Driver License, Permit or ID

If you move to New York State and become a resident, you must get a New York State driver license within 30 days. Normally, you cannot have a New York State driver license and a driver license from another state simultaneously, but there are exceptions. However, it is a violation of Federal law to hold more than one Commercial Driver License (CDL).

Learn how to exchange your out-of-state driver license.

Students from Outside New York State

Students from other states, countries, or nations who attend New York State are normally not considered residents of New York State, so they do not need to exchange their current driver licenses.

Register a Vehicle from Another State

The registration requirements are generally the same as registering and titling a vehicle in New York. However, there are a few exceptions for out-of-state vehicles, and imported vehicles.

If your vehicle is registered in New York State, you must have New York insurance coverage.  We will never accept out-of-state insurance coverage of any type for a vehicle registered in New York.

Surrender Vehicle Registration and Plates

If you want to register your vehicle in another state, you must surrender your vehicle registration and plates to the New York DMV. You must surrender your vehicle registration and plates to the DMV before the New York State liability insurance is canceled. 

Once you surrender your New York State vehicle plates and register your vehicle in another state, you can get insurance in the other state. Your insurance must meet the requirements of the state where your vehicle is registered.

Insurance

If you replace your New York State insurance coverage with out-of-state insurance before you surrender your vehicle license plates and registration, your valid insurance coverage will lapse. We will suspend your registration and may suspend your driver license. 

We will take action against your New York State registration and driver license even if you move out of New York. This can affect your ability to have a driver license in your new state. 

Please send us a copy of your out-of-state registration in your name along with a copy of your out-of-state insurance (if available) to the address below.

All proof must include the name and address of the registrant, and the year, make, and vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle. We will apply your proof to the New York record to reduce or clear a lapse of insurance coverage reported by your insurance company.