I have had two previous alcohol related charges in NY and mad a terrible mistake and received one in NJ. I went through rehabilitation, and was denied my license for 5 years in NY by the driver improvement unit. I am appealing the decision; I received a letter from NJ saying I have to pay a. New York Laws That Pertain to DUI/DWI. According to New York DUI laws, drivers may be charged with a DUI for possessing a BAC level higher than the allowed 0.08 percent for adult motorists, or 0.02 percent for minor drivers. The Implied Consent law requires drivers to submit to a chemical test whenever requested by a police officer.
In addition to being a convenience and an enjoyable activity for many people, driving is also a symbol of one’s independence. As we age, there are numerous factors that can affect our driving skills, and hinder our ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. The New York Department of Motor Vehicles wants older drivers to maintain their driving independence as long as they continue to drive safely and confidently.
License Renewal For Senior Drivers
New York drivers, at the time their current driver license expires, can renew their license in person at a local DMV office, by mail, or online. In addition to taking a vision test (see below), you may in certain situations be asked to take a written knowledge test as well. You can renew your license if you have passed this test within the last 2 years.
In preparation for this, you can review the New York Drivers Handbook and take practice tests before going for your license renewal. The New York DMV has a list of toll-free numbers to assist you with queries.
If you are out of state, renewal by mail is also an option. To do so, you may send over a completed Eye Test Report by a physician in another state.
The Vision Test
Most senior drivers in New York who renew their license in person will be asked to undergo a basic vision test to ensure they are able to safely operate a motor vehicle. If you wear eyeglasses, be sure to bring them with you to the DMV. In addition, if you haven’t had your vision checked recently, or if you believe your eyesight has worsened, we recommend that you make an appointment with your vision specialist before visiting the DMV.
The New York DMV’s vision standard is 20/40 in at least one eye, not less than 20/70 with a horizontal visual field of at least 140 degrees. If you are using telescopic lenses for correcting your vision, you must have used them for at least 60 days before getting your eyes tested again for licensing purposes. If you do not meet the standard, you will be issued form MV80L for eye test and referred to a licensed vision specialist. Please note the following if you are referred to a vision specialist:
The vision specialist (a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist) will perform a full vision examination and assess whether your eyesight permits you to drive safely. Bring the Eye Test Report, completed by the vision specialist, back to your local DMV office.
The vision specialist may prescribe eyeglasses or another type of vision correction. Since the New York Department of Motor Vehicles will need to retest your vision, make sure to carry out the vision specialist’s recommendations before returning to the DMV.
When you return to the DMV for another vision test, your Eye Test Report will be reviewed. If you pass the subsequent DMV vision test, your driver license renewal will be granted (with a corrective lens restriction, if necessary).
Medical Examination
Drivers must keep the DMV informed of their medical conditions. A Physician Statement may need to be filled out to prove that you are a safe driver. Loss of a body part should be reported using a Physician’s Statement for Medical Review Unit. The DMV lists possible medical conditions that can interfere with driving and how to improve driving abilities in drivers with these conditions.
Drivers with seizure history must be seizure-free for at least 1 year before resuming driving. Medical documentation of the same is also required. If seizures do occur during this 1 year, a doctor statement verifying that it will not interfere with your driving should be submitted. If you require special testing accommodations due to your disability, these can be conveyed to the DMV.
The DMV Reexamination
A DMV reexamination is when a person’s driving skills must be reevaluated based on one or more factors, including the driver’s physical or mental condition, or driving record. Unsafe drivers may be reported to the DMV by either a physician during a routine examination or by other citizens. Forms filled by citizens reporting unsafe drivers must be signed by a notary and sent to:
A DMV reexamination may be recommended by a family member, physical or emergency medical technician, or peace officer. Other times, information in your license renewal application or on your driving record may prompt a reexamination. Being involved in 3 accidents over a period of 6 months can call for a re-examination. Drivers above 65 with 3 accidents over a period of 6 to 9 months will be required to answer a questionnaire.
The score on this will decide if they need to be reexamined. The reexamination involves the immediate evaluation of an individual by a DMV approved hearing officer. It consists of an interview, and may also involve a vision test, a written test, and/or a driving test.
To prepare for the test, many older drivers choose to enroll in a driver’s education program or driving school for seniors to brush up their skills. Following the reexamination, the hearing officer will decide whether any action should be taken regarding your driving privileges, such as restrictions, probation, suspension or revocation.
The Restricted Drivers License
Sometimes, a physical or mental condition can impair a driver’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. The most common of these conditions is a poor vision, but others which may be age-related include cognitive skills like memory, coordination and flexibility.
In some circumstances, older drivers may have a restriction placed on their driver license. The types of restrictions vary, and are based on the results of your vision test, driving test, and the driving examiner’s assessment. A restricted driver license is intended to ensure that you are driving within your abilities. Some of the most common license restrictions are those that:
Require eyeglasses, corrective contact lenses, or bioptic telescopic lens to be worn at certain times.
Permit driving from sunrise to sunset only, or prohibit driving during rush hour.
Restrict the geographical area in which a person is permitted to drive, or prohibit freeway driving.
Require special mechanical devices, or an additional side mirror on the vehicle.
Require extra support in order to ensure a safe and correct driving position.
Drivers who are hard of hearing will have the letters R.F printed on their license, indicating that they are required to drive with a hearing aid and/or your vehicle must have a full-view mirror.
Last updated on Thursday, March 7 2019.
A NY drivers license renewal application must be completed online, by mail or at your local DMV office. Depending on your eligibility, you may be restricted to renewing your license in person. REAL ID cards are available in New York and may be renewed online or by mail. Restrictions apply.
DMV license renewal fees vary and are based on your address. Additional fines and fees may be applied if your license has expired. While out-of-state renewals are available, military members must submit additional paperwork if their licenses expire during active duty.
Eligibility for Drivers License Renewal in New York
Note: The expiration date of your driving privileges can be found on your license, next to the issue date.
Residents of New York are only eligible to renew drivers licenses online if they do not need to take new photographs. Similarly, the address on file at the DMV must be up-to-date before an application can be processed. Commercial drivers licenses cannot be renewed via New York’s online DMV system.
Fines may be applied to an expired drivers license if the renewal application is not submitted within the state’s grace period. If you are found driving on an expired license, you may be subject to the following late fees and fines.
$25 to $40 if expired for less than 60 days.
$75 to $300 if expired for more than 60 days.
Additional state taxes and surcharges may be applied to all expired applications.
Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Drivers License in New York
You cannot submit a drivers license renewal online if your address does not match the one on file at the DMV. Similarly, you cannot renew a REAL ID card online or by mail if the DMV does have the correct paperwork on file. Class changes cannot be made during online DMV license renewals and must be submitted in person or by mail. Furthermore, you cannot change the class of your license when submitting an NY DMV renewal, unless it is one of the following approved transitions:
From CDL, Class A, B or C to Class D, E, or non-commercial Class C
From non-commercial Class C or E to Class D
From non-commercial Class C to Class E
From Class D to Class E
How early can you renew your drivers license in New York?
Applicants are invited to renew their licenses up to one year before it expires. DMV license renewals are also allowed up to two years after a license expires. However, additional fees and fines may be applied. If you renew your license up to one year prior to the expiration date, it will not affect the length of time that the new license is valid. A drivers license renewal submitted two years after the expiration date must be processed as a new license. Written tests, skills tests and courses may be required.
Where can I Renew my Drivers License in New York
The state of New York offers residents three methods to renew a drivers license: online, by mail or in person. Each method involves separate steps and follows unique guidelines.
How to Renew Your Drivers License Online
Applicants who currently hold a REAL ID or wish to renew their standard license, may do so online. However, if you wish to renew a standard drivers license online and upgrade to a REAL ID card, you must complete your application at the DMV. Follow the below steps to apply online and keep the same credentials:
Take and pass the DMV eye test. These tests are available at over 2,300 approved locations, including pharmacies, eye care providers and physicians’ offices. Fees may apply. An eye test report may be downloaded from the NY DMV website and completed by the healthcare professional. However, this form does not need to be physically submitted to complete the application online.
Complete your NY voter registration, if applicable.
Complete the online drivers license renewal form. You will be required to enter personal information, such as your Social Security Number and address.
Pay the DMV license renewal fee.
Download a temporary license. Your new license will be mailed to you within 10 business days.
How to Renew Driving Licenses by Mail
Eligible applicants may apply for a REAL ID or standard DMV license renewal by mail. Follow the below steps to submit an application.
Complete and submit the renewal notice sent to you in the mail.
Complete a DMV license renewal form if you did not receive a renewal notice.
Complete a vision test report or provide proof that you have been tested.
Include a check or money order payable to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. Do not send cash in the mail.
Send the above items to the following address.
After an application has been sent, drivers may check the status of their request online. Applications are typically process within two weeks.
How to Renew My License in Person
Residents may visit an NY drivers license office to submit a renewal in person. Complete the following steps to renew a standard NY license.
Complete and submit the renewal notice sent to you in the mail. Alternatively, you may complete the renewal application form if no notice was received.
Submit your current license.
Pay the drivers license renewal
Military & Out of State Renewal in New York
Out-of-state drivers license renewal applications may be sent by mail. However, you must send a self-addressed stamped envelope with the application to have your new license sent to an out-of-state address.
Military personnel wanting to extend a drivers license renewal application may do so by submitting a Military Service Notification form to the DMV. Once received, the NY DMV will extend the license for six months after the applicant has been released from active duty. Military members must then renew their drivers licenses within the first six months of being discharged. Additional paperwork from commanding officers may be required for expired licenses.
New York REAL ID Drivers License Renewal
While REAL ID DMV license renewals are not mandatory, they will become mandatory in 2020. Passengers wishing to take domestic flights without a passport must hold a REAL ID card. Therefore, it is recommended to update your standard license with a REAL ID card during the renewal process.
Drivers license renewals issued before October 30, 2017 are not REAL ID compliant. The standard license is marked with the phrase NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES. Complete the following steps to upgrade your standard license for a REAL ID card at the DMV.
Complete and submit the DMV license renewal notice sent to you in the mail. Alternatively, you may complete the Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card form if no notice was received.
Submit your current license.
Provide proof of date of birth. Your standard NY license may be used.
Provide proof of Social Security Number, such as your Social Security card or a current W-2 form.
Provide proof of NY residency in two forms, such as a bank statement and utility bill.
Provide proof of identification, such as a valid United States passport or certified United States birth certificate.
Pay the drivers license renewal fee.
All identification documents must show the same name and be the original versions or certified copies.
New York Drivers License Renewal Fees
The drivers license renewal fee will be marked on your renewal notice. In some cases, residents of the areas below must pay an additional Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District fee. The MCTD fee is $1 for every six months the license is valid.
Bronx
Kings (Brooklyn)
New York (Manhattan)
Queens
Richmond (Staten Island)
Dutchess
Nassau
Orange
Putnam
Rockland
Suffolk
Westchester
A REAL ID license renewal does not cost extra. However, an additional $30 must be paid for all renewals. See below for a breakdown of NY DMV licensing costs.
Class A, B, C and CDL renewals are $164.50 or $180.50 with the MCTD fee added.
Class D or DJ renewals are $64.50 or $80.50 with the MCTD fee added.
Class E renewals are $112.50 or $128.50 with the MCTD fee added.
Class M or MJ renewals are $72.50 or $88.50 with the MCTD fee added.
Related Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
Renew License from DMV.NY.gov
Vision Registry Locator from DMV.NY.gov
Driver Licenses, Learner Permits, And Non-Driver Photo ID Cards from DMV.NY.gov