Exchange your out-of-state driver license[1] 
You must exchange your - out - state driver license from another U.S. state or territory, federal district or Canadian province within 30 days of becoming a resident of New York. Your out - of - state license must have your photograph be valid or expired less than 24 months have been issued at least 6 months before you apply for a New York license unless it is commercial driver license that has been valid for any amount of time 2 You cannot exchange your license if it is suspended or revoked 3 lost or stolen 4 a hardship or an " employment only driver license " 5 marked " non - renewable " or " non - transferable " 6 Your New York license will be valid for 5 years. 

At the DMV 
This transaction can only be processed in person, at a DMV office. You will need to pass a vision test at the DMV or bring a completed Eye Test Report PDF [2] MV-619 surrender your out - of - state license, unless it is lost or stolen bring proof of identity Complete this guide to make sure you have the documents and proofs of identity you need. Find your proofs [3 ] We will give you a temporary non - photo license document. Allow 2 weeks for your new license to arrive in the mail. For quicker service , make a reservation online before visiting offices in New York City, Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, Onondaga, Monroe or Albany Counties. For all other counties , see our office locations and hours [4]. Make a Reservation [5 ] * Residents of these counties must pay the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District MCTD fee $10 : Bronx, Kings Brooklyn , New York Manhattan , Queens , Richmond Staten Island , Dutchess , Nassau , Orange , Putnam , Rockland , Suffolk and Westchester. Enhanced documents have an additional $30.00 fee. We accept cash most credit, pinless debit or prepaid cards American Express, Discover Card / Novus, MasterCard, VISA a personal check or a money order payable to 

Additional information 


I am studying in New Yor

user: Yes I would like some information about changing my out of state driver's license.

assistant: Yes we have that information. You must do so within 30 days of becoming a resident of New York.

user: Am I still considered as living in my new state even though my taxes are paid in another state?

assistant: Technically, if you pay taxes or your children attend school in another state, a judge considers these facts to decide if your intent is to make NYS a "fixed and permanent" residence.

user: Do I need to show my driver's license when I go through this process?

assistant: Yes you do.

user: If I'm still living in 2 states do I need to change my driver's license?

assistant: No, you do not need to apply for a New York State driver license until you become a New York State resident.

assistant: Would you like to know how to obtain a New York State driver's license?

user: No, I'm good for now, thanks.

user: If my daughter becomes a student at a college in New York, does she need a driver's license from there?

assistant: Students from other states, countries or nations who attend school in New York State are normally not considered residents of New York State, so no she doesn't need one specifically from there.