New York State Driver License

If you plan to work and live in New York it is important to have a New York State driver license. Only people who are U.S. citizens or are in the United States legally can apply for a driver license. To be eligible for a driver license you must have:

Þ A valid Social Security number, or

Þ Documents establishing valid immigration status that was issued for at least one year, or

Þ Form SSA-L767 or a letter from the Social Security Administration saying you are ineligible for a Social Security Card.

If you do not have a driver license, you must first apply for a learner’s permit:

Þ You must be at least 16 years old

Þ Complete an application form

Þ Provide identification showing proof of name and date of birth

Þ Show a valid Social Security Card or a letter from the Social Security Administration within the last 30 days explaining that you are ineligible for a Social Security Card

Þ Along with the letter from the Social Security Administration, you must also have a 1-94 from Immigration that was issued for more than one year and with 6 or more months before expiration, and has one of the following codes: B-1, B-2, E-2, F-2, H4,L-2, M-2,O-3,P-4,Q-3,R-2, or TD.  You may need to talk with an immigration attorney to help you receive these forms.

Þ Pay a $10 license fee

Þ Pass a written test and a vision test. The test is offered in Spanish and English

Examples of identification accepted by the motor vehicle

Þ Foreign passport with valid 1-551 stamp

Þ Foreign passport with a visa and I-94 attached

Þ Unexpired re-entry permit (I-327)

Þ Employer Authorization Card INS-688B or I-766 with photo. The above four forms must be issued for one year with at least 6 months remaining.

Þ US High School ID or college ID with transcript

Þ Union Card

Þ Computer printed pay stubs.

 

You may be required to furnish more than one form of identification.

New York State recognizes foreign driver license if you remain a resident of that nation.  If you become a resident of New York State then you will need a New York Driver License.

 

If you have a license from any other nation except Canada and you want a New York License you must take a written test.

 

When you receive a New York License you must surrender your foreign license.

It is the law in New York State for you to drive, you must

Þ Have a valid driver license

Þ The car must be inspected

Þ You must have car insurance

Þ You should carry your driver license when driving

Þ You should have a copy of your car insurance in your car.

For more information, go to:

www.nydmv.state.ny.us

 

NOTE:  There may be major changes to this law in 2007.  You may wish to contact Farmworker Legal Services of New York before applying for a license.

Servicios Legales para Los Trabajadores Agrícolas

Farmworker Legal Services of New York, Inc.

Trayayè-Fèm Sèvis Legal de New York

1187 Culver Road

Rochester, New York 14609-5448

Tel: (585) 325-3050

Fax: (585) 325-7614