How to renew your New York driver's license

You can renew your New York driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $64.50 for a five-year license. If you cannot renew online, you will mail documents to the DMV or visit an office in person, which takes longer but follows a straightforward process.

New York sends you a renewal notice about two months before your license expires. That notice tells you whether you can renew online or must use another method. Your may be able to access depends on your age, how long it has been since your last in-person visit, and whether you have any medical or legal holds on your license.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the DMV website is available to most drivers and takes about 10 minutes; you pay $64.50 for a five-year license.
  • The DMV will mail you a renewal notice two months before your license expires, and that notice tells you which renewal method you must use.
  • If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by sending your renewal notice, a check or money order, and a new photo to the DMV address on the notice.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if you are over 79, have not visited an office in nine years, or have medical restrictions on your license.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks of approval; you can drive on your expired license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal through the DMV website

If your renewal notice says you are may be able to access for online renewal, go to dmv.ny.gov and click the "Renew Your License" button. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to confirm your address and pay the $64.50 fee with a credit or debit card.

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes. Once you submit, the DMV sends a confirmation email. Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks. You can continue to drive on your expired license until the new one arrives.

You are not may be able to access for online renewal if you are over 79, if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have medical restrictions, or if you have not visited a DMV office in person within the past nine years. The renewal notice the DMV mails you will tell you if you fall into any of these categories.

Renewing by mail

If you are not may be able to access for online renewal but do not want to visit an office, you can renew by mail. The DMV renewal notice you receive includes a mail-in form and an envelope addressed to the DMV. Fill out the form, include a new photo (4 by 6 inches, color or black and white, taken within the past six months), and send a check or money order for $64.50 payable to "Department of Motor Vehicles."

Mail your completed form, photo, and payment to the address on your renewal notice. Processing takes four to six weeks from the day the DMV receives your envelope. You can drive on your expired license during this time. Your new license will arrive by mail once approved.

If you do not have a recent photo, you can have one taken at most DMV offices for a small fee, or you can use a photo from a passport or other government ID if it meets the DMV's requirements. Check dmv.ny.gov for the full photo guidelines before you mail your renewal.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

You must renew in person if you are over 79, if your license has medical restrictions, if you have been suspended or revoked, or if you have not visited an office in nine years. Bring your renewal notice, your current driver's license, and proof of your address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the past 30 days). You will have a new photo taken at the office.

Visit dmv.ny.gov, click "Make an Appointment," and select your county and the office closest to you. Choose a date and time that works for you. Most appointments are available within one to three weeks. Arrive 10 minutes early with all your documents.

The in-person visit takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You will pay $64.50 at the office and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks. You can drive on the temporary license until your new license arrives.

What happens if your license is expiring soon

If your license expires in fewer than 30 days and you have not yet renewed, start the process when ready. Online renewal is still your fastest option — you can complete it today and drive on your expired license until the new one arrives. If you are not may be able to access for online renewal, call the DMV at 518-402-4368 to ask about expedited processing or to find an office with same-day appointments.

New York does not issue temporary licenses by mail, so if your license expires before your new one arrives, you are technically driving on an expired license. Police officers understand that renewals are in process, but it is better to have your new license in hand. If you are close to the expiration date, an in-person visit guarantees you a temporary paper license on the same day.

Costs and what you receive

A five-year driver's license renewal costs $64.50 in New York, regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This is the only fee — there are no additional charges for processing or mailing. If you renew in person, you pay at the office. If you renew online, you pay by credit or debit card. If you renew by mail, you send a check or money order.

Your new license will be a standard plastic card with your photo, signature, address, and license number. It is valid for five years from the date of issue. If you turn 79 before your license expires, you will need to renew again in person at that time.

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL)

Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your current CDL, your renewal notice, proof of your address, and proof of medical certification (your Medical Examiner's Certificate). You will have a new photo taken and may be asked to pass a vision test.

Make an appointment at dmv.ny.gov or call 518-402-4368. CDL renewals take about 30 minutes. You will pay $64.50 and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your new CDL will arrive by mail within two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

Yes. New York allows you to renew an expired license using the same process as a license that has not yet expired. However, you cannot legally drive on an expired license, so renew as soon as you notice it has passed the expiration date. Online renewal is still available if you are otherwise may be able to access.

What if I moved and my address changed?

Update your address before you renew. Go to dmv.ny.gov, click "Change Your Address," and follow the steps. You can change your address online for free. Once your address is updated, proceed with your license renewal using whichever method you are may be able to access for.

Do I need a new photo for online renewal?

No. Online renewal uses the photo from your current license. If you renew by mail or in person, you will need a new photo. In-person renewal includes a photo taken at the office.

How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew?

Online and mail renewals take about two weeks to arrive by mail after approval. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license on the same day, valid for 30 days, and your permanent license arrives within two weeks.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew without the notice. Go to dmv.ny.gov and click "Renew Your License" for online renewal, or call 518-402-4368 to request a new notice or to ask about mail-in renewal. You will need your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.