Where to go for a driver license in Brooklyn
Brooklyn has two Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices where you can get a new driver license or renew an existing one. The main Brooklyn DMV is located at 165 Flatbush Avenue Extension, near the Brooklyn Bridge. There is also a satellite office at 5900 Broadway in the Sunset Park neighborhood. Both locations handle the same services, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
You do not need an appointment at either location, but you can reserve a time slot online through the New York State DMV website to reduce your wait. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait several hours during peak times, which are typically mid-morning through early afternoon on weekdays. Saturday hours are available at the Flatbush Avenue location if weekday visits do not work for your schedule.
Before you go to either office, gather the documents listed below. Arriving prepared is the single biggest factor in how quickly your visit goes. If you show up without the right paperwork, the DMV will turn you away and you will have to return another day.
Key Takeaways
- Brooklyn has two DMV offices: 165 Flatbush Avenue Extension and 5900 Broadway in Sunset Park, both open weekdays and Saturdays.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to get a new license or renew an existing one.
- You can reserve a time slot online through the New York State DMV website to skip some of the wait, though walk-ins are also accepted.
- A standard driver license costs $64 and is valid for eight years; you can renew by mail if you have not had any violations or address changes.
Documents you need to bring
The DMV requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. For proof of identity, bring your current driver license if you are renewing, or a passport, birth certificate, or state ID if you are getting your first license. The document must be an original or certified copy — photocopies are not accepted.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your Brooklyn address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days and show your full name and street address. A cell phone bill or credit card statement will not work. If you recently moved and do not have a utility bill yet, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord on their letterhead stating your move-in date is acceptable.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, though the DMV can look it up if you know the number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a document from the Social Security Administration or a letter from your employer showing your number.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, take a number from the ticket machine and wait to be called. A DMV representative will review your documents, ask you to confirm your address and other personal information, and take a new photo for your license. The photo is taken at the DMV — you cannot bring your own. Wear clear glasses if you normally do; sunglasses are not allowed.
You will then be sent to a vision and hearing test station. The vision test checks that you can read a standard eye chart. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you will be referred to an eye doctor and cannot get your license until you return with a vision correction form.
After the vision test, you will go to a payment window and pay the license fee. A standard driver license costs $64 and is valid for eight years. If you are under 21, the fee is $42 and the license is valid for four years. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. The DMV does not accept checks.
You will receive a temporary paper license that day, valid for 30 days. Your plastic license card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you do not receive it after four weeks, contact the DMV to report it missing.
Renewing by mail instead of in person
If your current license is still valid and you have not had any violations, address changes, or name changes since your last renewal, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. You will need to fill out the MV-44 form (Renewal process for Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card) and mail it to the address shown on the form along with your current license and the $64 renewal fee.
Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time the DMV receives your process. If you need your license sooner, you must visit an office in person. You cannot renew by mail if your license has expired by more than two years, if you have had any moving violations or suspensions, or if you have changed your name or address.
If you have a suspended or revoked license
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must first contact the DMV to find out why it was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Suspensions can result from unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, or medical reasons. Revocations are more serious and usually result from DWI convictions or accumulating too many points.
To restore a suspended license, you may need to pay outstanding fines, complete a defensive driving course, or provide a medical clearance. The DMV will tell you exactly what is required when you call. You can reach the DMV customer service line at 518-486-4368. Once you have met all requirements, you can visit an office to get your license back.
Getting a Real ID compliant license
New York now issues Real ID compliant driver licenses by default. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If you do not want a Real ID license, you can request a standard license instead, though you will need a passport or other federal ID for air travel.
There is no extra cost for a Real ID license, and you do not need to do anything special to get one — the DMV will issue it automatically when you renew or get a new license. If you want to confirm your license is Real ID compliant, look for the gold star in the upper right corner of your card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
No, New York does not offer online renewal for driver licenses. You can renew by mail if your license is still valid and you have had no violations or address changes, or you can visit a DMV office in person. You cannot renew online under any circumstances.
What if I lost my license or it was stolen?
You will need to get a replacement. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency to a DMV office, just as you would for a renewal. The fee for a replacement license is $64. You will receive a temporary paper license that day and your plastic card within two to three weeks.
How long does it take to get a license on the day of my visit?
The entire process usually takes 30 to 90 minutes from the time you arrive, depending on how busy the office is and whether you pass the vision test on your first try. Arriving early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday typically means shorter waits than Friday afternoons.
Do I need to take a written test or road test?
If you already have a valid driver license and are renewing it, you do not need to take any tests. If you are getting your first license or your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to pass a written test and a road test. Contact the DMV for information about scheduling a road test.
What if I moved to Brooklyn from another state?
You will need to get a New York driver license. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Brooklyn, and your Social Security number to a DMV office. You will not need to take a written or road test if your out-of-state license is still valid, but you will need to pass the vision test and have a new photo taken.