Driving in New York State

You must have a valid driver’s license to drive in New York state. A person of any age who does not intend to drive can also apply to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for a non-driver photo ID card (NDID). If you wish to drive, please check the chart below to see what you should do based on your situation.

Situation

I have a valid driver’s license from another U.S. state or territory, or my home country. You can drive in New York with a valid driver’s license from another state or country. Students from other states or from other nations who attend school in New York state typically are not considered residents, so if your home country driver’s license is still valid, you don’t need to exchange it for a New York driver’s license.

What to Do

Read Part A below for details.

I never had a driver’s license, or my driver’s license from my home country is expired. Apply for a learner permit at a DMV office. After getting a learner permit, you need to take a course and schedule a road test with the DMV to test your driving abilities and knowledge of local road rules. You must pass the road test to get a driver’s license.

Read Part B below for details.

If necessary, we strongly recommend that you apply for a driver’s license or NDID once you start classes at Hofstra University. Please carry your driver’s license or NDID with you instead of your passport, and keep your passport in a safe place. Please wait to go to the DMV until after you receive an email that your entrance immigration check-in form is approved. You cannot apply for a driver’s license until 24 hours after Hofstra has reported your arrival to the U.S. government. If you need to go to the DMV right away, please email international@hofstra.edu to let ISA know.

Part A: Foreign Driver’s Licenses

If you have a driver’s license from another country, you do not need an international driving permit, but it is helpful. If your license is in a language other than English, police officers who can’t read that language will be able to read the international driving permit and verify that you have a valid driver’s license. Contact the authorities in your home country to get an international driving permit. If you don’t have an international driving permit, you should carry a certified translation of your driver’s license. The translation must be certified by a consulate, the U.S. Department of State, or another official agency. The translation must include: • Your name • Your date of birth • The expiration date of your foreign driver’s license • A list of the types of vehicles that your foreign driver’s license allows you to drive You should also keep in your car a printed copy of the DMV website page that states you can drive with a valid foreign driver’s license in case you are questioned by police.

Part B: How to Apply for a New York Driver’s License

You must provide original documents when you apply for a driver’s license or NDID. We recommend that you make a reservation online before going to the DMV office. For more information or to make a reservation, visit the DMV website at dmv.ny.gov.