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Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to file a police report if my license was lost or stolen?
Although it is not mandatory, it is recommended that you notify local authorities about your lost or stolen drivers license. By doing so, you will be able to protect yourself from identify theft and fraud. Bring the police report to the DMV when you apply for a replacement driver’s license and the duplicate driver’s license fee will be waived.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New York Driver’s License or ID Card

How can I obtain a copy of the driver manual?
For your convenience, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles offers an online version of the Driver Manual on their website. To get a copy of the official Driver’s Manual, call your local DMV office. To learn more about getting a drivers license, visit our New License page.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in New York

How can I renew my drivers license?
Renewing drivers license documents in New York is simple, and you can choose from three separate methods:
  • Online
  • By mail
  • In person

Online

In order to renew your NY drivers license online at the NY DMV website, you must meet the requirements of the Department of Motor Vehicles:

  • You cannot have changed your address
  • You are not going to remove a hearing or vision restriction from your license
  • You cannot have a valid without photo license
  • You cannot have a suspended, revoked, or restricted license
  • Your Social Security number must already be on file
  • You are not applying for an enhanced driver license
  • You do not have residency out of the United States

By Mail

To send in your application for renewal by mail, you must make sure to enclose:

In Person

Renewing in person is very common in the state of New York. Just remember to bring the following documentation to complete the process:

Keep in mind that fees may vary.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in New York

How do I apply for a drivers license?
You must be at least 16 years old in order to apply for a New York drivers license. If you meet the age requirement, then you must first:
  • Apply for a learners permit at a local DMV office.
  • Pass the written exam or take a drivers education course.
  • Hold your permit for six months and drive with a supervisor for at least 50 hours.

Once you have met these qualifications, then you can:

Keep in mind that you must show proof of passing a pre-licensing course or a drivers ed class in order to take the driving test and obtain your license.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in New York

How do I get a hardship license?
Only certain cases allow a driver to be eligible for a conditioned or restricted drivers license. If you have a suspended drivers license, you can verify whether or not you are eligible by looking over the NY DMV letter you will receive in the mail. Thereafter, follow the proper steps and instructions as stated in the letter.

A DUI attorney can help you file for a hardship license if you lost your driving privileges for drinking and driving.

For more information: Suspended License Information for New York

How do I get a replacement license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?
If you lost drivers license documentation while on active duty, then you can make a replacement request by mail. Simply send out the proper application form, along with copies of proof of identity and any applicable fees to the following address:

NYS Department of Motor Vehicles 207 Genesee Street, Suite 6 Utica, NY 13501-2874

For further assistance, call the NY DMV hotline at 518-473-5595. Keep in mind that you must have your replacement license sent to a United States address.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New York Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I know if my license was mailed after it has been restored?
Give roughly three business days after your suspension termination fee has been paid to check the status of your NY drivers license. This will allow the DMV system to update itself with the most up-to-date information about the status of your reinstated drivers license. You can do so on the Photo Document Mailing Status page of the NY DMV website.

For more information: Suspended License Information for New York

How do I obtain a duplicate license?
The NY DMV allows you to obtain a duplicate drivers license in one of three ways: in person, online or by mail. If you choose to apply in person, you will be required to present proof of identity, as well as fill out the proper Application for Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (Form MV-44). If you apply by mail, you will need to send copies of your proof of identity to the following address:

NYS Department of Motor Vehicles 207 Genesee Street, Suite 6 Utica, NY 13501-2874

To find a DMV office near you, enter your ZIP code here.

To apply online, simply visit the NY DMV website.

Keep in mind that regardless of which method you choose to get a replacement, a select fee will apply.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New York Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I reinstate my suspended license?
The process of reinstating suspended drivers license credentials first requires you to comply with your suspension period, then you can reinstate your NY drivers license by visiting the closest DMV office and paying the fee according to the offense you committed. Take into account that there may be additional fees to pay.

If you have been convicted of a DUI, you may need to complete a Drinking Driver Program (DDP) before your license can be reinstated. If you have various DUI-related charges, you may be required to serve jail time. The letter you receive in the mail regarding your suspension period will state your reinstatement requirements.

For more information: Suspended License Information for New York

How do I renew my license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?
Members of the military who are currently on active duty can extend the deadline and put off the drivers license renewal process by filling out a Notification of Military Service form. This form must indicate:
  • The date of entering military service.
  • Your current active duty status.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in New York

How do I replace my license if I am a non-U.S. citizen?
Just like a U.S. citizen, in order to replace drivers license credentials, you will need to present proof of identity. For non-U.S. citizens, some acceptable documents include the following:
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Refugee Travel Document
  • Reentry Permit
  • Foreign Passport with a valid I-551 stamp
  • Foreign Passport with a Visa
  • United States health insurance card
  • Valid Employment Authorization Card
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Certificate of Citizenship

For a full list of acceptable documentation, visit the NY DMV website.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New York Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I replace my license if I lost it out of state?
If you lost drivers license documentation out of state, then you can make a replacement request by mail. Simply send out the proper application form, along with copies of proof of identity and your required fee to the following address:

NYS Department of Motor Vehicles 207 Genesee Street, Suite 6 Utica, NY 13501-2874

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New York Driver’s License or ID Card

How does the DMV check my vision?
The NY DMV performs a vision test in person when a new driver’s license is being issued. Every time a driver’s license is renewed, a vision test is performed again, whether it is in person, online or by mail.

When renewing online, visit the NY DMV Online Vision Registry to see if your optometrist is in the DMV’s database.

When you renew by mail or in person, complete and submit a Vision Test Report (Form MV-619).

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in New York

How long will I have a suspended license for not taking a chemical test?
New York is an “Implied Consent” state. This means that by getting behind the wheel of a car, you have given your automatic consent to taking a chemical test if questioned. If you refuse, your driving privileges are suspended for one year.

For more information: Suspended License Information for New York

How soon can I renew my driver’s license?
NY drivers license renewal can be performed up to one year before your license expires. You have the option to renew a driver’s license in person, online or by mail. To renew online though, there are certain eligibilities you must first meet.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in New York

If I file a police report, will my replacement fee be waived?
Yes, your NY drivers license replacement fee will be waived when you present a completed Police Report Form MV-78B provided by the police. In the event your drivers license was lost or stolen, it is recommended to always notify local law enforcement. In doing so, you can decrease the chances of identity theft.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New York Driver’s License or ID Card

Is there an age limit to renew your license?
No, there is not an age limit for drivers license renewal. New York seniors do not have an accelerated renewal time nor are required to go in person. All NY drivers must submit a vision test, therefore seniors will be required to follow the same vision test standards as others.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in New York

What address will my replacement license be mailed to?
Your NY drivers license copy will be sent to the address on file with the DMV. If you wish to change this address, you must contact the DMV ahead of time.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New York Driver’s License or ID Card

What are requirements for seniors to renew a driving license?
Senior citizens abide by the same requirements as all other New York drivers. They are given the chance to renew their driving license online up to one year before it expires but no more than two years after its expiration. Seniors have the chance to renew:
  • Online.
  • In person.
  • By mail.

All NY drivers, including seniors, must provide proof of a vision test in the form of an official Vision Test Report completed by a certified optometrist. They must also provide:

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in New York

What are some violations that may constitute in a suspended license?
Some violations that may result in a New York suspended drivers license are the following:
  • Alcohol violations
  • Drug violations
  • Unpaid traffic tickets
  • Excessive traffic tickets
  • Vehicular homicide, assault or criminal negligence
  • Speed contest
  • Failure to obtain automobile liability insurance
  • Failure to pay child support

For more information: Suspended License Information for New York

What are the consequences of driving with a suspended license?
If you have a NY drivers license suspension, you can get even higher fines than the ones you already have to pay. Jail time, community service, extra points on your New York drivers record, extended suspension period, completion of safe driving courses and even a revocation of your driving privilege can be some of the consequences you face.

For more information: Suspended License Information for New York

What are the fees for a duplicate drivers license?
To replace license credentials, the fee is $17.50 (fees may vary). The NY DMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, credit cards and debit cards.

The drivers license replacement fee can be waived if your license was lost or stolen by bringing a copy of the police report.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New York Driver’s License or ID Card

What are the reinstatement fees I will have to pay for a suspended license?
Your reinstatement fees will vary depending on the violation(s) you have committed. However, if you have received a definite drivers license suspension, whereby your suspension period has a beginning and an end date, then you will need to pay a suspension termination fee before you can restore your drivers license. The suspension termination fee is $50. This fee is higher for those who have broken the NY Zero Tolerance No Alcohol law; in that case it is $100.

For more information: Suspended License Information for New York

What are the suspensions eligible for a hardship license?
If you have a suspended driving license, there are certain cases whereby a driver can be eligible to drive with a conditional or restricted license in the state of New York. If this applies to you, you will receive a letter in the mail from the NY DMV about what to do next.

For more information: Suspended License Information for New York

What do I need to do to get my driver’s license if I fail the driving test?
If you fail your road skills exam, your learners permit will still be valid until its posted expiration date. However, if your permit expires before your next driving test, you are required to renew it.

You will be able to schedule your next road skills exam for a New York drivers license as long as you pay the additional fees (if you failed your first two attempts) and wait at least one day after failing a test to schedule your next attempt.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in New York

What documents do I need to get my drivers license?
In order to get your driving license, you will need to provide the following while at the New York Department of Motor Vehicles office:

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in New York

What documents do I need to present to renew my drivers license?
In order to go through drivers license renewal in New York, you must provide the following documentation:

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in New York

What documents will I need to present to replace my drivers license?
To get a NY duplicate drivers license, you will need to show proof of identity. This must include one document with proof of date of birth, and another with proof of name.

For example, acceptable documents can include any of the following:

  • United States birth certificate
  • Certificate of Citizenship
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • United States passport

Keep in mind that one document must bear your signature, and only originals will be accepted.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New York Driver’s License or ID Card

What languages is the written test available in?
The written drivers license exam is offered by the NY DMV in the following languages:
  • Albanian
  • Arabic
  • Bosnian
  • Cambodian
  • Chinese
  • English
  • French
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Polish
  • Russian
  • Spanish

Make an appointment with your local DMV to take a written test.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in New York

What penalties will I face if I do not renew my expired drivers license?
If you wait until you have an expired drivers license, which takes effect two years after the expiration date, the process for renewal becomes much more difficult. Now, when you choose to renew your license, you will be required to:
  • Take a vision test.
  • Re-take a pre-licensing course.
  • Retake the written knowledge test.
  • Retake the road skills exam.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in New York

What should I do if I have not received my renewed license?
When applying to renew drivers license privileges in New York, wait two weeks from the date of your submission to receive your new license in the mail. You can even check the mailing status of your application on the NY DMV website by providing your:
  • Client ID number or your name.
  • Gender.
  • Birthdate.

After two weeks, it is recommended that you contact the NY DMV directly.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in New York

What tests will I need to take for my drivers license?
You will have to take and pass three exams in order to get your license to drive in New York. These include:
  • The written test
  • The road skills exam
  • A vision test

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in New York

What type of noncommercial license will I need?
The Class D operator license is the most common driving license in New York. It is issued to those drivers who are 18 years or older or who are 17 and have a driver s education. This kind of license allows you to drive standard passenger vehicles and trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of at the most 26,000 pounds.

Motorcycle licenses are also available to New York residents.

If you are younger than 18, you must first get a learners permit. Visit our Learner’s Permit page for more details.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in New York

When can I reinstate my license after it has been suspended?
To reinstate suspended drivers licenses, NY drivers must wait for the suspension period to complete. Any other requirements must be met, including but not limited to any reinstatement fees, alcohol and drug awareness courses or traffic school classes you may need to take.

For more information: Suspended License Information for New York

When will I need to renew my license?
The NY DMV will send you a renewal notice approximately 50 days before your license expires. You have up to one year before and up to two years after its expiration date to renew drivers license documents.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in New York

When will I receive a replacement license after applying?
You will receive a replacement driver’s license within two weeks of requesting one. Whether you order a replacement driving license in person, by mail or online, the wait time for a duplicate drivers license is two weeks.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New York Driver’s License or ID Card

Where can I check to see if my license is suspended?
You can check to see if you have a revoked drivers license or a suspended license by visiting the New York myDMV page. Once there, you will be asked to create your own account before seeing the current status of your license.

For more information: Suspended License Information for New York

Where can I get a new drivers license?
In New York, you must go to a DMV in person to take the written test, road skills exam and complete the new driver’s license applications. The process varies depending on your age. If you are new to New York and have a valid out-of-state drivers license, visit the New License page for more information. If you are a NY resident 18 or older getting a new drivers license, also visit the New License page. For all NY drivers younger than 18, review the Learner’s Permit page for more details.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in New York

Will I be required to take a vision test for a drivers license renewal?
Yes, a vision test report is required when you go to renew license privileges, regardless of whether you choose to do so online, in person, or by mail. If you renew your drivers license online, the NY DMV Online Vision Registry will determine if your optometrist is within the database, and will then be contacted. To renew by mail and pass vision testing standards, submit a completed and signed Vision Test Report (Form MV-619).

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in New York

Will I get a drivers license renewal notice in the mail?
The New York Department of Motor Vehicles typically sends out renewal notices about 50 days before your drivers license is set to expire. However, even if you do not receive a notice, you are required to complete drivers license renewal in New York by filling out an Application for Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (Form MV-44).

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in New York