Changing Address in Your Driver's License in New York

Anyone's dream of relocating to New York City can come true. You and your family will have a plethora of new opportunities due to the relocation. However, before settling into your new home, you must complete some paperwork, such as transferring your DMV credentials to your new address.

New Resident of New York

When relocating to New York from another state, you must obtain a new driver's license. To obtain a New York driver's license, you must apply at the Department of Motor Vehicles. You can make an appointment with the NY DMV office ahead of time to not have to wait once you arrive.

Requirements

Before you leave for the DMV, gather the following documents:
  • A New York driver's license, permit, or non-driver ID card application. You can save time by filling it out ahead of time.
  • Your driver's license from the previous state in which you resided. It must be valid or expired within the next 24 months. It should also be issued at least 6 months before you plan to relocate to New York State.
  • Your Identity Proof. This will include your birth certificate, passport, military photo ID, or citizenship certificate from the United States.

Fee

A New York driver's license costs $65. The fee is $75 if you live in the Bronx, Kings (Brooklyn), New York (Manhattan), Queens, Richmond (Staten Island), Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, or Westchester.

Update Vehicle's Registration

To update your vehicle's registration, you must go to the New York DMV. Make an appointment to reduce your wait time, and remember to bring your car as well as the following information:
  • Original title or other proof of ownership is required.
  • Identification (driver's license, permit, non-driver ID card, and so on)
  • Insurance documentation
  • Application for Vehicle Registration Completed
  • Payment of taxes and fees (or Proof of Exemption)
Fees vary depending on your vehicle's size and weight and where you live in New York. Sales tax (or Proof of Exemption), registration transfer fee, title certificate fee, vehicle use tax, and the actual registration fee are all possible registration fees.

Moving Within New York

After you move, you have only 10 days under New York law to update your address with the DMV. Fortunately, there are three options:

Online

You can do so here, but keep in mind that you will need to obtain a NY Gov ID number before changing your address this way.

In-Person

Locate a New York DMV office near you and complete a New York DMV change of address form in person.

By Mail

Print and fill out the New York Change of Address Form, then mail it to the: License Production Bureau PO Box 2895 Albany, NY 12220-0895. Your new driver's license will be delivered to you in four to six weeks.

Required Documents

To change your address on your New York driver's license or identification card, you must provide the following information:
  • A Change of Address Form that has been completed
  • Your birth date
  • Your new mailing address
  • Your license plate number and your driver's license number
You will need the following items to change your address for your vehicle's registration:
  • A Change of Address Form that has been completed
  • Your birth date
  • Your new mailing address
  • Your license plate number and your driver's license number
  • If applicable, the name of the leasing company through which your vehicle is leased.
You can easily update your vehicle's registration address online through the New York DMV. You can also change your registration information in person or over the phone (518-486-9786). You must update your registration information within 10 days of your initial registration.

Moving To Another State

Unlike in some other states, your New York driver's license will not be automatically revoked if you successfully obtain a new driver's license in the state you've relocated. If you cannot visit the DMV in person, please notify them by phone (518-486-9786) or online. You must return your license plates and remove all framing, fasteners, and stickers before returning them. Fill out a Plate Surrender Application and mail it to NYS DMV 6 Empire State Plaza Room B240 Albany, NY 12228