How to Apply for a New York State Driver License or Non-Driver ID
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
22 Market St.
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Dutchess County DMV
New York State DMV
845-486-2130
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Do I need a US driver’s license?
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If you have a valid driver license from your home country, you do NOT need a New York State driver license.
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You can drive in New York State using your country’s license (the rules may be different in other US states)
International Student Programs recommends:
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Always carry your passport while driving. A foreign driver license is not a valid form of identification in the US.
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If your license is not in English, obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country. You must carry your original license with the IDP.
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Be careful, there are many online scams offering “international licenses,” so please make sure to obtain an official IDP.
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If you are to stay in the US for over a year, we highly recommend that you obtain a New York State Driver License.
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If you have a driver license from another US state or Canadian province, you must exchange it for a New York State Driver License within 30 days of becoming a resident of New York.
How to apply for a New York State driver’s license if I have a driver license from my home country
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Follow the instructions from Drivers from Other Countries on the DMV website.
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You will need to pass a written test, complete a 5-hour pre-licensing course, and pass a driving road test.
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Please note, in addition to other required documents needed by the DMV, you must also provide the following:
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The Eligibility for DMV Letter from the International Student Services office.
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Either a Social Security card or a letter of non-eligibility from the Social Security Administration (SSA) dated within the last 30 days. (see Social Security information below)
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How to get a new driver license in New York
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Follow the instructions called Get Your First License on the DMV website. Review each step to:
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Prepare for and take your permit test
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Complete the 5-hours pre-licensing course
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Schedule and pass a road test
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Please note, in addition to other required documents needed by the DMV, you must also provide the following:
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The Eligibility for DMV Letter from the International Student Services office.
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Either a Social Security card or a letter of non-eligibility from the Social Security Administration (SSA) dated within the last 30 days. (see Social Security information below)
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How to apply for a State ID card (non-Driver ID)
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You can apply for a non-driver photo ID card at the Department of Motor vehicles.
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This ID is a valid form of identification but cannot be used to drive.
How can I learn to drive in the US?
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Apply for a Learner’s Permit.
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Take a written test about the rules of the road, NYS Driver's Manual.
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Consider taking driving lessons from a professional instructor at a driving school.
Important Note for new students:
We cannot issue your DMV Eligibility Letter until you have been in the US for at least 10 days.
What if I cannot get a Social Security number (SSN)?
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If you are not eligible for a Social Security Number, you can get a letter of non-eligibility from the SSA.
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To get the letter, apply online on the Social Security Administration (SSA) website, select the option to apply for an SSN for the first time, and then schedule an in-person appointment.
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Note, this letter of ineligibility won't prevent you from applying for an SSN if your circumstances change in the future.
Social Security Administration
The Social Security Administration Office is located in Poughkeepsie, NY. If you do not have access to a car, you may choose to take the bus to Poughkeepsie. Office hours are between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM Monday through Friday except legal holidays. If you have any questions, you may contact the Social Security Office directly.
Social Security Administration
332 Main Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
www.ssa.gov
1-877-405-6747
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
