Information for Military and Veterans
Military Addresses
You do not need to report a temporary change of address to the DMV. This includes military addresses.
Online Transactions
You cannot do the following transactions online if your current address is not in the US.
- Online driver license renewal. However, you may be eligible for an automatic license extension for military personnel).
- Online duplicate driver license
Other Transactions
The New York State Motor Vehicle Dealer and Transporter Regulations (PDF) (CR-78) requires an automobile dealer to use the military residence address on a certificate of sale if the purchaser has no other residence address (see Section 78.11 on page 20).
License, Permits and IDs
Automatic Extension
New York State law automatically extends license privileges throughout active military service for up to 6 months after discharge or separation. Discharged or separated military personnel may renew an expired New York State license up to two years after the extended expiration. No more than 30 months may have passed since discharge (6-month extension plus 24-month grace period).
Active military personnel must show proof of date of entry into military service. If the New York State license was valid at any time during your military service, your license could be renewed.
A discharged serviceman must show a Certificate of Discharge, DD-214. You must have been discharged within the past 30 months. If the New York State license was valid at any time during your military service, your license could be renewed.
Military Driver License
If you have a driver license issued by the US Armed Forces, you can drive in New York State for a maximum of 60 days after you enter the state. After 60 days, you must have a valid New York State or out-of-state driver license to drive in New York State.
You cannot exchange a military driver license for a New York State driver license. You must apply for an original New York State driver license and take all the tests.
CDL Military Skills Test Waiver
An applicant for a New York State commercial driver license (CDL) with military experience driving commercial motor vehicles may qualify to apply for a waiver of the New York State CDL skills (road) test. The applicant must meet all other CDL requirements. See the Get a Military Skills Test Waiver for more information.
Motorcycle Skills Test Waiver
Members of the U.S. Armed Forces who complete the MSF Basic Rider Course (BRC) through the military while on active duty outside of New York State can qualify to have their military BRC converted into a New York BRC in order to receive the road test waiver. Complete instructions are available online from the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program.
Registration and Title
Second-Party Registration Transactions
If you are not able to visit the DMV to register a vehicle, another person can come for you. You will need these forms
- Affirmation for Renewal of Registration for Absentee Owner (PDF) (MV-454)
- Certification of Disposition of Vehicle on Behalf of Absentee Owner (PDF) (MV-456)
For more information about second-party registrations, see register a vehicle for someone else.
Registration Extension
If you are active-duty military, registrations are automatically extended for up to 60 days from the return to New York State. This extension applies only to vehicles registered to military personnel. You must show proof of military service or separation. Liability insurance coverage must be maintained at all times, including the period of extension.
Register a Vehicle Imported from Another Country
To register a vehicle imported from another country, use the form 'Military Registration and Certificate of Title of Motor Vehicle' (DD-430) to provide proof of ownership. For more information, see register an imported vehicle.
Veterans with Disabilities Registering Motor Vehicles under Federal Title 38
To register a vehicle, use Statement to Register a Vehicle Under Title 38 (PDF) (MV-1E).
To renew a registration, use Statement to Renew a Vehicle Under Article 38 (PDF) (MV-1G).
Request a Registration Fee Refund
The Request for Refund (PDF) (MV-215) form includes instructions to apply for a vehicle registration fee refund if you entered the US Armed Forces after you received a New York State vehicle registration. For more information about registration refunds, see surrender vehicle plates to the DMV.
Insurance
You are required to maintain continuous coverage while deployed, or to surrender your plates before being deployed. If you were unable to do so, DMV has a procedure to exempt you from administrative actions upon your return. You must provide a notarized statement that the vehicle was not used during the time in question, a copy of your military ID, proof of current insurance (or surrender of plates), and signed and dated copies of deployment and return papers, or DD-214 (if separated from service). You can present these documents at a DMV office, or mail them to the Insurance Services Bureau (see below).
Sales Tax
Sales Tax Exemption for Motor Vehicles Purchased Out-of-State
New York State tax law offers a full exemption from New York State sales and use tax on a motor vehicle purchased in another state by a person in the military service of the United States, so long as that other state’s sales, use, excise, usage or highway use tax was paid on the motor vehicle necessary to obtain the title.
To qualify for the exemption, the purchaser must provide proof of tax paid upon registration of the motor vehicle in New York State. A receipt showing payment of sales, use, excise, usage, or highway use tax paid will be considered to be proof of tax paid to another state. This exemption applies only when the registrant is a military service member and is the person who purchased the motor vehicle in another state while in military service of the United States.
Applicants seeking this tax exemption must complete form Sales Tax Exemption [Sales Tax Form] (PDF) (at New York State Department of Tax and Finance) (DTF-803), box 12, and provide a military ID or other documentation of military service (if a certificate of discharge is presented, the date of discharge must be after the purchase of the motor vehicle).
Defer Vehicle Sales Tax
If you are a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and you do not currently reside in New York, you can defer your sales tax payment. You must pay the sales tax when you leave the Armed Forces or you return to New York. Complete form Sales Tax Exemption [Sales Tax Form] (PDF) (at New York State Department of Tax and Finance) (DTF-803) if
- you are a New York State resident,
- you are now a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, and
- you do not now reside in New York State or keep a residence here
Find more sales tax information for registering a vehicle.
Plates
Military and Veteran Vehicle Plates
Use these forms to order military and veteran vehicle plates
- Application for Custom Plates (PDF) (CP-30)
- Statement to Register a Vehicle with Former POW or Congressional Medal of Honor Plates (PDF) (MV-1H)
See galleries of military and veteran custom plates.
Note: The vehicle registration class codes list includes a section for military and veterans classes.
Already ordered custom plates? Please complete the survey linked to below about your Military Custom License Plates.
Contact Insurance Services Bureau
Contact us by phone:
Mailing Address:
Insurance Services Bureau
New York State DMV
6 Empire State Plaza, Room 332B
Albany, NY 12228