Download Basic License Application

Apply Online! Review requirements and click the link at the bottom of the page to submit your application.

Acceptable forms of ID include:

• Driver’s license or non-driver’s license identification issued by a State Department of Motor Vehicles
• License or permit issued by a government agency
• Passport
• Alien card/green card
• City, State, or Federal employee ID card
• Municipal ID card

Online: Applicants can upload an image file of digital passport photo quality.
A digital camera with a resolution of 1 mega-pixel is adequate.

Mail: Applicants can submit a current color passport-size photograph.

In Person By Appointment Only: See Questions section to contact DCWP.
DCWP will photograph license applicants at no cost.

You must be at least 18 years old and hold a motor vehicle driver’s license that is current and valid under New York State law. Valid licenses may be issued by New York State, or other U.S. states, U.S. territories, Federal districts, or other countries.

An international driving permit is not a driver’s license.

Note: If you become a resident of New York State, State law requires that you get a New York State driver’s license within 30 days of becoming a New York State resident.

For information on New York State requirements for a valid driver’s license, visit the Department of Motor Vehicles online at http://dmv.ny.gov/.

If you are not a resident of New York State and possess a valid driver’s license from another state, territory, federal district, or another country, you must submit:

• Certified Abstract of your driving record issued within the last 30 days from the State Department of Motor Vehicles, territory, district, country (or political subdivision) that issued your license that demonstrates the license is valid and in full force and effect OR
• Other certified proof issued within the last 30 days from the territory, district, or country (or political subdivision) that issued your license that demonstrates that the license is valid and in full force and effect

Note: You may be required periodically to submit abstracts or other proof to demonstrate that your license remains valid and in full force and effect.

Required if someone other than the license applicant will prepare and submit this application. The applicant must sign the license application and all related forms.

Download the Granting Authority to Act Affirmation.

License Period: 1 year

Expiration Date: April 30

If You File Your Application Between These Dates:

• From May 1 to November 1:
  
  • Pay $35 for a license expiring April 30 of the next year. (Valid for at most 12 months.)
• From November 2 to December 31:
  • Option 1: Pay $18 for a license expiring April 30 of the next year. (Valid for at most 6 months.)
  • Option 2: Pay $53 for a license expiring April 30 of the year following the next year. (Valid for at most 18 months.)
• From January 1 to April 30:
  • Option 1: Pay $18 for a license expiring April 30 of the same year. (Valid for at most 4 months.)
  • Option 2: Pay $53 for a license expiring April 30 of the next year. (Valid for at most 16 months.)

Pay by:

• Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card only) (Online or in person)
  You will be charged a nonrefundable 2% Convenience Fee.
• eCheck (Online)
• Check or money order payable to DCWP (In person or by mail)