How to get a driver's license in New York as an immigrant

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?

Visitors may drive with a valid license from another country; non-residents do not need a New York license.

Deadline after moving

30 days after becoming a New York resident

License exchange without tests

1 countries

License without immigration status

Yes

No SSN?

Give your SSN; if never issued one, sign an affidavit of never having been issued an SSN (NSS-1 or NSS-1A), not usable for REAL ID or Enhanced.

Driving on a foreign license

Visitors may drive with a valid license from another country; non-residents do not need a New York license. Deadline after moving: 30 days after becoming a New York resident.

Exchanging a foreign license

• Canada

Only licenses from a Canadian province can be exchanged like an out-of-state license; drivers from other countries follow separate instructions.

If your country is not on the list

Get a learner permit (written test), complete the 5-hour pre-licensing course, and pass a road test; surrender the foreign license at the road test. A non-English license needs an IDP or certified translation at the road test.

To get a New York State driver license, you must pass a written test, complete a five-hour pre-licensing course, and pass a road test. dmv.ny.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

• Foreign passport (4 points; not proof of lawful status on its own)
• Consular ID document (4 points)
• Foreign driver license with photo, current or expired up to 2 years (4 points)
• DHS documents for REAL ID (lawful presence)

License validity: REAL ID holders with temporary lawful status get a document that expires no later than their status document; standard licenses are not tied to status.

License regardless of immigration status

Standard license (marked NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES) is open to non-citizens without proof of lawful status under the Driver's License Access and Privacy Act (Green Light law); foreign passport, consular ID and foreign license count as ID points. REAL ID requires lawful presence; Enhanced is for U.S. citizens only.

Non citizens are eligible for standard IDs. dmv.ny.gov

Social Security number

Give your SSN; if never issued one, sign an affidavit of never having been issued an SSN (NSS-1 or NSS-1A), not usable for REAL ID or Enhanced.

Affidavit of never having been issued a social security number (NSS-1 or NSS-1A) dmv.ny.gov

Proof of residency

One proof of New York residency for a standard license or permit (more for REAL ID/Enhanced).

1 proof of residency for a Standard License or Permit dmv.ny.gov

Step by step

1. Gather 6 points of ID (e.g., foreign passport, consular ID, foreign license), SSN or NSS-1 affidavit, and 1 proof of NY residency (form ID-44).
2. Apply for a learner permit with form MV-44 at a DMV office and pass the vision and written permit test (offered in 20 languages).
3. Practice with a supervised licensed driver under learner permit rules.
4. Complete the 5-hour Pre-Licensing Course.
5. Schedule and pass the road test; bring an IDP or certified translation if your foreign license is not in English.
6. Surrender your foreign license to the road test examiner and receive your license.

Fees

Class D learner permit and license, age 21+: $64.25-$67.50, or $73.25-$77.50 in MCTD counties.

$64.25 - $67.50 $73.25 - $77.50* dmv.ny.gov

Prepare for the knowledge test Exam languages in New York

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.