New York honors all valid foreign licenses. By law, New York

will honor a valid driver license issued by any other nation to a

resident of that nation. You should not apply for a New York

State license unless you become a resident of New York.

Non-US Resident Applicants. Although there is nothing in the

Vehicle and Traffic Law which prohibits a non-US-resident from

applying for and receiving a New York State license, we recommend

against this because it is not necessary; New York will honor

your foreign license.

* If you have a license from any nation other than

Canada, you must pass a written test, complete a

5-hour pre-licensing course and pass a road test

to qualify for a New York license. Your foreign

license is valid for driving, but not for waiving

the tests and course for new drivers. See New

Drivers- How to Apply.

* When you receive your New York license, you must

surrender your foreign license. It will not be

returned to you.

IMPORTANT NOTE: When you apply for a driver license in

New York State, you must provide your Social Security

Number on the application or a letter from the US

Social Security Administration stating that you are not

eligible for a Social Security Number.

International Driving Permit. An International Driving Permit is

not a license to drive. By itself the permit is not valid for

driving in New York State. The permit merely confirms that you

hold a valid license in your home nation. New York honors the

underlying license, not the permit. However, a permit is helpful

because it informs authorities, in several languages, that you

have a valid foreign driver license. NOTE: U.S. residents usually

obtain International Driving Permits from local auto clubs

affiliated with the AAA. The DMV does not issue International

Driving Permits.

Motorcycle License:

New York drivers must have a Class M license to drive a

motorcycle. Apply for a Class M permit at your local DMV office,

using MV-44 application form for a permit/license or non-driver

ID. Study both the Driver's Manual and the Motorcycle Operators

Manual before you apply, the written permit test questions are

taken from both manuals. You may get the Manuals at any DMV

office.

You must be supervised by a licensed motorcycle operator. When a

motorcycle learner is practicing, the supervising driver must

hold a valid motorcycle license, be at least 18 years old, and

remain within 1/4 mile of the learner at all times. Additional

restrictions apply to junior learners (under 18). We recommend

you take professional instruction if possible and have at least

30 hours of driving practice, with at least 10 in moderate to

heavy traffic before taking the road test. At the road test, you

must provide a properly registered, equipped and inspected

vehicle other than a motorcycle, operated by a valid driver over

age 18, to transport the license examiner.

Motorcycle road test waiver. The motorcycle road test will be

waived if you successfully complete a motorcycle driving course

from a DMV-approved course provider and already have a valid

driver license. Inquiries about course locations and availability

must be directed to the Motorcycle Association of New York State

(MANYS) at (212) 579-5543 or toll-free at 1-888-4NYRIDE

(469-7433), or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation at

1-800-446-9227.

No waiver for out-of-state training courses. Only the courses

given in NYS which are approved by the NYS DMV and the Motorcycle

Association of New York State qualify you for the motorcycle road

test waiver in New York.