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 benet?

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.

Birth

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:

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.

The fees range between $64.50 and $107.50.

All NYC counties also charge a Metropolitan

Commuter Transportation District fee.

· Beware of unscrupulous individuals or

businesses charging you to receive a driver’s

license or promising to get you a cheaper

driver’s license. Only the DMV can issue a

driver’s license – do not give money to anyone

but the DMV.

· If you have questions about the new driver’s

agencies and prohibits anyone receiving DMV

records or information from using that data for

civil immigration enforcement purposes.

· Information like social security number, place

of employment, or whether a driver’s license is a

REAL ID compliant license is protected.

· However, the law allows disclosure of

information where required by an order from a

judge.

· Keep in mind - some limited information (like

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.

planes?

· No. The NYS “REAL ID” compliant driver’s

licenses require proof of certain immigration

statuses. Federal law requires that, starting in

2020, state driver’s licenses used to board a

expire when the work authorization or legal

status expires.

I heard that some county clerks outside of New

York City have fought against the new law. Is it

safe to go into a DMV in New York City to apply?

· The DMV in the five boroughs of New York City

(Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, and

Queens) are run directly by the state.

· While county clerks are not allowed to refuse

to issue driver’s licenses to undocumented

residents, people who feel unsafe applying