Exchange a NY State driver license for a non-driver ID card[1] 
You can exchange a New York State driver license or learner permit that is current or that expired within the last 2 years for a New York State non - driver ID card NDID. You must apply by mail or in a DMV office. 

At an office and upgrade to an Enhanced or REAL ID 
You don't have to get an Enhanced or REAL ID. 1 However , if you have a Standard , you will not be allowed to board a domestic flight starting in October 2020 unless you have a Passport. If you plan on traveling , we recommend you come to DMV now and avoid a second office visit. Learn more about Enhanced, REAL ID and Standard documents [2]. Complete this guide to make sure you have the proofs of identification you need before you come to DMV. Select the " Replace, Renew, or Change my existing NY State License / ID to REAL ID or Enhanced " option. Find your proofs [3 ] 

By mail 
Important : If you have a Standard , it will not be accepted as proof of identification to board a domestic flight after October 1 , 2020 unless you have a Passport. We recommend you come to the DMV to upgrade to an Enhanced or REAL ID. Follow the instructions above for exchanging at an office. 

Mail 
a completed Application for Permit , Driver License or Non - Driver ID Card PDF [4] MV-44 your driver license or learner permit must be current or expired for less than two years a photocopy of your proof of Supplemental Security Income, if required see below - DO NOT mail your original document the payment indicated in the chart below 

To 
DMV License Production BureauP.O. Box 2688 ESP Albany , NY 12220 - 0668 By an express mail service DMV License Production Bureau Room 424A , 6 Empire State Plaza Albany, NY 12228 

Fees 
Learn more about Standard, REAL ID and Enhanced documents [5]. 

Proof of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 
To prove you receive SSI , you must bring one of the documents listed below to the DMV. The document must be the original, not photocop

user: I need an ID card instead of my license and want to pay SSI prices

assistant: Do you have proof that you receive SSI?

user: yes I can prove it

assistant: Okay, you have to bring an original copy of a document that proves that you are eligible for SSI benefits.

user: Do you have more info on ID cards that I can read?

assistant: yes, I can link you to more information on the ID Card

user: what do I need to do to get a regular ID Card?

assistant: If you want to exchange in an office and keep your Standard document type, follow these steps: Complete an Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card and bring your current license, application and payment

user: what is the thing that I am hearing about real IDs needed for flying now?

assistant: If you have a Standard, it will not be accepted as proof of identification to board a domestic flight after October 1, 2021 unless you have a Passport.   

user: how can I get an ID card by mail?

assistant: You will need a a completed Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card and your license must be current or expired for less than 2 years.   You will also need a photocopy of your proof that you receive SSI, and you will need to send in payment.