FOREIGN DRIVERS LICENSES AND DRIVING IN NEW YORK STATE
Many international students have questions about whether it is possible to drive in New York State with a valid foreign driver’s license, rather than a New York State license. In fact, it is perfectly legal to drive in New York State using a valid foreign driver’s license. However, not everyone is familiar with this policy. Even police officers have, on some occasions, ticketed an international student for “driving without a license” if the only license presented was from a foreign country. If your driver’s license is written in a language other than English, police officers may have difficulty reading it. In that case, it is recommended that you have an International Driving Permit to present with your foreign driver’s license.
The best information on this issue comes from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles website. http://www.nysdmv.com/license.htm#driversfromothernations
We repeat the text from their web link below:
A valid driver license from another country is also valid in NYS. You do not need to apply for a NYS driver license unless you become a resident of NYS. Read a definition of a New York State resident at the following website: http://www.nysdmv.com/resident.htm
According to NYS law, a resident of another country can get a NYS driver license. The DMV does not recommend this because:
- NYS recognizes your foreign driver license if you remain a resident of the nation that issued the license. You do not need to have a NYS driver license to drive in NYS unless you become a resident of NYS.
- If you have a driver license from any nation except Canada, you must pass a written test, complete a 5-hour pre-licensing course and pass a road test to qualify for a NYS driver license. See the following website with information about "New Drivers - How to Apply". http://www.nysdmv.com/#newdrivers
- You must show a Social Security Card. If you are not eligible for a Social Security Card, you must provide a letter or form SSA-L676 from the US Social Security Administration (SSA) that states that you are not eligible. The SSA Letter or form must have been issued no more than 30 days before the date of your application. You must also show the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) documents that the SSA used to determine that you are not eligible for a Social Security Card. Read about the specific requirements on the identification requirements page at the following website: http://www.nysdmv.com/idlicense.htm
- When you receive your NYS driver license, you must surrender your foreign driver license to the DMV road test examiner. The local DMV office keeps your foreign driver license, and then destroys the license after 60 days. If you plan to return to your home country and use your foreign driver license, ask the road test examiner how to make sure that your foreign driver license is not destroyed. If you need to get your foreign driver license, go to the local DMV office where you applied for your NYS driver license.
International Driving Permit: An International Driving Permit is not a driver license. The permit only verifies that you hold a valid driver license in your home country. Your foreign driver license, not the International Driving Permit, allows you to drive in NYS. Contact the authorities in your home country to get an International Driving Permit. If you are not a resident of the US, you cannot apply for an International Driving Permit in the US.
You are not required to have an International Driving Permit to drive in NYS, but the permit has value. The permit verifies, in several languages, that you have a valid foreign driver license. A police officer who cannot read the language on your foreign driver license can read the permit.
A final note: Different states have different rules. What applies in New York State may not apply in other states.
Please note that applications for driving permits are accepted up to one hour before closing each day.
NEW YORK STATE IDENTIFICATION CARDS
International students often find it convenient to purchase a New York State Identification Card from the Department of Motor Vehicles. These cards show your name, address, date of birth, and photograph. They are generally used for check-cashing purposes or to prove your age. By having a New York State ID, you will not have to carry your passport when needing to prove your age or identity for non-governmental purposes.
You may choose a short-term non-driver ID card valid for 4 to 5 years, or a long-term ID card valid for 8 to 9 years. The exact period of your ID card and your fee depend on whether you select a short-term or long-term ID and the relationship between the date you apply and the expiration date (your month and day of birth). A short-term ID card will cost between $9.00 and $10.00. A long-term ID will cost between $13.00 and $14.00. These fees include a $5.00 photo document fee.
Protect it with a plastic sleeve in your purse or wallet, but do not laminate it. Laminating could destroy special built-in security safeguards and make it invalid. The replacement fee is $15 for a "duplicate" photo license. The photo-ID replacement fee is $8.00 for cards valid up to 8 years, and $6.50 for 10-year discounted cards. (The replacement fee may change.)
While you must have a Binghamton University ID card for on-campus use (and to ride Broome Transit buses), the University card does not show your date of birth. International students often find that having a New York State ID card allows them to safely secure their passports in their room or apartment. (You must carry your passport when traveling or when it is required by a governmental agency.)
International students needing further information on driver’s licenses or applications must go to the following location of the Broome County Department of Motor Vehicles:
Broome County Department of Motor Vehicles |