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new york drivers license renewal - NY

Renew your New York Drivers license. Prepare all your DMV info. Get all the forms, rules and steps required for your NY drivers license renewal. There are three different options in which to renew your license in New York. They are the following: By Mail, at a DMV office, or Online. Every driver has the option of showing up in person to any new york dmv office. The option of renewing online and via mail is only valid if you meet all of the required conditions, which we will clearly describe below. Your other alternative is to use our site and download your checklist. We’ll supply you with all of the necessary forms, rules, and steps. Please continue reading below to get started with your New York license renewal.

New York Drivers License Renewal Information

Expiration Date

The expiration date of your license will always fall on your birth date. If you are over twenty one (21) your first license will be valid for five (5) years. If you are under 21, your license will normally expire on your 21st birthday. Finally, please remember that you must carry your license on you, at all times while driving. 

Renewal Notice

You will receive a renewal notice via mail forty five (45) days before the expiration of your drivers license. The NY DMV will mail the renewal notice to the address on file. Note: It is always your responsibility to renew on time even though you did not receive a notice.

When To Renew

It’s best if you renew your driver’s license on time. If you would like to prepare before its expiration date, New York will allow you to renew your license one (1) year before it expires. if your license has been expired for more than two (2) years, your only option is to go in person to a new york dmv office. If you are interested in getting a new photo, you must go in person. It is against the law to drive with an expired license.

Expired License

If your license is currently expired, do not drive. You will be given a ticket for driving with an expired license. Driving without a valid license is against the law. If it has been expired for more than two (2) years you cannot use any of the renewal method listed in this page. This is because you will be considered a new applicant and must go through the steps of re-applying for a new driver’s license. 

Renew New York Drivers License Online

This is the fastest way in which to renew your license. 

Requirements to Renew Online

  • You can only renew early a maximum of one (1) year before it expires. Drivers with expired licenses of two (2) years or more, cannot use this service.
  • Your license cannot be currently suspended, canceled or revoked. You cannot have a restricted, conditional or "Valid Without Photo" license. Additionally, you cannot renew online if you participate in the Ignition Interlock Device Program or are currently in jail.
  • If your residential address is not inside of the U.S. you cannot renew online (military address included).
  • You cannot change to an Enhanced Driver License.
  • If you use telescopic lenses, you cannot renew online.
  • You are able to make the payment FEE with a MasterCard, Visa, Discover Card or American Express.
  • Please have your current drivers license handy because you will need to enter your Client ID Number.
  • You must have an email account, and somewhere to write down or print your confirmation number.
  • There are other requirements which can be viewed Here.

If you meet all the conditions, you CAN RENEW ONLINE HERE. 

Note: If you are under the age of twenty one (21) and you renew your license with less than forty (40) days from the day you turn 21, your license will not display the Under 21 Logo. If you have not received your renewed license in over 2 weeks, please contact the NYS DMV. You will need your confirmation number in order for them to track your online renewal. Alternatively, you can call them at the following times and phone numbers:  

Monday - Friday 8am to 4pm (EST).
If you live in area code 212, 347, 646, 718, 917 or 929 please call 212-645-5550 or 718-966-6155.
Area codes 516, 631, 845 or 914 please call 718-477-4820.
Area codes 315, 518, 585, 607 or 716 please call 518-486-9786.
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) please call 800-368-1186.
If you are outside of the state of NY please call 518-473-5595.

New York Drivers License Renew by Mail

You should receive your renewal notice via mail 45 days before expiration. However, it can take as long as 60 days to arrive.  

Requirements to Renew By Mail

  • You cannot have a new photo taken when renewing via mail.
  • You cannot upgrade your license to be of an enhanced document type.
  • You must pass a vision test (read more below).
  • All drivers renewing a Class A, B, or C Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with an H or X endorsement, must take and pass the hazardous materials knowledge test. This test must be taken two years before you renew and there is a fee of $5. 

Steps to Renew By Mail

Please fill out the renewal notice that was delivered to your mailing address. It will contain detailed instructions, and an envelop to mail your application and payment.

If you do not have a renewal notice, you need to do the following:

  1. You must have your vision checked. Please download the following MV-619 Eye Test Form and have your eye care professional fill it out. You must include this form with your renewal application.
  2. Download and fill out your MV-44 Application Form (Be sure to check the box on the top that says Learner Permit). You will need to answer all of the questions on page 2. Or SIGN IN HERE here and we'll populate the form for you.
  3. If your license has expired over two (2) years ago, you will need to bring your actual Social Security Card. If you do not have a social security number, you must visit the SSA.gov site and request them to create a letter which explains your ineligibility. 
  4. The COST of renewal depends on the Class of license and the area in which you live.  
  5. Prepare a check or money order written to Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.

  6. If your preference is to have your license sent via the U.S. postal service, please send the application along with the Identification documents to the following address:

    Department of Motor Vehicles
    State Office Building
    207 Genesee St Ste 6
    Utica, NY 13501-2874

  7. If your preference is to have your license sent via Express Mail, please send the application along with the Identification documents, inside of a self addressed prepaid Express Mail envelop to the following address:

    DMV License Production Bureau
    Room 331
    6 Empire State Plaza
    Albany, NY 12228

Out of State Renewal By Mail

If you are a resident of the state of New York and are currently outside of the state, the instructions are the same as the ones above. Please note the following when renewing from out of state:

  • Your out of state eye care professional must write down his professional license number when completing the MV-619 Eye Test form.
  • Instead of going to a private eye care professional, you can have your state's DMV office send a letter with the results of their eye exam (exam cannot be older than 6 months).
  • Please include your current Out of State mailing address on a separate note inside of the envelop. Do not put your current out of state address on the MV-44 application.

For complete instructions, visit the NYS Renew By Mail Instructions.

Renew New York Drivers License In Person

If you do not wish or do not meet the qualifications to renew online or by mail, this is your final option. 

Requirements to Renew In Person

  1. Find a local new york dmv office location.
  2. Complete the MV-44 Application Form. Or SIGN IN HERE here and we'll populate the form for you.
  3. Be sure you to bring your current drivers license as it will serve as Proof of Identity.
  4. If you are renewing your ID card, you must bring your actual Social Security Card as Proof of Identity. If you do not have a social security number, you must visit the SSA.gov site and request them to create a letter which explains your ineligibility. 
  5. You must pass a Vision Exam administered at the DMV office or have your own eye care specialist perform the test by filling out the MV-619 Eye Test Form .
  6. Pay the required FEE for your license renewal.

You will be issued your newly renewed New York drivers license.

New York Drivers License Renewal Documents

When going in person to your nearest DMV office, please have the following documents with you.

  • Your current drivers license.
  • If renewing an ID card, you will need your Social Security Card.

Auto Insurance

Car insurance is a requirement by law in New York. Please visit our auto insurance guide for a comparison of rates.