License Renewal in New York

How to renew your New York driver's license:

For more details on each driver's license renewal option, keep reading!

Ready to renew your NY driver's license so you can stay legal on the roads?

Look no further—we've got the guide you need to keep your license in good standing, including your renewal method options, documents, and forms.

Let's get started.

NY REAL ID Driver's Licenses

The New York DMV issues REAL ID driver's licenses and identifications in addition to standard driver’s licenses. REAL IDs allow you to use your license for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings.

While REAL IDs are NOT mandatory, you can choose to receive one upon renewal—it will be treated as a first-time application, due to the documents you'll need to bring in. Visit our guide to applying for a new driver's license in New York for details on the application process.

When to Renew Your NY Driver's License

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will mail your renewal notice before your NY driver's license expires. As a convenience, you can renew your valid NYS driver's license at any time up to 1 year before its expiration date.

If you have a NY driver's license that expires when you turn 21 years old, you will receive a NY driver's license:

  • Without “UNDER 21" displayed, if you renew within 40 days before your card expires.
  • With “UNDER 21" displayed, if you renew more than 40 days before your card expires.

If you have a valid NY driver license, you can renew it up to 1 year before and no more than 2 years after it expires. Active military can have your license's validity extended during your service and for a period after your discharge. See NY Military Driver License Renewals below for more information.

Your requirements may differ if your license is NOT valid, but rather is one of the following:

  • Expired.
  • Suspended.
  • Lost, stolen, or damaged.

To find out the status of your NY state driver's license, you will need to visit the NY DMV website and sign up for a MyDMV account. If you fall into one of the above categories, find your option below for details.

Renewal Requirements in NY

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles allows you to renew NY driver's licenses online up to 1 year before and no more than 2 years after it expires.

You may renew your NY driver license online, by mail, or in person at your local New York DMV office.

NOTE: If you would like to update your NY driver's license photo, you must apply in person. If you wish to renew your license and obtain an enhanced ID or REAL ID, visit our applying for a new driver's license in New York page for details on the application process.

You should allow 2 weeks from the date the NY DMV processes your application to receive your renewed NY driver license by mail. You may check the mailing status of your renewal application on the NY DMV website. You'll need to provide your:

  • Client ID number OR name.
  • Date of birth.
  • Gender.

Vision Test Requirements

Whether you're renewing your NY driver's license online, by mail, or in person, you must provide proof of your vision test.

If your optometrist is registered in the DMV Online Vision Registry, the NY DMV will be notified automatically.

If you're eligible to renew online, you'll be asked whether you:

  • Use a hearing aid or full-view mirror.
  • Were treated for the loss of the use of a leg, arm, foot, or eye, or other conditions that cause unconsciousness.

Otherwise, when you renew your NY driver's license by mail or in person, you can provide a Vision Test Report (Form MV-619).

Please visit the New York DMV website for more information about the NY driver license vision test.

Non-U.S. Citizens

If your optometrist is located out of the country, he or she can complete the Vision Test Report (Form MV-619) but it must:

  • Include a professional license number.
  • Show the results in English.
  • Show results on the “Snellen Visual Acuity Scale."

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NY License Renewal Options

Depending on your eligibility and circumstances, you may be able to renew your New Your driver's license:

  • Online.
  • By mail.
  • In person.

We'll go through each of these options below.

Enhanced/REAL ID Updates

If you wish to update your standard driver's license to an Enhanced or REAL ID license upon renewal, you MUST visit a DMV office in person.

NY Military Driver License Renewals

Notice for Military Members Stationed in Germany

If you are currently stationed in Germany, please be aware that some states require you to have a valid U.S. driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license. Read our article for more information.

If you're stationed outside of New York on active military duty, your license is automatically extended for 6 months after your return to the state or discharge from the service. You can also complete and mail a Notification of Military Service (Form MV-75) to make sure that your driving record isn't purged from the DMV systemif your license expires while you're out of state.

If your NY driver license expires before you're able to complete and submit your form, you must mail the form and a letter from your commanding officer validating:

  • The date you entered military service (must be earlier than the date your NYS driver license expired).
  • Your active duty status.

After submitting your form, you may renew your driver license by mail, or submit your NY driver license renewal when you return to New York.

License Renewal Fees in NY

Each of the following NY driver's licenses is valid for 8 years. See below for information about supplemental fees and whether or not they apply to you.

  • Class E :
    • $112.50 (without MCTD fee).
    • $128.50 (including MCTD fee).
  • Class D, Class DJ or Non-CDL Class C:
    • $64.50 (without MCTD fee)
    • $80.50 (including MCTD fee).
  • Class M or Class MJ:
    • $72.50 (without MCTD fee)
    • $88.50 (including MCTD fee).

If you also have a Class M or Class MJ endorsement on your Class E, D, DJ, or non-CDL Class C license, you will need to add $8 to the above fee.

Supplemental Fees

If you live within the following counties, you must pay a supplemental fee of $1 to the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD) for every 6 months your driver license is valid:

  • Bronx.
  • Kings (Brooklyn).
  • New York (Manhattan).
  • Queens.
  • Richmond (Staten Island).
  • Dutchess.
  • Nassau.
  • Orange.
  • Putnam.
  • Rockland.
  • Suffolk.
  • Westchester.

The NY driver license renewal fees above list both the original and total prices.

Accepted Payment Methods

For online transactions, you may use the following credit cards:

  • American Express.
  • Discover Card/Novus.
  • MasterCard.
  • VISA.

For transactions by mail, payment must be made by check or money order payable to “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles."

For most NY DMV transactions in person, you can pay with:

  • Major credit or debit cards.
  • Personal checks.
  • Money orders.
  • Cash.

Contact your local NY driver license office to find out which payment methods are accepted.

Forms

MV-619
Vision Test Report
Submit this form in lieu of taking a vision exam at the NY DMV when applying for your driver's license. Must be completed by a medical professional.
MV-75
Notification of Military Service
Complete this form to notify the DMV of your upcoming military service. Extends the expiration date of your New York driver's license.
MV-44
Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card
Application for original OR replacement NY learner's permit, identification card, OR driver's license.
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