New York State Driver’s License
You may drive in New York State with a valid driver’s license issued by another U.S. state or by another country, as long as the license has not expired.
You are not required to have an International Driving Permit (IDP). However, an IDP can help police officers understand your driver’s license because it translates your license information into several languages.
You can only obtain an International Driving Permit in your home country. Contact the appropriate government authority in your home country for instructions.
Car Insurance and Vehicle Registration
You may buy car insurance and register a vehicle in New York State using a foreign driver’s license.
Car insurance is required by law in New York State. Insurance may cost more if you do not have a U.S. driver’s license. Some insurance companies charge higher rates or require a New York State license.
Applying for a New York State Driver’s License
Eligibility
You may apply for a New York State driver’s license if you have one of the following documents:
- Form I-20 (F-1 students)
- Form DS-2019 (J-1 exchange visitors)
- Form I-797 Approval Notice (for example, H-1B workers)
Your immigration status must meet both of the following requirements:
- Your authorized stay in the United States must be at least one year in total, and
- You must have at least six months remaining before the expiration date on your immigration document.
How to Apply
The New York State Driver’s Manual explains traffic laws and safe driving rules. You
are responsible for knowing these rules before driving.
Review the manual on the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.
Go to a New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office to complete your
driver’s license application and pay the required fee.
Before visiting the DMV, use the DMV Document Guide on the DMV website to confirm which documents you must bring. You must bring original
documents.
If you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) and are not eligible for one, you
do not need a denial letter. Instead, complete the DMV Social Security Affidavit and sign it in front of a DMV representative.
Driver’s license fees vary depending on your age. Review the DMV website for current fee information for a Class D driver’s license.
Non-U.S. citizens are eligible for Standard IDs only. Enhanced IDs and REAL IDs are
not available.
Closest DMV office to Stony Brook University:
250 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
The written permit test is based on the information in the New York State Driver’s
Manual.
You may take this test at a DMV office. You may also choose to take the test online.
If you take the test online and pass, you must schedule a DMV appointment to complete
your application.
Visit the DMV website for instructions on taking the online exam.
Before taking the road test, you must complete a 5-hour pre-licensing course approved by the DMV.
Search the DMV website to find approved courses near your ZIP code.
After completing the previous steps, you may schedule a road test when you are ready.
If you pass the road test, you must surrender your foreign driver’s license to the
DMV examiner.
The DMV will destroy your foreign license after 60 days. If you plan to return to
your home country and will need your foreign license, ask the examiner how to prevent
it from being destroyed.
How to Apply
Review the manual on the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.
Before visiting the DMV, use the DMV Document Guide on the DMV website to confirm which documents you must bring. You must bring original documents.
If you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) and are not eligible for one, you do not need a denial letter. Instead, complete the DMV Social Security Affidavit and sign it in front of a DMV representative.
Driver’s license fees vary depending on your age. Review the DMV website for current fee information for a Class D driver’s license.
Non-U.S. citizens are eligible for Standard IDs only. Enhanced IDs and REAL IDs are not available.
Closest DMV office to Stony Brook University:
250 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
You may take this test at a DMV office. You may also choose to take the test online.
If you take the test online and pass, you must schedule a DMV appointment to complete your application.
Visit the DMV website for instructions on taking the online exam.
Search the DMV website to find approved courses near your ZIP code.
If you pass the road test, you must surrender your foreign driver’s license to the DMV examiner.
The DMV will destroy your foreign license after 60 days. If you plan to return to your home country and will need your foreign license, ask the examiner how to prevent it from being destroyed.
Drive Safely
New York State has strict traffic safety laws.
- Do not drink and drive. Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious crime.
- Use hands-free devices only. You may not hold a cell phone while driving.
- Always wear a seat belt. Seat belts are required for drivers and passengers.
Additional DMV Resources
For more information, review the following resources on the New York State DMV website: