Where to get your Pelham driver's license
Pelham has a Department of Motor Vehicles office that issues driver's licenses. The office is located at 750 Pelham Parkway in Pelham, New York. You can visit in person during business hours to explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or replace a lost or damaged license.
The Pelham DMV office is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and Saturday from 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hours can change seasonally or for holidays, so check the New York State DMV website before you go. You can also call the office at (914) 738-2500 to confirm hours or ask questions about what documents you need to bring.
If you prefer not to visit in person, New York State allows you to renew certain licenses online through the DMV website, though you cannot obtain a new license or replace a lost one remotely. Online renewal is available only if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years.
Key Takeaways
- The Pelham DMV office is at 750 Pelham Parkway and is open weekdays 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Saturdays 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or tax identification number to explore for a new license.
- New York State charges different fees depending on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or replacing a lost one.
- You will take a written test and a road test if you are a first-time driver; renewals do not require these tests unless your license has been expired for more than four years.
- Processing times vary, but you can usually receive your license by mail within two to three weeks of your visit.
Documents you need to bring
New York State requires specific documents to prove your identity and residency before issuing a driver's license. You must bring one document that proves who you are — such as a U.S. passport, a birth certificate, or a permanent resident card — and one document that proves you live in Pelham, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 30 days.
You also need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. Bring the original documents or certified copies; photocopies alone are not accepted.
If you are renewing a license that is still valid, you may not need to bring all of these documents — the DMV can verify your information from your existing record. Call the Pelham office or check the New York State DMV website to confirm what you need for your specific situation.
Fees and payment methods
New York State charges different fees based on what you are doing. A new driver's license costs $64.50 and is valid for eight years. A renewal of an existing license costs $64.50. If you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license, the fee is $20. These fees cover the license itself and the processing of your process.
The Pelham DMV office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks, but it is safest to bring cash or a card. Ask when you call to confirm what payment methods the Pelham location accepts.
Testing requirements for first-time drivers
If you are obtaining a driver's license for the first time in New York State, you must pass a written test and a road test. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the New York State DMV Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the DMV website or in print at the Pelham office.
The road test takes about 20 minutes and is conducted by a DMV examiner who rides with you in your own vehicle or a vehicle you arrange. You must demonstrate basic driving skills, including starting, stopping, turning, and parking. The examiner will also check that your vehicle meets safety requirements — working brakes, lights, wipers, and horn.
If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state or country, you may not need to take the road test, though you will likely need to pass the written test. Contact the Pelham office to learn what applies to your situation.
Timeline for receiving your license
After you visit the Pelham DMV office and complete your process, you will receive a temporary document that allows you to drive while your permanent license is being made. Your permanent license is mailed to the address you provided on your process.
Processing times vary depending on how busy the DMV is and whether your process requires additional review. Most licenses arrive within two to three weeks. If your process is incomplete or if there is a problem with your documents, the DMV may contact you to ask for more information, which can extend the timeline.
You can check the status of your process online through the New York State DMV website if you have your process number. The Pelham office can also tell you the status if you call.
Renewing or replacing an existing license
If your license is still valid and not suspended or revoked, you can renew it online through the New York State DMV website without visiting the office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $64.50. Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks.
If your license has expired, been lost, or been damaged, you must visit the Pelham office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for a new license — proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If your license was lost or stolen, you may want to report it to local police, though this is not required to replace it at the DMV.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must contact the New York State DMV to understand why and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges. The Pelham office can provide information about this process.
What to do if you cannot visit during regular hours
The Pelham DMV office does not offer evening or Sunday hours. If you cannot visit during the posted hours, you have a few options. You can visit a different DMV office in Westchester County or the surrounding area if one has hours that work better for you. The New York State DMV website lists all offices and their hours.
For renewals only, you can use the online system, which is open 24 hours a day. If you need to obtain a new license or replace a lost one and cannot visit during regular hours, you will need to take time off work or arrange your schedule to visit the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it has been expired for more than two years?
No. Online renewal is only for licenses that are currently valid or expired for less than two years. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must visit the Pelham DMV office in person and may need to retake the written and road tests.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, you can use that instead. The Pelham office can tell you what other documents may be accepted.
Do I need to take the road test if I already have a license from another state?
It depends on the state and how long ago you received it. New York State may waive the road test if your out-of-state license is valid and current. Call the Pelham office or check the DMV website to learn what applies to your specific license.
How long does the written test take?
The written test usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will answer multiple-choice questions on a computer or paper form. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you do not pass, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment.
Can I use a temporary license to drive out of state?
A temporary New York State license is valid for driving throughout the United States. However, some states may not recognize it, so it is safest to carry it along with the identity document you used to obtain it.