Department of Motor Vehicles

Who can get a non-driver ID (NDID) card?

A person with lawful status in the US of any age can get a non-driver ID card. You must apply at a DMV office. 1 We will give you a temporary non-photo document at the DMV office. Due to a greater than normal volume of renewals, there may be a delay in receipt of your permanent document. Your temporary document is valid for 60 days.

Know what to submit to the DMV office

See location, instructions and reservation information for your DMV

You can find a complete list of the documents that the DMV accepts at How to Apply for a New York License Permit/Driver License/Non-Driver ID Card (PDF) ID-44

Complete this guide to make sure you have the proofs of identification you need before coming.

Find the documents you need to get a non-driver ID

Fee

 Learn more about Standard, REAL ID and Enhanced documents.

Reduced fee or 'No Fee' non-driver IDs

To get a reduced fee or 'No Fee' non-driver ID, you must you must apply by mail or at a DMV office (sorry, you cannot apply online).

You may be eligible for a reduced fee or no fee non-driver ID if you are 62 or older and you receive supplemental security income, or if you are any age and receive public assistance.

Age 62 or older and receive Supplement Security Income

Provide proof of your eligibility for Supplemental Security Income. This proof can be:

• Notice of Award notifying you that you are eligible for SSI benefits
• Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) letter
• Notice of change in payment (SSA-L8151)
• Third Party Query (TPQY) letter
• Report of Confidential Social Security Information (SSA-2258)
• Benefit Verification letter (you must call the Social Security Administration in advance to obtain this letter: 1-800-772-1213)

At a DMV office:  Bring original proof of Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
By mail: Send us a photocopy of your proof of Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Receive Public Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or Medical Assistance

Provide proof that you receive Public Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or Medical Assistance. This proof can be:

• Client Notice System (CNS) notice that states benefits are “approved,” “recertified,” “changed,” or “same amount” with your name, case number, and effective date.
• Welfare Management System (WMS) Budget Screen print out with case name, number, and effective date and Common Benefit Identification Card (CBIC) with your name.
• NYC only: Budget Letter with your name, number, and effective date. You must contact the NYC Human Resources Administration to obtain this letter. You can call them at 718-722-8009 or send an e-mail to [email protected].
• Outside NYC only: MyBenefits Budget Sheet with your name, number, and effective date. You must print the Budget Sheet from mybenefits.ny.gov.

At a DMV office:  Bring original proofs.
By mail: Send us a photocopy of your proofs.

Applicants under age 21

If you are under age 21, a parent or guardian can verify your identity by completing a Statement of Identity by Parent/Guardian (pdf) (MV-45).   Your parent or guardian must sign it at the DMV, and they must present 6 points of proof of their identity. You must still provide proof of your date of birth and your Social Security Card or proof that you are not eligible for a card.

Parents of children under age 16

The parent of a child under age 16 can apply for a non-driver ID card for their child.  The parent must complete a Statement of Identity by Parent/Guardian (pdf) (MV-45) and provide their child's  Social Security Card (or proof they are not eligible for a card) and proof of date of birth.

Your ID will come in the mail

You can check the mailing status online. Due to a greater than normal volume of renewals, there may be a delay in receipt of your permanent document. Your temporary document is valid for 60 days.

Still haven't found what you are looking for?

See a list of non-driver ID topics.