How to Renew a New York Driver's License [2024]

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Replace or Renew Your Driver License in New York

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In Person

You must renew your license in person at a DMV office in the following cases:

1. You want to convert to a Real ID or Enhanced (complete this guide to make sure you have the proofs of identification needed for these types of licenses). If your current license was issued before October 30, 2017 and is not Enhanced, you have a Standard document. An Enhanced license will let you cross the Mexican and Canadian border without a passport provided that you are a US citizen. Both an Enhanced and REAL ID can be used to board a flight within the US and enter federal buildings. Standard license holders will need a second form of ID to board the plane after October 1, 2020. You can answer these questions to decide which type of document is more suitable for your needs.
2. You have a conditional or restricted license.
3. You have the words “Valid without photo” on your license.
4. You want to update your photo.
5. You participate in the ignition interlock device program.
6. You have ‘Temporary visitor’ on your license and the temporary visitor date expired (bring proof of an extension from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS)).

To renew in an office and keep your current document type, follow these steps:

1. Complete the renewal notice (MV-2) that you received by mail. If you did not receive a notice, use Application for Standard Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (MV-44).
2. Bring your renewal notice or application and your current license to a DMV office, you don’t have to make an appointment; however, you may make a reservation online in New York City, Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, Onondaga or Albany Counties. To locate a nearby DMV office, use this map.
3. Take a vision test at the DMV or bring a completed Vision Test Report) (MV-619) or have your test sent to the DMV electronically by a vision registry provider.
4. Pay a fee by card, check, or money order. The fee is 64.50, but if you are a resident of Bronx, Kings (Brooklyn), New York (Manhattan), Queens, Richmond (Staten Island), Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, or Westchester, you will have to add 16.00 for an 8-year license. Add an extra 30.00 to get an Enhanced license.
5. Get a temporary, non-photo license to use until your new license arrives in the mail (in about 10 business days).

Tip! You must renew your license before it expires, or you could face fines. You can renew your license up to 1 year before it expires. If you don’t renew the license 2 years after the expiration date, you will have to start the process of getting a new license as if you never had one.

Find a DMV office near you

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By Mail

If you renew by mail and do not already have an Enhanced or Real ID, your document will have ‘Not for federal purposes’ written on it.

Complete and send the following:

1. The renewal notice you received by mail or use Application for Standard Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (MV-44).
2. A Vision Test Report) (MV-619) - or get tested by an approved vision registry provider.
3. A check or money order payable to ‘Commissioner of Motor Vehicles’. The fee is 64.50, but if you are a resident of Bronx, Kings (Brooklyn), New York (Manhattan), Queens, Richmond (Staten Island), Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, or Westchester, you will have to add 16.00 for an 8-year license. Add an extra $30.00 if you have an Enhanced license.

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

Tip! You must renew your license before it expires, or you could face fines. You can renew your license up to 1 year before it expires. If you don’t renew the license 2 years after the expiration date, you will have to start the process of getting a new license as if you never had one.

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Online

If you renew online and do not already have an Enhanced or REAL ID, your document will have ‘Not for federal purposes’ written on it.

1. Pass a vision test at an approved vision registry provider. You can have a Vision Test Report) (MV-619) completed by a physician, physician’s assistant, ophthalmologist, optometrist, optician, registered nurse, or nurse professional. Then enter the report information on the online transaction.
2. Renew online.
3. Pay a fee by debit/credit card. The fee is 64.50, but if you are a resident of Bronx, Kings (Brooklyn), New York (Manhattan), Queens, Richmond (Staten Island), Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, or Westchester, you will have to add 16.00 for an 8-year license. Add an extra 30.00 to get an Enhanced license.
4. Download and print a temporary license in PDF format to use until your new license arrives in the mail (in about 10 business days).

Tip! You must renew your license before it expires, or you could face fines. You can renew your license up to 1 year before it expires. If you don’t renew the license 2 years after the expiration date, you will have to start the process of getting a new license as if you never had one.

If you are turning 21 soon and renew more than 40 days before your 21st birthday, your license will have ‘Under 21’ on it. However, if your renewal is processed less than 40 days before your birthday, you won’t have this note on your license.

Renew Online

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