Our society today is a very mobile one. Many people frequently move to other states or even countries. If you move to New York and become residents of the state, obtaining a valid New York driver’s license is important. According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, there are two primary means of doing this. The first is by applying for a brand new license and passing all required tests.
The other way that you can obtain a New York driver’s license is by exchanging another valid license from qualifying locations. These include Canada and any other U.S. state or territory. Some stipulations are in place for such exchanges, however. If you have any license suspensions or revocations on file in your former area of residency, you will not be able to obtain a license in New York by simply turning in your existing licenses.
Other requirements include that the license from your original state, territory or country have been issued for at least six months. The license to be exchanged does not need to be current but cannot have been expired for more than two years. It must also be physically in your possession and able to be surrendered to the New York DMV. Even without a New York license, if you drive in the state you are subject to the New York traffic law and can receive traffic violations and be subject to all relevant penalties.
This information is not intended to provide legal advice but general information about obtaining a New York driver’s license upon moving to the state from another area.