How to Get a New Drivers License
Getting your first driver's license is a major milestone that opens a world of opportunities. Our comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, from eligibility requirements to passing your roadway test.
Changing your lost or stolen license is also much easier than you might think. Follow our guide to get your new drivers license immediately and accurately.
Online

Getting your very first driver's license is a big turning point, opening up a world of liberty and opportunity. If you are an adult newbie driver, this page will direct you through the actions to get your license online. Teen drivers need to visit our NY teenager license page to discover all about the Graduated Driver License (GDL) process, consisting of driver's ed requirements, provisional authorizations and junior licenses. If you need an industrial car driver's license, have a look at our NY Commercial Driver License page.
If your license or ID was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can apply to change it online or in person at a Driver Services Center. You should provide acceptable proof of identity and legal residency, and pay the relevant charge. You can also use this alternative to get a replacement if your driver's license or ID has expired or you have changed your address.
The new driver's license will be sent out to your home address, which should match DMV records. If you desire to get your license at a different address, very first change your address online. Then you can complete the rest of this online application.
Note: If you transfer to New York from another state, you must acquire a New York license within 30 days of developing residency. You should surrender your out-of-state license and pass a vision test and road test to get an NY license.
You can apply for a NY license online, by mail or face to face if you are a permanent resident of the United States or Canada. You need to fulfill standard eligibility requirements, including passing a written and driving test, finishing driver's ed, and if applicable, submitting an MV-285 driver education certificate.
If you are turning 21 quickly, your license will display "UNDER 21" until you renew more than 40 days before your birthday. If you are a United States resident, you can likewise apply for an Enhanced or REAL ID card online. You will require to reveal extra identification, such as a valid passport or US military image ID card. If you are a non-citizen, you will require to submit a Social Security card or letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration.
In Person
Get a new drivers license by going to a DMV workplace in person. You'll need to provide ID, evidence of age, and residence. You must have a visit, however you can schedule one online or by calling the DMV.
If you're a novice driver, you'll require to take written and driving tests. You might likewise need to pass a pre-licensing course or a driver's education class. As soon as you've passed all of the needed tests, you'll have the ability to make your road test appointment.
The road test will evaluate your capability to drive securely and lawfully on public roads. You should come to the test place early and have your student license, pre-licensing course certificate, and a registered and insured vehicle ready to go. The inspector will assess your abilities and provide you feedback. If you pass, you'll get an interim paper license on the spot and your long-term license will be sent by mail to you. If you fail, you'll have a possibility to retest for a fee.
If tappat körkortet vad göra is valid, you can update to an Enhanced or REAL ID. Improved IDs have the star marking and meet the federal requirements for state-issued identification cards to be utilized as an appropriate form of recognition for domestic flights. Starting May 7, 2025, guests will require a REAL ID or a passport to board domestic flights.
Before you take your understanding or roadway test, you ought to study with a resource like Zutobi. It's a terrific way to prepare for your exam, with a summarized handbook, New York license practice tests, and a gamified experience. You can also discover practice quizzes, videos, and articles on our blog. And if you require more assistance, you can constantly get in touch with our educated team of driver's ed trainers! We're here to assist you end up being a confident driver in the Empire State. We look forward to hearing from you soon!-- NYDMV.
By Mail
If you need to replace a lost license or ID card in New York, you can do so online or by mail. You can also get a replacement if yours was damaged, stolen or if you have actually changed your address. You might require to pay overdue fines or import tax taxes before you can obtain a replacement. In addition, you ought to never ever keep duplicates of your driver's license and ought to destroy the initial if it is still in your possession.
If your license is a basic license and not a Real ID, you can change it online. Nevertheless, if you desire to upgrade to a Real ID license, you must visit the DMV workplace face to face and present identification. The Real ID requirement is entering impact in 2025 and will require all drivers to have a federally compliant ID or passport in order to board domestic flights and enter some federal government structures.
The initial step in the procedure of getting a New York state drivers license is to pass the understanding exam. You can find practice tests and study products online. The state also offers totally free practice exams in the DMV workplaces.
After passing the understanding test, you will need to pass a roadway test. This test is administered by an inspector at the DMV workplace. You will require to bring your learner's authorization, evidence of enrollment in a pre-licensing course and a registered and insured vehicle for the test. The examiner will examine your driving abilities and provide feedback on the areas you need to improve. If you fail the test, you will need to retest and pay a retest fee.
When you have actually passed the roadway test, you will receive an interim paper license that permits legal driving up until your permanent license gets here in the mail. You will need to follow the rules of the road in the meantime, and it is very important to log your driving time on a regular basis. Keeping a tidy driving record will assist you avoid the pitfalls of the graduated drivers license program and ensure that you can enjoy all the advantages of owning a license in New York.
By Phone
If your New York state driver's license is lost, stolen or mutilated, you might change it online, by phone or face to face. The process is easy and practical, but there are some things you ought to keep in mind. For example, you must be able to supply evidence of identity and your address on file with the DMV. In addition, if you wish to change your standard license with a Real ID card, you will require to go to a DMV office.
You can likewise get a New York state Mobile ID. This is a safe digital variation of your driver's license, learner permit or non-driver ID that you can provide on your mobile phone. It is available complimentary to iOS and Android users through the Apple Wallet app. It inspects the image and information versus data on file with the DMV to make sure that it is you providing the ID.
It's essential to remember that despite the fact that you can replace your driver's license and ID by phone or online, it will take a few weeks for your replacement to show up. You ought to call the DMV if your license hasn't shown up within two weeks. You can likewise examine the status of your order by logging into your account on the DMV website.
Another thing to keep in mind is that while you can make appointments for a roadway test, you can not schedule a consultation for any other DMV services. This can lead to lengthy wait times, particularly during peak hours. Therefore, it's finest to prepare ahead and visit the DMV throughout slower periods of the day if possible. Making the most of the online DMV system is another great method to reduce wait-times. Last but not least, be sure to bring a type of payment with you when going to the DMV. You can pay by credit/debit card, a personal check or money order constructed to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.