{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","alternate_language":[{"language":"es","url":"https://migrantusa.com/es/dmv/id-estatal-por-estado/new-york/"}],"as_of":"2026-06-28","attribution":"MigrantUSA Editorial. New York driver license + state ID — without SSN options for immigrants. https://migrantusa.com/dmv/state-id-by-state/new-york/","dateModified":"2026-06-28","description":"New York driver license and state ID: under the Green Light Law, undocumented residents qualify. New York State DMV documents, the SSN rule and REAL ID.","disclaimer":"General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting.","faqs":[{"answer":"Yes. The Green Light Law (effective December 16, 2019) lets all New Yorkers age 16 and older apply for a standard, non-commercial driver license or learner permit regardless of citizenship or lawful status. You do not need a Social Security card — if you were never issued an SSN, you sign an affidavit saying so.","question":"Can I get a New York driver license without a Social Security number or legal status?"},{"answer":"It looks the same as any other standard New York license but is marked ‘NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES’. It is valid for driving and as state identification, but it is not REAL ID compliant — you cannot use it to board a domestic flight or enter some secure federal buildings. Use your passport for those.","question":"What does a Green Light license look like, and can I fly with it?"},{"answer":"No. The Green Light Law applies only to driver licenses and learner permits — you cannot apply for a non-driver ID card under it. Non-citizens who can prove lawful presence can get a standard or REAL ID non-driver ID card through the normal process.","question":"Can I get a non-driver ID card under the Green Light Law?"},{"answer":"The fee to apply for a driver license or permit ranges from $64.50 to $107.50, depending on your age and region, and can be paid by cash, check, or credit/debit card. You cannot apply for a commercial license (CDL) under the Green Light Law.","question":"How much does a New York driver license cost?"}],"generated":"2026-06-28","isBasedOn":"https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/driver-licenses-and-the-green-light-law","language":"en","license":"https://migrantusa.com/terms/","name":"New York driver license + state ID — without SSN options for immigrants","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"MigrantUSA","url":"https://migrantusa.com/"},"source_urls":["https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/driver-licenses-and-the-green-light-law","https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/resources-for-non-us-citizens"],"state":"New York","type":"dmv-state","url":"https://migrantusa.com/dmv/state-id-by-state/new-york/"}