There are currently road test cancellations or DMV offices closed for in-person services. See our “Cancellations, Closings and Delays” page for more information.
You must exchange your out-state driver license (from another U.S. state or territory, a federal district, or a Canadian province) within 30 days of becoming a resident of New York. If you live in New York State for 90 days this is considered "presumptive evidence" that you are a resident of New York State.
Your current out-of-state license must be from another US state or territory (see instructions below if you are a student or a driver from another country).
Your current license must:
Your New York license will be valid for 5 years.
When You Cannot ExchangeYou cannot exchange your license if it is
Instead of a replacement driver license, you can apply to the previous state for a letter or certified driver abstract. The letter or abstract must be
A letter or driver abstract has no value as proof of identity or date of birth.
How to ExchangeThis transaction can only be processed in person, at a DMV office.
You will need to:
At the DMV, we will give you a temporary non-photo license document. Allow 2 weeks for your new license to arrive in the mail.
Students from Outside New York StateStudents from other states, countries, or nations who attend school in New York State are normally not considered residents of New York State, so they do not need to exchange their current driver license.
Related DocumentsEnglish Provides information and instructions for how to apply for a New York learner permit, driver license, or non-driver ID card and lists the proof documents that are required.
English Completed by authorized vision test provider to certify a driver meets basic DMV vision standard (otherwise, use form MV-80L). May be used instead of taking vision test at a DMV office so a license can be renewed online or by mail.