The 1987 New York License: Design and Security Features
A 1987 New York driver's license is a laminated card with a portrait photo, printed in black and white or early color, measuring 3.375 by 2.125 inches. The license displays the holder's name, date of birth, address, license number, and expiration date. The state seal appears in the upper left corner, and the card stock is thinner and less durable than modern licenses.
The 1987 license included basic security features for its time: a ghost image (a faint second photo), microprinting along the edges, and a hologram. These features were considered advanced in the mid-1980s but are now considered minimal by current standards. The lamination itself was a security measure, though it degrades over time and can peel or crack after decades.
The license number format changed over New York's history. A 1987 license typically shows an eight-digit number, though the exact structure depends on when the holder first received their license. The expiration date on a 1987 license would have been set for four or five years from the issue date, meaning most 1987 licenses expired in the early 1990s.
Key Takeaways
- A 1987 New York license is a laminated card with a black-and-white or early color photo, basic security features like a hologram and ghost image, and an eight-digit license number.
- These licenses expired decades ago and cannot be used for identification or driving purposes today.
- If you hold a 1987 license, you need to renew it through the New York Department of Motor Vehicles to drive legally or use it as a form of identification.
- A 1987 license may have historical or personal value, but it has no legal standing for transactions, travel, or age verification.
Why 1987 Licenses Are No Longer Valid
New York driver's licenses issued in 1987 expired between 1991 and 1992, depending on the renewal cycle at the time. A license cannot be used for any legal purpose once it expires—not for driving, not for identification at a bank, not for boarding a flight, and not for age verification at a store or bar.
Beyond expiration, the security features on a 1987 license are outdated. Modern identification standards, especially for federal purposes like air travel and federal building access, require licenses that meet REAL ID Act standards. New York implemented REAL ID compliance in 2020, and all current licenses include enhanced security features like a star marking and machine-readable zones that a 1987 license does not have.
If you are holding a 1987 license as a keepsake or found one, it has no legal value. If you need to prove your identity or driving status, you must obtain a current license from the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.
How to Renew or Replace an Expired 1987 License
If you still hold a 1987 license and want to drive or use it for identification, you must renew it through the New York Department of Motor Vehicles. The process depends on how long it has been expired and whether you have held a valid New York license continuously since 1987.
If your license has been expired for more than a few years, New York may require you to retake the written test and vision test, or in some cases the road test as well. The exact requirements depend on how long the license has been expired and your age. You can contact the DMV or visit their website to determine what tests you need.
You will need to bring proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of New York residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. You will also need to pay the renewal fee, which varies depending on the type of license and how long it has been expired. The DMV can provide the current fee schedule.
Collecting or Preserving a 1987 License
Some people keep expired licenses for personal or historical reasons. A 1987 New York license can be a reminder of an earlier era of design and security, or it may have sentimental value if it belonged to a family member.
If you want to preserve a 1987 license, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The lamination can become brittle or peel over time, especially if the card was exposed to heat or moisture. Placing it in a protective sleeve or archival-quality plastic holder can slow degradation.
A 1987 license has no resale value in any official market, though some people collect vintage identification cards as curiosities. If you are interested in the history of New York driver's licenses or security features, the DMV's website and the Library of Congress have historical information about how license design has changed.
Differences Between 1987 and Modern New York Licenses
| Feature | 1987 License | Modern License |
|---|---|---|
| Photo quality | Black and white or early color, lower resolution | High-resolution digital color |
| Lamination | Basic laminate, degrades over time | Polycarbonate, more durable |
| Security features | Hologram, ghost image, microprinting | Hologram, ghost image, microprinting, machine-readable zone, REAL ID star |
| Expiration | Expired in early 1990s | Current licenses valid for 5–8 years |
| REAL ID compliant | No | Yes (as of 2020) |
What to Do If You Found a 1987 License
If you found a 1987 New York driver's license, you can attempt to return it to the person who issued it. The license will have a name and address on it, though the address may be decades old and the person may no longer live there.
You can also turn it in to a local police department or the New York Department of Motor Vehicles. The DMV can attempt to contact the person or their family, though there is no may provide they will be able to locate them after so many years.
If the license is damaged, illegible, or you cannot locate the owner, you can dispose of it. There is no legal requirement to keep or return an expired license that you find.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a 1987 New York license to board a plane?
No. An expired license is not accepted for any federal purpose, including air travel. You need a current driver's license, passport, or other REAL ID-compliant identification to board a domestic flight.
Is a 1987 license worth anything to collectors?
Not in any official market. Vintage identification cards have no established resale value. Some people collect them as historical curiosities, but there is no standard price or demand.
What if I lost my current license and only have an old 1987 one?
An expired 1987 license cannot replace a lost current license. You must contact the New York Department of Motor Vehicles to report the loss and request a replacement. You will need to provide proof of identity and residency, and pay a replacement fee.
Do I need to destroy a 1987 license before I renew?
No legal requirement exists to destroy an old license before renewing. However, the DMV may ask you to surrender your old license when you renew. You can keep it for personal reasons if the DMV does not require it.
How can I find out more about the history of New York driver's licenses?
The New York Department of Motor Vehicles website has information about license design changes and security features. The Library of Congress and state archives also maintain historical records of identification documents and their evolution over time.