How to Get a New York State ID

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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] X 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.

Finding and Visiting a DMV

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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.

• You could also search online to find the locations and hours of operation for New York DMVs.

• 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.

Completing the Application Form

• You can fill out or download a copy of the MV-44 application online: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv44.pdf.

• 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] X Research source

Presenting Secondary Proof and Payment

• For example, a university ID card is worth 2 points, while a utility bill is worth 1. [7] X Research source
• For a complete list of accepted documents and the “points” associated with each, visit: http://www1.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/documentation.page.

• Similarly, you could bring in a voided check with your signature on it, although this is only worth 1 point. [9] X Research source

• DMV offices will accept payment by cash, credit card, or check.

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Get to the DMV office early, when going in person. In large urban areas, DMVs across the country are notoriously crowded and slow.

If you are mailing in your application, you may be required to send in original proof of identification along with the application. Check the requirements for proof of identification for mailed in application on the Department of Motor Vehicle website.

Note that an enhanced drivers license only allows you to travel outside the US by land or water. For air travel, you require a passport.

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1. ↑https://www.dmv.com/ny/new-york/apply-id-card
2. ↑http://nysdmv.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/61/~/how-to-apply-for-a-non-driver-id-card
3. ↑https://www.dmv.org/ny-new-york/id-cards.php#Apply-for-a-NYS-ID-Card
4. ↑https://dmv.ny.gov/id-card/bget-non-driver-id-card-ndid
5. ↑https://www.dmv.org/ny-new-york/id-cards.php#Apply-for-a-NYS-ID-Card
6. ↑https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/prove-identity-age-permitlicense
7. ↑http://www1.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/documentation.page
8. ↑https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/prove-identity-age-permitlicense
9. ↑http://www1.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/documentation.page

About This Article

This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 129,319 times.

New York State ID cards are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. To get your state ID, you’ll need to visit a DMV office to make your application. You can visit the DMV website to find out where your nearest office is. You’ll need to bring a completed MV-44 form with you, which you can download from the DMV website. Remember to bring your birth certificate, Social Security card, and 3 or 4 further documents to confirm your identity. These can include things like university ID cards and utility bills, but at least 1 of them must include your signature. Once you’ve had your documents approved, pay the fee for your ID card, which is $9 for 4 years and $13 for 8 years. For tips on how to apply for an Enhanced Non-Driver’s ID, read on!

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