New York driver license and state ID — guide for immigrants

New York issues a standard driver license regardless of immigration status, under the Green Light Law (the Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act), in effect since December 16, 2019. You do not need a Social Security number. Here is exactly who qualifies, what to bring, what it costs, and the one important limit — the law covers driver licenses, not non-driver ID cards.

Quick answer

  • Undocumented driver-license access: YES — under the Green Light Law (since December 2019)
  • Social Security number required: No (sign an affidavit if you were never issued one)
  • Driver license fee: $64.50–$107.50 (by age and region)
  • Card marking: “NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES” — not a REAL ID
  • Non-driver ID card: NOT available under the Green Light Law (driver license and learner permit only)
  • Agency: New York State DMV
  • Website: dmv.ny.gov · Office of New Americans Hotline: 1-800-566-7636

Who can apply

The Green Light Law “allows all New Yorkers age 16 and older to apply for a standard, not-for-federal-purpose, non-commercial driver license or learner permit regardless of their citizenship or lawful status in the United States.” Undocumented residents are eligible. You cannot apply for a commercial license (CDL) under this law, and the law does not change voter eligibility (only US citizens may register to vote) or provide any path to citizenship.

Documents you need

All applicants must show a combination of documents that prove name, date of birth, and New York State residency (the DMV’s “6 points” of proof). A standard license requires one proof of residency; a REAL ID or Enhanced license requires two. You do not need a Social Security card — if you have never been issued a Social Security number, you sign an affidavit (sworn statement) to that effect when you apply.

What the standard license can and cannot do

All standard New York licenses look the same and are marked “NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES.” That means:

  • You can legally drive and use the license as state identification.
  • You cannot use it to board a domestic flight or enter some secure federal buildings. Carry your passport for those.

The law also limits how the DMV shares your data with agencies that primarily enforce immigration laws, and requires the DMV to notify you if an immigration-enforcement agency requests your records.

How to apply

  1. Gather your 6 points of proof of name, date of birth, and one New York residency document.
  2. If you were never issued an SSN, complete the affidavit at the DMV.
  3. Pass the written (knowledge) test to get a learner permit.
  4. Complete the 5-hour pre-licensing course and pass the road test.
  5. Receive your standard driver license, marked “Not for Federal Purposes.”

Renewing or replacing a license issued without an SSN must be done by mail or in person (online services require an SSN on file). The multilingual Office of New Americans Hotline (1-800-566-7636) can help with any immigration-related issue at a DMV office.

If you are lawfully present

Non-citizens who can prove lawful presence are eligible for a REAL ID (and can also get a non-driver ID card). Temporary visitors receive a card marked “TEMPORARY VISITOR” with the expiration date from their Department of Homeland Security document. Only US citizens are eligible for an Enhanced license or ID.

Last verified: 2026-06-28. Sources: NY DMV — Driver Licenses and the Green Light Law and Resources for Non-US Citizens.

General procedural information. DMV policies, fees, and document requirements change frequently — verify with the New York State DMV before visiting. Not legal or immigration advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney.