FAQs
How much does the driver’s license/learner
permit cost?
· Cost of a driver’s license varies based on age.
The fees range between $64.50 and $107.50.
All NYC counties also charge a Metropolitan
Commuter Transportation District fee.
· Beware of unscrupulous individuals or
businesses charging you to receive a driver’s
license or promising to get you a cheaper
driver’s license. Only the DMV can issue a
driver’s license – do not give money to anyone
but the DMV.
· If you have questions about the new driver’s
license, or if you have concerns about fraud, call
the New Americans Hotline at 1-800-566-7636.
Can the state government be forced by federal
authorities to turn over applicant data?
· The new law specifically restricts access
to DMV data by immigration enforcement
agencies and prohibits anyone receiving DMV
records or information from using that data for
civil immigration enforcement purposes.
· Information like social security number, place
of employment, or whether a driver’s license is a
REAL ID compliant license is protected.
· However, the law allows disclosure of
information where required by an order from a
judge.
· Keep in mind - some limited information (like
your name and address) may not be protected.
Will there be any legal or visible dierence
between the new driver’s licenses and other
licenses?
· Everyone who receives a “standard” driver’s
license will receive the same kind of card,
regardless of immigration status.
· “Standard” driver’s licenses will include text
that reads “Not for Federal Purposes,” to make
it clear that it cannot be used to board a plane,
gain entry into federal property, etc.
Can undocumented New Yorkers obtain a “REAL
ID” compliant license for use when ying on
planes?
· No. The NYS “REAL ID” compliant driver’s
licenses require proof of certain immigration
statuses. Federal law requires that, starting in
2020, state driver’s licenses used to board a
plane must be in compliance with the REAL ID
act.
· DACA and TPS recipients, as well as other
immigrant New Yorkers with work authorization
or legal status, can apply for a “REAL ID”
compliant license. However, that license will
expire when the work authorization or legal
status expires.
I heard that some county clerks outside of New
York City have fought against the new law. Is it
safe to go into a DMV in New York City to apply?
· The DMV in the five boroughs of New York City
(Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, and
Queens) are run directly by the state.
· While county clerks are not allowed to refuse
to issue driver’s licenses to undocumented
residents, people who feel unsafe applying
in their usual county can apply for a driver’s
license in any county, including the New York
City counties.
· To find a DMV office near you, go to dmv.ny.gov/
offices
English