Updated on July 10, 2021
New York is known for its dependable public transportation systems, but it’s still home to over 12 million licensed drivers. It’s understandable that despite the number of licensed drivers, the number of registered vehicles is lower than expected. Only around 4 million vehicles are registered in the Empire State, meaning only about a third of licensed drivers have a vehicle to drive!

It’s no surprise that the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple leads to heavy traffic, both vehicle and pedestrian. In 2019, 6,245 accidents involved a driver that was distracted, and 408 pedestrians were involved in accidents that caused injury. Stay alert and don’t drive distracted! Keep reading for more driving information for New York State.

New York State License Renewal Guide

How do I renew my driver’s license in New York?

One thing you don’t want to do is let your New York driver’s license expire. The fines and fees can add up to over $300 dollars if you go more than 60 days past the expiration date.

If you go past two years, you’ll be forced to start over by taking a driving class, the driving road test, and the written test. The state allows you to renew your license up to one year before the expiration date, so you have plenty of time to get it done.

New York State is now offering the Enhanced Drivers License and the Real ID that will be required to board airplanes in October 2020. But, in this article we’ll discuss standard New York license renewal. Here’s how to renew a drivers license in New York.

Renewing a License in NY State

You should have a received a renewal notice by mail. If not, you likely have not updated your address with the DMV. This will then be your first step.

You cannot renew online or by mail if your current address does not match the one on file. You must go to a DMV office to change your address and renew your license.

NY License Renewal Requirements

Fill out the renewal notice you received or use the Application for Standard Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (Form MV-44). You can download it or pick one up at a DMV office.

New York License Renewal Vision Test

If you are going to the DMV in person for your New York license renewal, you can take the vision test at the DMV office.

Alternately, you can have a vision test done at any approved provider. The provider will need to sign the Vision Test Report (Form MV-619). Bring this form to the DMV office if you are renewing in person, or have the vision registry provider submit it electronically.

Renewing a New York Drivers License

When renewing a NY drivers license in person, simply go to any DMV office with these documents:

• Your current license
• Your renewal application or notice
• Vision Test Report (or electronically filed)
• Debit/credit card, check or money order for the fee

You will receive a temporary license to use until your new license arrives by mail within ten business days.

New York DMV License Renewal Locations

If you have received a renewal notice in the mail, you must complete the renewal form. In addition, you must have already passed your vision test.

If your approved vision registry provider has not submitted the form electronically to the DMV, you must complete the Vision Test Report (MV-619) and mail this along with your renewal notice. Lastly, include a check or money order for payment of the fee.

If you have not received a renewal notice, you can find the forms online or by going to your local DMV office.

Can I renew my New York driver’s license online?

You can also complete a New York license renewal online, as long as you are not renewing a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) or you don’t need to update your photo.

You must first pass the vision test and either have the results submitted electronically by the provider or enter the information yourself, if you have used a paper report.

Fill out the required information and use a debit/credit card or electronic check to pay the fee. You can then print a copy of your temporary license. Keep this with you at all times until your renewed license arrives in the mail. You should receive your new license in ten business days.

New York State Driver’s License Renewal Fees

For a standard Class D New York license renewal, the fee is $64.50.

However, there is a supplemental Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD) fee of one dollar for each six-month period the license is valid. The fee must be paid in these counties:

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

There are many convenient options for New York license renewal, with plenty of ways to avoid paying hefty fines for letting your license expire. Remember, it is your responsibility to keep your license valid.