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Lost Driver License NY

lost drivers license ny help You just finished your online defensive driving course, but you’re at a figurative roadblock. You just lost stolen your driver’s license and it’s illegal for you to sit behind the wheel of your own car. You’ve looked everywhere for your driver license, but you can’t remember when or where you may have lost it. The license wasn’t left in your defensive driving course, because you conveniently took that online! Don’t worry, there’s hope for you yet. Replacing your lost stolen license in New York state is simpler than you might think. We’re here when you need help with getting a brand new drivers license, so you can take to the roads of New York state - legally! [framed_box]

By Mail

There are plenty of ways you can replace your License - welcome to the future! You can replace your license over the mail, online with your email address, or in person and with a payment of $17.50 by check or money order. I like going in person, because I enjoy long lines and interacting with angry people. When replacing your license by mail, you will have to complete and send the following documentation: ● Application for Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (Form MV-44) ● Make copies of your proof of identity ● The replacement fee of $17.50 I always send a personal letter telling them about my day, but that’s just for me. The New York State DMV will return your mailed replacement application, but they won’t write you back. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

By Website

Technology should work for us, so long as they don’t have sentience to say otherwise! Applying with your email address online is simple. However, you do have meet the requirements created by the Department of Motor Vehicles to replace your License online. Here are the requirements below: ● If you are under 25 years old, this must be your first time ordering a replacement online with a standard email address ● If you are over 25 years old, you have not requested a duplicate document online in the past 30 days with your standard email address ● You will not be turning 21 years old within 40 days of applying ● Your current mailing address must be on file before paying the replacement fee by check or money order If you meet the requirements above, you can visit the New York DMV's Internet Office Transactions page. The biggest struggle with this option is figuring out the sudoku that is the DMV office requirements! But, if you can’t meet the requirements above, you will have to apply in person. Which leads us to… [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Applying in Person

Visiting the New York DMV office will always be the more primitive option. However, it comes with a benefit. If you apply in person, you will receive a temporary driver’s learner permit, which can be used in replacement of your lost stolen driver license. The driver’s learner permit is only temporary until you receive your new License. Here’s what you should bring when visiting the DMV: ● Bring proof of identity ● Complete the Application for Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (Form MV-44) ● Pay the replacement fee of $17.50 The downside to this easier choice is that you will, of course, have to visit the DMV. But, that’s okay! By the time you leave the offices, you can legally drive with your temporary driver’s learner permit. That’s all there is to it, and bring your social security number. Who knew replacing your license is about as easy as losing or getting it stolen in the first place? Now that you have your license, you can show everyone the skills you learned from your online defensive driving course. You’ll feel like a brand new driver, but with all the experience of an older one! [/framed_box]

Can You Drive in NY with a Foreign Driver License?

Driver license laws tend to be confusing for many people. This is largely because the U.S. consists of 50 states that regulate driving differently, not to mention two bordering countries in Canada and Mexico. With that in mind, if you ever move to New York from out of state – or out of the country – and intend to operate a motor vehicle, we strongly recommend that you take the necessary steps to earn a New York driver license. With that said, one of the most common inquiries that we receive in our defensive driving course NY is whether or not you’re legally allowed to drive in the state with a foreign driver license. We explain here: [framed_box]

Foreign Driver License Rules

The good news for New Yorkers that hold valid foreign driver licenses is that, with them, you’re legally allowed to operate a vehicle in New York without any kind of supervision. There are no restrictions to where you can operate a vehicle, except for restricted areas and DMV test areas, so you're totally in your right to legally use a car to get around town or to and from work. However, it’s worth noting that if your license is in a language other than English, you must also possess an International Driving Permit or translation of your license. According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, this translation must be certified by an official U.S. Agency, such as the Department of State, and include information such as name, birth date, foreign license expiration date and vehicles you’re permitted to drive with the license. Depending on the country your license was issued in, it can be a little bit of work to get everything properly squared away, but with a little bit of effort, it’s not too much of a hassle. Say you’re new to the country and only have a learner permit. If you don’t also have a valid foreign license, you’re not legally allowed to operate any vehicle without supervision. A qualified supervising individual must be at least 21 years old and have a valid license.
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What if You Want to Get a New York Driver License?

The good news about earning a New York driver license is that you don’t need to become a U.S. citizen to do it. All you need is documentation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that proves you’re a legal citizen of a foreign country. Any legal status determined by Homeland Security will then be transferred over to your New York permit or license. As we'll cover in the next section, if you plan to be in New York for the long term, we'd advise you take the steps to get a state driver license. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

In Conclusion

Certainly, if you plan to spend any significant amount of time in New York, it would behoove you to go through the process to acquire a New York driver license. This is beneficial for both you and the state, as it eliminates a lot of the obstacles that residents need to go through when driving with a foreign license. But for those who are new to the country and who are concerned with how they’re going to get around once they’re settled in New York, it can offer some peace of mind to know that they’re not breaking any laws to drive with a valid license that’s been issued by another country. We cover this information and more in our NY defensive driving courses. [/framed_box]