Whether you're renewing your NY driver's license online, by mail, or in person, you must provide proof of your vision test. You may check the mailing status of your renewal application on the NY DMV website. You should allow 2 weeks from the date the NY DMV processes your application to receive your renewed NY driver license by mail. If you wish to renew your license and obtain an enhanced ID or REAL ID, visit our applying for a new driver's license in New York page for details on the application process. NOTE: If you would like to update your NY driver's license photo, you must apply in person. You may renew your NY driver license online, by mail, or in person at your local New York DMV office.

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles allows you to renew NY driver's licenses online up to 1 year before and no more than 2 years after it expires. If your NY driver's license has been lost, stolen, or damaged, and you need it to prove your identity when renewing, read our page about Replacing a Lost License in New York. Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Driver's License If you fall into one of the above categories, find your option below for details. To find out the status of your NY state driver's license, you will need to visit the NY DMV website and sign up for a MyDMV account. Your requirements may differ if your license is NOT valid, but rather is one of the following: See NY Military Driver License Renewalsbelow for more information. Active military can have your license's validity extended during your service and for a period after your discharge. If you have a valid NY driver license, you can renew it up to 1 year before and no more than 2 years after it expires.

With “UNDER 21' displayed, if you renew more than 40 days before your card expires.

Without “UNDER 21' displayed, if you renew within 40 days before your card expires.

If you have a NY driver's license that expires when you turn 21 years old, you will receive a NY driver's license: As a convenience, you can renew your valid NYS driver's license at any time up to 1 year before its expiration date. The New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will mail your renewal notice before your NY driver's license expires.

Renew license ny midtown