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.
You must have a valid, unexpired license to operate a vehicle in New York State. It’s fast and easy to renew online. The DMV has more information about how to renew a license or how to renew a non-driver ID. What is an Enhanced Driver License (EDL)? An Enhanced license (permit, or non-driver ID) is a New York State DMV issued document that you can use instead of a passport to return to the US by land or sea from Canada, Mexico and some countries in the Caribbean. New York DMV Driver's License. This New York DMV practice test has just been updated for May 2021 and covers 40 of the most essential road signs and rules questions directly from the 2021 official NY Driver Handbook. Everybody needs a little help sometime, We’ve created this test to help you get ready for your permit exam quickly and easily.
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.
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!
Dmv.gov Drivers License Ny
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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Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Driver's License
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:
Lost Drivers License Ny Dmv
- 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:
Ny Dmv Drivers License Renewal
- 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:
Email the link to this form