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Moving to New York: transferring your license

The steps in plain English. Each one links to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) page it came from. Last checked Nov 14, 2026.

  1. Exchange your out-of-state license within 30 days of becoming a New York resident.

    Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

  2. Check eligibility: the license must have a photo, be valid or expired under 24 months, and have been issued at least 6 months ago.

    Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

  3. Use the pre-screening tool to find the forms and proofs to bring, and choose Standard, REAL ID or Enhanced.

    Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

  4. Go to a DMV office in person - this cannot be done online or by mail.

    Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

  5. Pass a vision test (or bring form MV-619), surrender your old license and pay the fee.

    Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

  6. Leave with a temporary non-photo license; the New York license arrives by mail in about 2 weeks.

    Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

Check before you go: requirements and fees change, and some depend on your age or situation. The official page is the final word.

Related facts

Deadline to exchange an out-of-state license
Within 30 days of becoming a New York resident (living in NY for 90 days is presumptive evidence of residency).Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026
Tests for license transfers
Written and road tests may be waived if the out-of-state license has been in effect 6 months and is not expired more than 2 years; a vision test is still required.Source: dmv.ny.gov · checked Nov 14, 2026

More in the New York guide

Learner permitSteps and official links →First licenseSteps and official links →RenewalSteps and official links →REAL IDSteps and official links →Lost or replacement licenseSteps and official links →

Official New York links

Agency home pagedmv.ny.gov ↗Appointmentsdmv.ny.gov ↗Driver handbookdmv.ny.gov ↗Driver handbook (PDF)dmv.ny.gov ↗Online renewaldmv.ny.gov ↗REAL IDdmv.ny.gov ↗Permit and first licensedmv.ny.gov ↗New residentsdmv.ny.gov ↗Replace a licensedmv.ny.gov ↗Feesdmv.ny.gov ↗

These links open official government websites. USA DMV is an independent study site and is not affiliated with any of them.

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Not a government website. USA DMV (usadmv.app) is an independent study resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by any state DMV, the Texas Department of Public Safety or any other government agency. Practice questions are written to reflect official driver handbooks but are not the official test questions. Always confirm current requirements with your state’s licensing agency.