 months after your return to the state or discharge from the service. You can also complete and mail a Notification of Military Service (Form MV-75) to make sure that your driving record isn't purged from the DMV systemif your license expires while you're out of state.
If your NY driver license expires before you're able to complete and submit your form, you must mail the form and a letter from your commanding officer validating:
- The date you entered military service (must be earlier than the date your NYS driver license expired).
- Your active duty status.
After submitting your form, you may renew your driver license by mail, or submit your NY driver license renewal when you return to New York.
License Renewal Fees in NY
Each of the following NY driver's licenses is valid for 8 years. See below for information about supplemental fees and whether or not they apply to you.
- Class E :
- $112.50 (without MCTD fee).
- $128.50 (including MCTD fee).
- Class D, Class DJ or Non-CDL Class C:
- $64.50 (without MCTD fee)
- $80.50 (including MCTD fee).
- Class M or Class MJ:
- $72.50 (without MCTD fee)
- $88.50 (including MCTD fee).
If you also have a Class M or Class MJ endorsement on your Class E, D, DJ, or non-CDL Class C license, you will need to add $8 to the above fee.
Supplemental Fees
If you live within the following counties, you must pay a supplemental fee of $1 to the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD) for every 6 months your driver license is valid:
- Bronx.
- Kings (Brooklyn).
- New York (Manhattan).
- Queens.
- Richmond (Staten Island).
- Dutchess.
- Nassau.
- Orange.
- Putnam.
- Rockland.
- Suffolk.
- Westchester.
The NY driver license renewal fees above list both the original and total prices.
Accepted Payment Methods
For onlinetransactions, you may use the following credit cards:
- American Express.
- Discover Card/Novus.
- MasterCard.
- VISA.
For transactions by mail, payment must be made by check or money order payable to “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.'
For most NY DMV transactions inperson, you can pay with:
- Major credit or debit cards.
- Personal checks.
- Money orders.
- Cash.
Contact your local NY driver license office to find out which payment methods are accepted.
Forms
This form is provided by your state's agency/department.
Please select one of the below to continue:
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COVID-19 Effects on Licensing Services
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, state DMVs nationwide have closed driver licensing offices, extended license and registration expiration dates, and/or limited the transactions they are processing. If possible, residents should use the DMV's online services to complete any relevant transactions. Follow the DMV's most recent updates for the latest information.
Applying for a Teen Driver's License in New York
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is responsible for issuing driver's licenses and ID cards to all teen drivers in New York.
Prior to applying for your first New York driver's license, you must satisfy the New York graduated driver license law (GDL) requirements.
New York REAL ID Driver's License
Ny Dmv Appointment
The New York DMV issues federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses in addition to non-compliant licenses. As of October 1, 2021, only the REAL ID will function as federal identification for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings—a standard license will not after this date. Enhanced licenses in NY are automatically REAL ID-compliant.
You have the choice to apply for a non-compliant license or upgrade to a REAL ID license—we'll walk you through the requirements below. For more detail, visit the NY DMV's guide to REAL IDs.
New to New York?
If you are younger than 16 years old, you are not allowed to drive in New York under any circumstances―even if you hold a permit or driver's license in another state.
If you already have a full driver's license in another state, you must apply for a NY driver's license within 30 days and surrender your previous out-of-state license. You CANNOT exchange an out-of-state learner's permit for a NY learner's permit or driver's license.
To exchange your out-of-state driver's license, visit a NY DMV office and:
- Surrender your out-of-state driver's license, if you have it.
- Submit a completed Application for Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (Form MV-44).
- Show proof of your identity.
- If you wish to upgrade to a NY REAL ID or enhanced license, follow the steps below for submitting the proper identity and residency documents.
- Show your Social Security card or proof of your ineligibility.
- Pass a vision exam OR submit a completed Vision Test Report (Form MV-619).
- Pay the driver's license fee.
New York Graduated License Program (GDL)
Since teen drivers do not have the same level of driving experience as adult drivers, New York has a GDL program in place which requires you to earn your driver's license in stages based on age and experience. In New York, you must complete the following phases:
- Learner's permit.
- Junior driver's license/provisional license.
- Senior driver's license.
Driver's Education in New York
To schedule a road test and apply for your junior driver's license in New York, you must present a certificate of completion for either:
- A state-approved driver's education course.
OR - A NY pre-licensing course.
At 17 years old, you are eligible to change your junior driver's license to a senior driver's license if you complete a state-approved Driver's Ed course. To do so, present your Driver Education Certificate (Form MV-285) to the NY DMV, along with your junior driver's license.
If you do not complete a driver's education program, you must wait until you are 18 years old to obtain your senior driver's license.
NY Age Requirements
- 16 years old: Eligible for learner's permit.
- 16 years old with permit: Eligible for junior driver's license/provisional license.
- 17 years old (with driver's education): Eligible for senior driver's license.
- 18 years old (without driver's education): Eligible for senior driver's license.
New York Learner's Permit
If you're at least 16 years old, you can apply for a New York learner's permit. Before you go, decide whether you want a REAL ID-compliant permit or a non-compliant one. Remember, only the REAL ID will let you board an airplane using your license starting October 1, 2020. You can use the NY DMV's document walk-through to figure out which credential you're eligible for based on the proofs you plan to bring.
To obtain your NY learner's permit, head to your local NY DMV office and:
- Provide proof of your identity and date of birth based on what license type you want:
- REAL ID or enhanced permit—Submit proof of:
- Your name and birthdate (i.e., your birth certificate or passport).
- U.S. citizenship or legal presence.
- Social Security number.
- NY residency (2 documents).
- Standard permit—Bring proofs of your name,birthdate, and SSN. The New York DMV provides a list of acceptable proofs and point values.
- REAL ID or enhanced permit—Submit proof of:
- Submit a completed Application for Driver License or Non-Driver ID (Form MV-44) with your parent or guardian's signature of consent.
- Pass a visiontest, or bring a completed Vision Test Report (Form MV-619) from your eye doctor.
- Pass the writtenpermittest.
- Pay the applicable permit fee.
- This varies based upon your age and county of residence. Visit the NY DMV's fees page for a complete list of permit and license fees.
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Behind-the-Wheel Experience & Driving Restrictions
Once you have your learner's permit, you must complete either a NY pre-licensing course or high school or college Driver's Ed course. For more information, visit our Driver's Ed in New York page.
You must hold your learner's permit for at least 6 months before you can take your road test. You must also complete at least 50 hours of driving, including 15 hours at night.
You must follow the following restrictions until you obtain your junior New York driver's license:
- You can only drive while accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 years old or older.
- You and all passengers must wear seat belts or proper child restraints at all times.
- You may NOT drive:
- In a DMV road-test area.
- On any street within a park in New York City, or on any bridge or tunnel within the jurisdiction of the Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority.
- On the following parkways in Westchester County:
- Cross County Parkway.
- Hutchinson River Parkway.
- Saw Mill River Parkway.
- Taconic State Parkway.
There are other restrictions you may need to follow depending on which areas in New York you will be driving:
- Upstate New York.
- New York City.
- Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk).
New York Provisional License
After you've held your NY learner's permit for at least 6 months, you're ready to get your junior driver's license. Make sure you've completed your required 50 hours of supervised driving, including 15 hours at night.
To apply, make an appointment for your road test at your local DMV road testing location. If there is bad weather or road construction in your area, you should check for cancellations of tests, delays or closing by visiting the NY DMV website or calling (518) 402-2100. Be sure to bring:
- Your learner's permit.
- If you did NOT obtain a REAL ID or enhanced permit and wish to upgrade to an enhanced or REAL ID license now, bring the required proofsoutlined above.
- Any of the following documents showing proof of driver education completion:
- Driver's Education Certificate (Form MV-285).
- A pre-licensing course certificate (Form MV-278).
- A Certification of Supervised Driving (Form MV-262) completed by your parent/guardian, certifying that you completed your 50 hours of supervised driving.
- The registration and proof of insurance for the vehicle you're testing in.
- Payment for any applicable fees.
After you pass your DMV road test, you will receive your Class JD junior driver's license.
NY Junior Driver's License Driving Restrictions
While you have your provisional license, you will need to follow certain restrictions depending on where you will be driving:
- Upstate New York.
- New York City.
- Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk).
If you break any of these rules or are convicted of any other traffic violation, your junior license will be suspended for 60 days. If you are convicted of another violation within 6 months of reinstating your driving privileges, the NY DMV will revoke your license for 60 days.
There are other restrictions you may need to follow depending on which areas in New York you will be driving. Visit the NY DMV website for more information.
You will receive your full driver's license once you turn 18 years old. If you've taken Driver's Ed, you are eligible for your full driver's license when you are 17 years old.
TEENS Program in New York
If you're a parent of a NY teen, you can monitor your child's driving record with the DMV's Teen Electronic Event Notification Service (TEENS). The program will notify you if certain incidents appear on your teen's driving record, such as:
- Tickets.
- Traffic violation convictions.
- License suspensions.
- Certain accidents.
There is no fee for utilizing the notification service. If you wish to enroll in TEENS, you may do so online via MyDMV, or in person at your local DMV office.
If you choose to enroll an out-of-state learner's permit, you must fill out the Teen Electronic Event Notification Service (TEENS) Enrollment and Consent (Form MV-TEENS) and submit it when your teen applies for their learner's permit.
NOTE: The program will automatically expire when your teen turns 18 years old.
New York Senior Driver's License
Once you turn 18 years old, the NY DMV will automatically upgrade your junior driver's license/provisional license to a senior driver's license. Your new license will arrive in the mail.
As mentioned above, you can upgrade to your senior driver's license at 17 years old if you've taken a Driver's Ed course. Simply bring the Driver's Education Certificate (Form MV-285) to the DMV office with your junior driver's license, and you will be issued a senior driver's license.
Track and share your steps as you move towards your full New York driver's license with the new license checklist.
Don't Drive DistractedDistracted driving is among the leading causes of fatal accidents for young drivers. Remember to always keep your eyes on the road while you are driving. You can learn more about the dangers of driving distracted on the Distracted Driving section of our website.
Other New York Teen Driver's Licenses
Teen Motorcycle/Moped Licenses in New York
To ride a motorcycle in New York, you must have a Class M or MJ motorcycle license.
Teens must follow all of the steps and provisions outlined above in the licensing process for a regular NY driver's license, including the requirement for a Driver's Education or pre-licensing course before taking your road test (only if you don't already have another class of driver's license).
To earn your motorcycle permit, you will need to pass a written test at the DMV. You will also need to:
- Complete and submit an Application for Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (Form MV-44).
- Submit acceptable proofs of identity.
- Provide your Social Security number.
- Pay any applicable fees (motorcycle permit fees range from $68.75 to $107.50, depending on your age and location).
The DMV recommends that you complete at least 30 hours of supervised driving practice on your motorcycle before taking your road test to earn your Class MJ motorcycle license. When you feel confident in your skills, make an appointment for your DMV road test and bring the following:
- Your motorcycle learner's permit.
- Any of the following documents showing proof of driver education completion (if you do not already have another class of license):
- Driver's Education Certificate (Form MV-285).
- A NY pre-licensing course certificate (Form MV-278). This course is 5 hours.
- The registration and proof of insurance for the motorcycle you're taking the driving test on.
After you pass your driving test, you will receive a temporary motorcycle license. If you already have a junior or senior driver's license, you may visit a DMV office after 7 days to add your motorcycle endorsement to your license. You will need to:
- Bring your temporary motorcycle license, motorcycle permit, and current junior or senior driver's license to the DMV.
- Fill out an Application for Driver License (Form MV-44) and check the box on the form that says “Change.'
- In the box that says “Other Change,' write “Add Class M (or MJ).'
- Pay the $12.50 driver's license document fee.
You will receive a temporary driver's license, and your new license will be mailed to you in approximately 2 weeks.
If you do not already have a junior or senior driver's license, your motorcycle license will be mailed to you within approximately 2 weeks.
Motorcycle Rider Course
The NY DMV will waive your motorcycle skills test if you complete an approved motorcycle rider skills course. You must be at least 16 years old, and hold a valid New York driver's license AND hold a class M or MJ learner's permit. For more information, please visit the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's New York Program.
Forms
Driver's License Ny Dmv
This form is provided by your state's agency/department.
Please select one of the below to continue: