How to Get a New York State ID

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: February 26, 2021 References

The state of New York issues identification cards—also known as non-driver’s ID—to anyone who follows the proper application procedure. Note that a NY ID card is not the same thing as a driver’s license.^{[1]
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Research source} ID cards are issued through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You’ll need to show a number of forms of identification to apply for either ID, beginning with your Social Security card and birth certificate. You’ll also be asked to pay a small application fee.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Finding and Visiting a DMV

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Apply for your license at any age. Since you will not be driving while you possess a NY non-driver’s ID, you can apply at any age. You’re legally allowed to obtain a non-driver’s ID if your driver’s license has been revoked or suspended, although you’ll need to hand over your suspended ID with your application.^{[2]
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- Children under the age of 16 will need the permission of a parent or guardian to apply for a NY ID card. If you’re 16 or younger, your parents need to accompany you to the DMV office.
- If you’re under 16 and mailing in your learner’s permit to exchange it for a non-driver’s ID, your parent or legal guardian will need to fill out the “Parent/Guardian Consent” section on the MV-44 form.
2
Visit a NY DMV office. You’ll need to stop by a brick-and-mortar DMV office in order to apply for a non-driver’s ID. There are many DMV offices throughout the state of New York. For a list of DMV offices in New York City, visit https://dmv.ny.gov/offices.
- You could also search online to find the locations and hours of operation for New York DMVs.
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3
Mail your application to a DMV if you’re exchanging your driver’s license. If your driver’s license has expired (or been suspended or revoked) and you’re exchanging it for a non-driver’s ID, you can mail in your application. You’ll need to include the MV-44 application form and a check made out to the “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.” You do not need to include your expired or revoked driver’s license.^{[3]
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- Mailing in your application materials is more convenient (no long DMV lines). However, paperwork can always be lost or delayed in the mail.
- Add 3 or 4 days processing time for the envelope to make its way to the DMV. The application will be processed at the normal speed once it’s in-hand at the DMV, but you’ll also need to wait for the non-driver’s ID to be mailed back to you.
- You can also mail in the application if you’re exchanging your NY learner’s permit for a non-driver’s ID.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Completing the Application Form

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Bring a completed MV-44 application. This form, also known as the “Application for Permit, Driver License, or Non-driver ID Card” application, must be completed before you can move forward with your application.^{[4]
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- You can fill out or download a copy of the MV-44 application online: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv44.pdf.
2
Bring your birth certificate and Social Security card. Both of these documents are required to prove that you are a US citizen (or legally documented resident). Only US citizens and documented US residents can apply for a non-driver’s ID. If you were not born in the United States, you should bring another type of document that shows your legal resident status.
- If you have misplaced your birth certificate or SSN card, you can apply for replacement documents for a small fee.
- If you are mailing in your MV-44 form and other application materials, you’ll need to photocopy your birth certificate and SSN card and include these documents in the envelope.^{[5]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Presenting Secondary Proof and Payment

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Bring 4 “points of proof” to verify your identity. Along with your birth certificate and SSN card, you’ll need to bring other documents that prove your identity. In the NY state system, different documents are awarded a different number of “points of proof.” You need to bring 4 points of proof to successfully verify your identity.^{[6]
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- For example, a university ID card is worth 2 points, while a utility bill is worth 1.^{[7]
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- For a complete list of accepted documents and the “points” associated with each, visit: http://www1.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/documentation.page.
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Present at least 1 signed document. 1 of the documents which counts towards your 4 “points of proof” must have your signature on it in order to count towards your NY ID application.^{[8]
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Research source} For example, a marriage or divorce certificate is worth 2 points, and will contain your signature.
- Similarly, you could bring in a voided check with your signature on it, although this is only worth 1 point.^{[9]
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Pay the required fee. The application fee will vary based on the type of non-driver’s ID you apply for. A 4-year ID will cost $9 USD, and an 8- year ID will cost $13 USD.
- DMV offices will accept payment by cash, credit card, or check.

Community Q&A

Question

Can the state ID card be used as proof of address?

Community Answer

Yes, it can. Any form of ID card that shows you are a citizen and your address should be accepted!
Question

Can I get a NY non-driver ID if I live in Connecticut and don't have a NY address?

Liza Gaylord

Community Answer

No, you must be a resident of a state (and prove residency) to have an ID from that state.