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: I just moved here from another state, so to get a new license, how long do I have?

assistant: You must exchange your driver license from another U.S. state or territory, federal district or Canadian province within 30 days of becoming a  New York state resident.

user: Are there exceptions to this rule?

assistant: Are you a student studying in New York State?

user: Yes I am.

assistant: Students from elsewhere are normally not considered residents of New York State, so they don t need to exchange their current driver's license.

user: If I do end up quitting school here and becoming a resident of NY, what if I go back to Canada and need my original driver's license?

assistant: In that case, when you pass your road test, ask the road test examiner how to make sure that your foreign driver license is not destroyed.

user: How will I prove that I'm a resident if I still pay taxes in Canada?

assistant: Normally, a judge considers these facts to decide if your intent is to make NYS a "fixed and permanent" residence.

user: I've been here 3 months and I got a ticket the other day. I still use my Ontario driver's license, how does that affect me?

assistant: A police officer can use this as evidence to issue a traffic ticket if you drive in New York State without a New York State driver license or vehicle registration. If you contest thew ticket, the judge will examine your evidence of intent and decides according to the law.