Overview
You must exchange your out-of-state driver license (from another U.S. state or territory, federal district or Canadian province) within 30 days of becoming a resident of New York.
You do not need to apply for a New York State driver license if you are studying in or visiting New York State and reside in another state, nation or country.
Eligibility
If you have a driver license that was issued in the U.S. or Canada, you can exchange it for a New York State driver license as long as it:
- has your photograph
- is valid or has expired within in the past 24 months
- shows the date it was issued and was issued at least 6 months before you apply for the New York State driver license
- is not suspended or revoked
- is not lost or stolen
- is not a hardship or an “employment only driver license”
- is not marked “non-renewable” or “non-transferable”
Fees
The fee for your license depends on your age and type of license. Beginning on October 1, 2020, the federal government will require your driver license, permit or ID card to be REAL ID compliant if you wish to use it as identification to board a domestic flight (within the U.S.), or enter military bases and certain federal facilities. There is no additional cost to get a REAL ID. All normal transaction fees still apply.
Residents of Bronx, Kings (Brooklyn) New York (Manhattan) Queens, Richmond (Staten Island), Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk and Westchester counties must pay an additional Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD) fee. The fee is $1.00 for every six months the driver license will be in effect.
Find more information on different types of licenses and fees.
Exchange
You must go to a DMV office to exchange your driver license or apply for a new one.
You will need to
- Pass a vision test at the DMV or bring a completed Eye Test Report (pdf) (MV-619)
- Surrender your out-of-state license
- Bring proof of identity
Contact
Ask DMV a question (we will respond within 5 business days) : http://www.dmv.ny.gov/contact-us/ask-dmv-question
Call us Monday-Friday 8:00AM-4:00PM (except holidays).
For General Assistance (DMV Call Centers): 1-518-486-9786.
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD): 711 or 1-800-662-1220 (have the relay operator dial 1-518-486-9786).
See a list of DMV phone numbers and office hours.