You must replace a damaged or lost drivers license in New York through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV offers drivers license replacement services for all three of the types of licenses it issues. Whether replacing an enhanced, Federal REAL ID or standard credential, you have several options for prompt replacement in the event your license is marred or missing. The documents needed to complete the request for a copy vary depending on the type of credential.

Duplicate drivers license services are offered in New York online, by mail or in person at your local NY DMV office. The DMV provides an interactive document guide to help you choose the proper forms of identification for license replacement. Study the details included below to learn how to replace drivers license documents and find out the fees associated with the process.

When is a replacement drivers license required in New York?

You are required to maintain a valid copy of drivers license credentials when driving a vehicle in the state. Therefore, you should promptly replace drivers license in NY whenever your original license is lost, stolen or incurs a significant amount of damage. For example, if some of the text on your document is illegible or the photo is no longer clear, then you must replace your license.

Since driving in New York without a valid license is illegal, delaying to obtain a copy puts you at risk for being ticketed by the police. Also, consider the practical reasons to replace lost drivers license credentials quickly, such as avoiding the inconvenience of daily transactions without having your primary form of photo identification on hand.

You must replace drivers license documentation following a name or address change, and you should replace a license photo that no longer resembles your current physical appearance. A state-issued drivers license is used as a form of identification for most transactions. Information and identifying details should be accurate and up to date.

A name change on a driver license is mandatory following a legal change such as after a marriage, divorce or court order.

How to Replace Your Drivers License Online in New York

You may obtain a drivers license copy online in NY as long as none of the following statements apply to you:

• You are 25 years of age or older and you have replaced a lost drivers license online within the past 30 days.
• You are younger than 25 years of age and have ordered a replacement drivers license
• You want to get an Enhanced or REAL ID license for the first time.
• You have a restricted or conditional drivers license.
• Your current credentials say “Valid without Photo.”

Access the online replacement drivers license portal through the NY DMV’s website. Make sure that the DMV has your correct mailing address on file. You will need to update it first if it is not. Likewise, you may consider renewing your drivers license if you are in the renewal period instead of requesting a replacement, as this will save you a step.

You will begin the DMV duplicate license process by entering your name, date of birth, driver’s license number or the last four digits of your Social Security Number, your current ZIP Code and a valid email address. Follow the prompts to complete your application and pay your fee by credit or debit card.

Note: If you are turning 21 soon, then make sure that you get copy of drivers license ordered within 40 days of your birthday to receive a license without the words “Under 21” printed on the front.

How to Replace Your Drivers License by Mail in New York

You may replace drivers license documentation in New York easily by mail when you download and complete the application form.

When replacing drivers license credentials by mail, you will need to enclose a photocopy of proper proof of identification, chosen from the lengthy list of acceptable documents listed on the DMV’s website. Include your fee payment and mail all paperwork to the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles in Utica.

How to Replace Your New York Drivers License in Person

Depending on which type of duplicate drivers license you desire, go to one of the local NY DMV offices and complete the applicable application. Bring original copies of your proof of ID, chosen from the DMV list of acceptable documents and payment for the fee. You will receive a temporary copy of drivers license to use until your new document arrives by mail within two weeks.

Out-of-State Drivers License Replacement in New York

If you are wondering, “Where can I get a copy of my drivers license from out of state?” then you can simply request one using the online or by-mail methods as described above. You must use the by-mail form of drivers license replacement if you are living abroad. If your card was actually stolen, then file a police report in the town or city where the theft occurred.

How to Report a Missing Drivers License in New York

The NY DMV always recommends filing a police report if you need a drivers license replacement due to theft of your wallet or purse. Contact your local law enforcement agency to report the incident. You may also ask for a form can that only be obtained from police agencies and must be submitted when you get copy of drivers license to receive a waiver of your replacement fee.

New York Drivers License Replacement Fees

Regardless of the method of replacing drivers license documents, the NY DMV charges a duplication fee of $17.50. As described above, if you obtain your drivers license replacement by mail or in person, then you may pay by credit or debit card or a check or money order made payable to “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.”

If you replace credentials online, then you must use a valid American Express, MasterCard, Visa or Discover card for the fee payment.

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