DMV.com - your advisor for New York DMV issues (not from New York? Select another state)
Only $9.99

Pass Your DMV Test

Be Prepared. Study with the DMV.com 50 questions DMV Practice Test
BONUS - Get 20 Road Sign questions for FREE!

How to Apply for a New Driver's License in New York

Updated on Tue, 1/17/2012

You can apply for a new driver's license at any local DMV office in New York. Obtain a New York Driver's Handbook to familiarize with the driving rules and regulations.

NEW DRIVERS AND FIRST TIME APPLICANTS

Following are the basic requirements for applying for a New York driver's license:

  1. Applicants must be 16 years or older.
  2. Any individual under 18 must provide parental consent and sign the form number MV-44. If 17 years of age, no consent is required if you have the Driver Education Student Certificate of Completion. For additional details, see Beginner Drivers and/or Learner's Permits for Beginner Drivers.
  3. Everyone must pass the vision, written, and driving tests. See Practice Tests and Driver's Handbook for more information on the written examination. Driver education programs can help individuals prepare for their road test.
  4. Applicants must provide six points of acceptable proof of identification.
  5. Applicants must provide a Social Security card.

NEW RESIDENTS

New York residents holding a driver's license from another state need to pass the vision test. You can exchange your out-of-state driver's license for a New York license as long as it is valid, has your photograph and shows the date of issue. However, like other applicants, new residents must provide proof of identification and a Social Security card. Non-US citizens residing in New York do not need to apply for a New York driver's license unless you become a New York resident. You must have a driver's license issued by the country of your citizenship, in addition to an international driving permit.

FEES

The cost for a non-commercial (Class D) New York driver's license varies from $52.50 to $85 according to your age when applying.

LEARNER'S PERMIT

With certain restrictions, an individual can legally drive in New York with a learner's license. See more information on Learner Permits and Junior Licenses.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Reviews of How to Apply for a New Driver's License in New York

Submitted by Derek76 on Tue, 01/17/2012 - 12:11.

I am moving to NY from Ireland and I have a full Irish Drivers licence. I have used my Irish licence extensively in the US over the past 10 years while visiting. But now that I am moving to NY I want to get a NY driver licence. Is it possible for me to exchange my Irish Drivers licence for a NY one? Do I need to take the 5 hour course? and where can I register to do so? Also, is this course available online??

Submitted by thornan on Tue, 11/15/2011 - 23:07.

can i still get a ny license if i have unpaid tickets in another state

Submitted by Miserylong on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 05:20.

Hi im an american citizen but lived my whole live in panama I just moved to nyc to study and was wondering if I have my panamanian license what can I do to get one from nyc? Im 19.

Submitted by tjaycox2011 on Mon, 09/12/2011 - 21:14.

I have a friend who recently moved to NY and is needing to get her driver's license transfered. How much will it cost? She is 25 yrs old.

Submitted by syj on Mon, 08/29/2011 - 21:52.

I got license of washington state and it has been 3 month.

I just moved to new york for college, what do I need to change my license to new york state license? I am 19 btw.

Submitted by deactee on Wed, 08/17/2011 - 11:55.

My son and I have the same name , I would like to add Sr to my drivers lic. is it possible? if yes how is it done?

Submitted by Msanti on Mon, 08/01/2011 - 21:19.

I'm 18 years old and have no permit. Do I need to get it to get a license? And if not how do I go about getting a license with out it. Thank you:)

Submitted by Danny young on Sat, 08/06/2011 - 03:17.

New York state say thast everyone is required to have a Learner's premit. You must also take the 5 hour course, also you need to hand them your premit. When you take your 5 hour course as well. You do not have to take the written test for your Learner's Premit though.

Submitted by stephb098 on Thu, 07/28/2011 - 21:28.

i am 17 years old and i got my permit one month ago. i will finish drivers ed next week and have the certificate.. can i take my road test when i get the certificate or do i have to wait 6 months ?

Submitted by underwoodlover10 on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 17:16.

do i have to take my 5 hour if im 18?

Submitted by Danny young on Sat, 08/06/2011 - 03:13.

Yes, you do.

Submitted by mcavagnaro on Tue, 09/06/2011 - 14:32.

what if ur 23?

Submitted by shawn f on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 00:01.

yes u do u have to no matter how old u r

Submitted by dakim713 on Sat, 06/11/2011 - 20:35.

IM TAKING MY ROADTEST TEST IN 2WKS ,CAN I USE A REGISTERED&INSURED CARS WITH OUT OF STATE PLATES

Submitted by aambless on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 05:16.

No must be a registered & insured vehichle of NYS. If you dont have one, you can call the auto school and rent a car for the day. It will have the instructor drive around with you about an have hour to hour before if you would like then they take you to the road test destination.

Submitted by roshan.vannam on Thu, 06/09/2011 - 06:37.

can we take 5 hours classes class online after taking the learners' permit for non-commercial

Submitted by Stephiegalli on Thu, 06/09/2011 - 02:49.

I live in New York and I have an expired (over 1 year) drivers license. If I need to drive, what do I do next?

Submitted by Danny young on Sat, 08/06/2011 - 03:20.

By, New York State Law. Your license, must be up to date in order to drive.

Submitted by SHAAN1982 on Wed, 06/22/2011 - 01:41.

I lived in new york and i have an expired florida temporary driver license which expired on june 14 2010. I got my immigration form asc appointment notice. can i apply for ny drivers license

Submitted by mponce on Wed, 05/18/2011 - 15:25.

I got married August 2010,need to change my Last name on my License also it has to be renew in June 2012. How do I go about changing my Last name to my new name? will I be able to keep the old License and received a new License with the same picture. What will be the cost? Will I be able to do this online.>

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 05/04/2011 - 01:56.

i cant remember my email or password to print out the form ! but my road test is tomrrow ! what do i do

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 04/21/2011 - 22:35.

I am 22 yrs old. I live in NY from OK. I still have my OK DL and it doesn't expire for two more years. I travel back and forth between NY and OK. Should i renew my OK DL for a NY DL? If so how do i go about doing so?

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 04/21/2011 - 20:40.

im 20 and i want to knew if i can get license class A commercial license

Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 04/24/2011 - 13:36.

You have to be 21 years old to go for your class A commercial license

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 04/20/2011 - 20:09.

i just turned 17 and i took a drivers education course. does that mean that i am able to drive after 9 and have more than one non family member in the car?

Submitted by Danny young on Sat, 08/06/2011 - 03:25.

By, New York State Law. You must be 18 years or older to drive past 9:00pm. You must also have a full driver's license as well. The time you can drive past 9:00pm, if you are going to work or your taking night classes at school or college.

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 04/19/2011 - 01:07.

I have and out of state license and am applying for a ny license. Will I need my social security card or can I just provide the number?

Submitted by mdelga on Wed, 09/07/2011 - 19:18.

I just want to see the answer to this question, and this stupid thing is making me post something in order to see anything lol

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 04/13/2011 - 01:02.

im 19 and i want to know if i can get my permit and license in the same weekend

Submitted by Danny young on Sat, 08/06/2011 - 03:26.

Did take the 5 hour course??

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 04/26/2011 - 16:43.

why wouldnt you just get your license that weekend because it wouldnt make sense to get a permit if you are also applying for a license

Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 04/09/2011 - 18:46.

im 17 years old and i just got my permit about a month ago. can i go and apply for my drivers license??

Submitted by Danny young on Sat, 08/06/2011 - 03:28.

You must take the 5 hour course.

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 04/13/2011 - 20:30.

no you must have 6 months of drving expirence.. sorry

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 04/11/2011 - 17:53.

not until 6 months after you got your permit

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 04/13/2011 - 01:01.

im 19 and i want to know if i can get my permit and license in the same weekend

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 04/06/2011 - 15:00.

how do i call for my 5 hr test

Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 04/02/2011 - 15:18.

where can i print out a 50 hour slip for my parents to sign for my road test

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 03/30/2011 - 02:05.

I'm 22 years old and i don't got my permit do I need to go get my permit first or can I go right for my driver license?

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 05/11/2011 - 15:22.

You're 22 years old and you need to learn English.

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 03/31/2011 - 19:39.

Yes, you need your permit.

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 03/31/2011 - 18:29.

yeah its manditory

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 04/07/2011 - 12:16.

Okay Thank You

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 03/24/2011 - 00:20.

I paid for an Address change and received a new license with the same old address. Do I simply send it back with a note?

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 03/21/2011 - 02:08.

what documens do i need to obtain a nyc identification. i have a pa drivers license. what is my next step to get the idneede for ny? can anyone help?

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 03/16/2011 - 23:57.

I submitted my renewal for my license since the beginning of this month and I have not received it back as yet. My birthday is approaching in April, what do I do

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 03/14/2011 - 23:55.

I'm over 21 and now going for my permit again after it expired the first time. After receiving my new permit, do I have to wait 6 months to go for my license?

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 03/23/2011 - 02:29.

no

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 03/09/2011 - 12:54.

I RENEWED MY DRIVERS LICENSE OVER 2 MONTHS NOW AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED MY NEW DRIVERS LICENSE,MY BIRTHDAY IS APPROACHING ON MARCH 16TH AND i NEED MY LICENSE.

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 03/08/2011 - 07:39.

i lose my new york license in N C

now i m in NC

i don`t know how to apply my license i will back NY next month

i need my license imdeatly

how can i do it???