Renewing Your License

When to Renew

New driver licenses are usually valid four to five years, expiring on your birthday. A renewed license, which you may get up to one year before your license expires or for up to two years afterward, is valid for an additional eight years. Non-driver photo ID cards are renewable for four years, eight years, or 10 years.

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles will send you a renewal notice 45 to 60 days before your license or ID card is due to expire (this is one reason it's important to notify the DMV when you change your address).

There are three ways to renew your driver license: in person, by mail, or online. Either way, you will need to first pass a vision test. A non-driver photo ID card must be renewed at the DMV office; you may not renew this type of card online or by mail. Also, if you'd like to update your photo on your license, you'll need to renew in person at a local DMV office.

To Renew Online

You must meet several requirements to be able to enjoy the convenience of renewing your driver license online. If you don't meet these requirements, continue to the instructions for renewing by mail or in person at the DMV. To renew online:

• You must pass a vision test and have the eye care professional complete Form MV-619 (Eye Test Report). This form will remain valid for six or 12 months.

• You must not have moved. If your current address doesn't match the one the DMV has in its records, you can't renew online.

• The date that you renew must be within one year before or two years after the expiration date of your license.

• Your mailing address must be within the United States, even if you are posted on a military base.

• The DMV must have a record of your Social Security number.

• You can't renew online if you're in jail, your license has been suspended or revoked, your license is conditional or restricted, you participate in the Ignition Interlock Device Program, or your license displays the words, "Valid Without Photo."

There are even more restrictions, but if you're one of the lucky ones who meets all the qualifications, you may renew online.

You will be asked for some information from Form MV-619, and you will provide credit card information to pay the renewal fee, which is $50 for a Class D renewal, $58 for Class M, $90 for Class E, and $130 for all commercial classes. The DMV will use the same photo and signature as on your previous license to issue you a new license, which will arrive by mail in at least four weeks.

To Renew By Mail

Because the DMV requires proof that you've passed a vision test, renewing by mail (like renewing online) also necessitates the extra step of having an eye care professional fill out Form MV-619 on your behalf.

Then, complete the renewal application form that was included in the renewal notice you received in the mail or fill out Form MV-44. Send all the forms and the renewal fee via U.S. Postal Service to:

• DMV License Production Bureau

• P.O. Box 2688-ESP

• Albany, NY 12220-0668

If sending by FedEx, UPS, or other express service, use this address:

• DMV License Production Bureau

• Room 223

• 6 Empire State Plaza

• Albany, NY 12228

The DMV will use the same photo and signature as on your previous license to issue you a new license, which will arrive by mail in at least four weeks. Visit the DMV's renewal by mail page for more information.

To Renew in Person

Pay a visit to your friendly local DMV office to renew your non-driver photo ID card, or to renew your driver license if you need a new photo, have changed addresses, don't have Form MV-619 (Eye Test Report), or don't meet the other requirements to renew online or by mail.

Bring along the renewal form that the DMV mailed you, or fill out Form MV-44. If you're renewing a non-driver photo ID card, you must also bring your Social Security card or proof that you are not eligible for one. You'll be asked to take the vision test (unless you provide Form MV-619) and pay the renewal fee.

Military Personnel

Each state’s motor vehicle agency will have different renewal policies for drivers in the military. Please proceed to our Drivers in the Military page to find out how to handle your license renewal while you are stationed out of state.

RENEWAL INFORMATION AND FORMS

• Renew by Mail
• Renew Online FAQs
• Renew Online
• Form MV-44, Application for Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card Renewal
• Form MV-619, Eye Test Report
• Renewing a Commercial Driver License (CDL)