How to renew your New York State driver's license

You can renew your New York State driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. Most people renew by mail or online because it takes less time than visiting an office. You are may be able to access to renew by mail or online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had any major violations in the past two years, and your vision has not changed significantly. If you do not meet these conditions, you must renew in person.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about two months before your license expires. The notice tells you which renewal method you can use. If you lose the notice, you can still renew — you just need to know your license number and date of birth.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes; you pay the fee by credit or debit card and receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Mail renewal requires you to send your renewal notice, a check or money order, and a new photo to the DMV; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is suspended, you have had violations, or you cannot renew online or by mail for any reason.
  • Your license expires on your birthday, and you can renew it up to one year before that date.
  • You must pay the renewal fee, which varies depending on how many years you are renewing for — typically $64 for a four-year renewal or $96 for an eight-year renewal.

Renewing online through the DMV website

Online renewal is available through the New York State DMV website at dmv.ny.gov. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. The process takes about 10 minutes and you can do it from home at any time of day.

When you complete the online renewal, the DMV mails your new license to the address on file. Your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to change your address, you can do that during the online renewal process.

Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you have had certain violations in the past two years. The DMV website will tell you whether you are able to renew online before you start the process.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, you need your renewal notice, a new photo, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail your materials to the address shown on your renewal notice. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your renewal notice with your payment.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your materials. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. If you do not have a renewal notice, you can request one by calling the DMV at 518-486-4368 or by visiting a DMV office.

The photo you send must meet DMV requirements: it must be 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the past six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You can have a photo taken at most DMV offices, drugstores, or photo studios. The DMV will not accept photos from social media or digital files.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

You must renew in person if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have had violations that make you ineligible for mail or online renewal, or if you choose to do so. Bring your current license, proof of your address (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee. You will also need to pass a vision test.

Visit the DMV office locator at dmv.ny.gov to find the office nearest you and check its hours. Many offices now use an online appointment system — you can schedule a time slot before you go, which reduces wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait longer.

Processing at a DMV office usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You receive your new license on the spot or by mail within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office location.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must visit a DMV office in person. Before you renew, you need to resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation — this might mean paying a fine, completing a traffic safety course, or paying back child support or taxes.

Contact the DMV before you visit an office to find out what you need to do to lift the suspension or revocation. Call 518-486-4368 or visit dmv.ny.gov. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew your license in person at any DMV office.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee depends on how many years you are renewing for. A four-year renewal costs $64. An eight-year renewal costs $96. You can choose which term you want when you renew online or in person. By mail, the term is set by the DMV based on your age and license type.

Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order made out to "New York State Department of Motor Vehicles." In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Do not send cash by mail.

What happens after you renew

Your new license is valid for the number of years you chose at renewal — either four or eight years. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can continue to drive on your current license until your new one arrives.

If you do not receive your new license within the expected timeframe, contact the DMV. If you renewed online or by mail, you can check the status of your license on the DMV website. If you renewed in person and were told your license would be mailed, call the office where you renewed to confirm it was sent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

Yes, you can renew an expired license. However, if your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to take a written test and vision test in addition to renewing. Contact the DMV to find out what you need to do.

What if I moved and my address changed?

You can update your address during online renewal or when you renew in person. If you are renewing by mail, include a note with your new address. The DMV will send your new license to your updated address.

Do I need a new photo every time I renew?

No. You only need to provide a new photo if you are renewing by mail. Online and in-person renewals use your existing photo from the DMV database unless you request a new one.

How long does it take to get my license after I renew online?

Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you can renew in person at a DMV office and receive it the same day.

What if I cannot renew online because of a violation?

Contact the DMV at 518-486-4368 to find out why you are not able to renew online and what you need to do. You may need to resolve the violation first, or you may need to renew in person instead.