New York Drivers License Renewal: A Complete Guide

Is it time for your New York drivers license renewal? We know that it can be confusing with all the different options, requirements, and steps. But it doesn’t have to be.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know to renew your driver’s license in New York .

When Do I Need to Renew My NY Driver’s License?

You can renew your driver’s license up to a year before it expires, and you can also renew up to two years after it expires. Any longer than that, and you will have to apply for a new license.

If you are about to turn 21, wait until you are within 40 days of your 21st birthday to renew your license. Then you will receive a license that does not have the “Under 21” label.Keep in mind that while you have two years to renew your license, this is not a grace period to drive with an expired license.

Is there a Grace Period?

New York State does not have a grace period to drive with an expired license. Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation. If you are caught driving with an expired license, you will face fines of $25 to $40, plus state and local charges. If your driver’s license has been expired for over 60 days, the fines increase even further!

How to Renew a New York Driver’s License

You have the option to renew your NY driver’s license online, by mail, or in person at your local DMV office. We’ll go through all of the different options and requirements below.

Online Renewal

Online renewal is a popular option for New York drivers since it allows you to renew your license from the comfort of your own home. You must renew online at the New York State DMV website.

1. Before you renew, you will need to pass a vision test by an approved vision tester. If your eye doctor is not on the list, they will need to fill out Form MV-619.
2. Follow the prompts to verify your identity
3. Make sure your name and address are correct.
4. Pay the required fees via a debit or credit card.
5. Print out your temporary paper license, which is valid for 60 days. Your license will arrive in the mail in a few weeks.

Renewal By Mail

You can renew by mail if you already have a REAL-ID or you plan to keep your standard ID.If you’ve received a renewal notice, fill out the approved form and send the required fees by check or money order.

If you haven’t received a notice, you can follow these steps:

1. Fill out Form MV-44.
2. Take a vision test with an approved eye exam specialist, or have your eye examiner fill out Form MV-619.
3. Pay the required fees by a check or money order made out to ‘Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.
4. Mail the form, vision test, and payment toNYS Department of Motor Vehicles

207 Genesee Street, Suite 6

Utica, NY 13501-2874

Note: You will not receive a temporary paper license in this method, so make sure you apply several weeks in advance if you plan to drive while you wait.

In Person Renewal

You must renew in person if you are updating your photo, license class, or swapping from a standard ID to an Enhanced or Real ID.

Here’s how you renew your NY driver’s license in person:

1. Fill out the renewal notice you received (or this form)
2. Head to your nearest New York DMV office. You may need to book a reservation in advance, depending on the location.
3. Take a vision test
4. Turn in your old license and pay the fee by credit/debit card OR by check/money order made out to ‘Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.

New York State Driver’s License Renewal Fees

The Standard fee for a Class D operator’s license is $64.50.

You may also need to pay an MCTD fee. Transportation District (MCTD) fee applies to the Bronx, Kings (Brooklyn), New York (Manhattan), Queens, Richmond (Staten Island); Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester.

The MCTD fee is $1.00 for every 6 months the permit or driver’s license will be in effect. For an 8-year driver’s license, the MCTD fee is $16.

Note: Renewal fees may change, but these are the fees as of February 2021.

Do I Need a REAL-ID?

Starting Oct 1, 2021, a standard driver’s license will not qualify as your federal ID. If you plan to board a plane or enter a US government facility or military base, you will need a federally approved ID to do so. If you do not get a REAL-ID, you can still use a passport or other federal ID to enter these places.

That’s It!

That’s everything you need to know about renewing your driver’s license in the State of New York. If you need help with any renewal exams, then Zutobi is the perfect study resource to help you refresh the rules of the road in a quick and easy manner.