Driver’s Licenses for All

English

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is now accepting
applications for driver’s licenses from all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration
status! If you have questions about the new driver’s licenses law, you can call the New
Americans Hotline at 1-800-566-7636.

More information about how to apply is available at dmv.ny.gov.

Who can benefit?

16+ Any New Yorker, 16 years old and above, can apply for a standard, non-commercial driver’s license or
learner permit, regardless of immigration status.

What documents are accepted?

6 +
Date of
Birth + Residency
points

Many different types of documents are accepted. All applicants must provide 6 points worth of documents
that prove identity, and also prove date of birth and residency. If you have never been issued a Social Security
Number, you must sign an affidavit stating that and bring it with you when you apply.

Some examples (not a complete list) of documents that are accepted include:

Worth 1 Point each Worth 4 Points each

· IDNYC · Valid Consular ID

Also counts as proof of residency Also counts as proof of age
· Foreign School Report Card or School · Valid Foreign passport
Record* Also counts as proof of age
*2 points with photo · Foreign Driver’s License
· Tax Documents (Valid or Expired up to 24 months)
Also counts as proof of residency Also counts as proof of age

Unless explicitly noted, DMV does not accept expired documents.

The NYS DMV has a tool online to help you determine what documents you should bring for your application
for a driver’s license or a learner permit. Go to dmv.ny.gov to learn more.

How do I apply?
Once you collect your original documents, bring them with you to the DMV office of your choice. The DMV
office can help you from there.

Note that if you have never been licensed, you will first need to pass a knowledge test to get a learner permit.
Then, you must practice driving, take a pre-licensing course, and finally pass a road test before you can get a
driver’s license.

If you have concerns about risks to you or your family, contact the New American Hotline at
1-800-566-7636.
English

FAQs
How much does the driver’s license/learner Can undocumented New Yorkers obtain a “REAL
permit cost? ID” compliant license for use when flying on
· Cost of a driver’s license varies based on age. planes?
The fees range between $64.50 and $107.50. · No. The NYS “REAL ID” compliant driver’s
All NYC counties also charge a Metropolitan licenses require proof of certain immigration
Commuter Transportation District fee. statuses. Federal law requires that, starting in
· Beware of unscrupulous individuals or 2020, state driver’s licenses used to board a
businesses charging you to receive a driver’s plane must be in compliance with the REAL ID
license or promising to get you a cheaper act.
driver’s license. Only the DMV can issue a · DACA and TPS recipients, as well as other
driver’s license – do not give money to anyone immigrant New Yorkers with work authorization
but the DMV. or legal status, can apply for a “REAL ID”
compliant license. However, that license will
· If you have questions about the new driver’s expire when the work authorization or legal
license, or if you have concerns about fraud, call status expires.
the New Americans Hotline at 1-800-566-7636.
I heard that some county clerks outside of New
Can the state government be forced by federal York City have fought against the new law. Is it
authorities to turn over applicant data? safe to go into a DMV in New York City to apply?
· The new law specifically restricts access
· The DMV in the five boroughs of New York City
to DMV data by immigration enforcement
(Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, and
agencies and prohibits anyone receiving DMV
Queens) are run directly by the state.
records or information from using that data for
civil immigration enforcement purposes. · While county clerks are not allowed to refuse
to issue driver’s licenses to undocumented
· Information like social security number, place
residents, people who feel unsafe applying
of employment, or whether a driver’s license is a
in their usual county can apply for a driver’s
REAL ID compliant license is protected.
license in any county, including the New York
· However, the law allows disclosure of City counties.
information where required by an order from a
· To find a DMV office near you, go to dmv.ny.gov/
judge.
offices
· Keep in mind - some limited information (like
your name and address) may not be protected.

Will there be any legal or visible difference

between the new driver’s licenses and other
licenses?
· Everyone who receives a “standard” driver’s
license will receive the same kind of card,
regardless of immigration status.
· “Standard” driver’s licenses will include text
that reads “Not for Federal Purposes,” to make
it clear that it cannot be used to board a plane,
gain entry into federal property, etc.