Planning on moving to New York? There’s a ton to do and see in the Empire State, from the Statue of Liberty to the dramatic beauty of Niagara Falls. But before you can fully settle in and start exploring, you’ll need to take care of a little bit of paperwork—specifically, your New York DMV Change of Address forms and, if applicable, an update to your vehicle’s registration. And the sooner you can get all of these documents in order the better, since New York requires that you notify the DMV and complete your change of address paperwork within 30 days of your move if you’re coming from out of state, and 10 days if you’re moving within the state.
Not sure where to start? That’s where we come in. We’ve put together all of the information that you’ll need to complete your New York DMV change of address and vehicle registration, so read up and then make your way to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles to get started.
Will you need to get a new driver’s license if moving to New York from another state?
How do you get one?
To get a New York driver’s license as a formerly out-of-state resident you’ll have to go to a New York Department of Motor Vehicles office in person to apply. Unfortunately you can’t do a New York DMV change of address online or over the phone as a new resident, but you can make an appointment in advance so that you don’t have to wait once you get to the office.
You will need to bring along the following documentation:
Is there a fee?
Yes. The fee for a New York driver’s license is $65. If you have moved to the Bronx, Kings (Brooklyn), New York (Manhattan), Queens, Richmond (Staten Island), Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, or Westchester the fee is $75.
Does a New York DMV change of address require a driving test?
No, but you will need to pass a vision test (or provide a completed Vision Test Report) before they’ll hand over your new license.
How long do you have to get a New York driver’s license or ID card?
30 days – so act fast!
How long do you have to update your vehicle’s registration?
How do you update your vehicle’s registration as a new resident of New York?
You’ll need to head to the New York DMV in person to update your vehicle’s registration. Make an appointment to minimize your wait time, and bring your car along as well as the following information:
What is the registration fee?
Fees vary depending on the size and weight of your vehicle and where you live in New York. Registration fees may include sales tax (or Proof of Exemption), registration transfer fee, title certificate fee, vehicle use tax, and the actual registration fee. You can estimate what your fees will be here.
Per New York law you will have just 10 days to update your address with the DMV after you move. Thankfully, there are three ways to do this:
Will New York issue you a new driver’s license if you’re moving within the state?
How much does a New York change of address cost?
It will cost $17.50 to get an updated driver’s license or permit with your new address, and $8 for an non-driver ID card.
What information do you need to provide to update your address on your driver’s license?
To change your address on your New York driver’s license or identification card, you will need to provide:
To change your address for your vehicle’s registration, you will need:
You can easily update the address on your vehicle’s registration online through the New York DMV—go here to do it. You can also update your registration in person or by phone (518-486-9786). You must update your registration information within 10 days of your move, and there is only a fee if you request new documentation.
Do you need to notify the New York DMV if you’re moving to another state without a registered car?
Yes. Unlike in some other states, your New York driver’s license will not be automatically cancelled when you successfully obtain a new driver’s license in the state you’ve moved to. If you can’t make it to the DMV in person, notify via phone (518-486-9786) or online.
Do you need to notify the New York DMV if you’re moving to another state with your registered vehicle?
Yes. Follow the directions below, which include surrendering your license plates.
Do you need to return your New York license plates?
Yes, you are required to return them, as well as to remove all framing, fasteners, and stickers prior to the return. Print and fill out a Plate Surrender Application and mail it with your plates to NYS DMV, 6 Empire State Plaza, Room B240, Albany, NY 12228.
If you have any questions about changing your address on your driver’s license and/or vehicle’s registration when moving to, from, or within the state of New York, contact the New York Department of Motor Vehicles directly at 518-473-5595.
We can help with that! Use our free online moving company directory to quickly and easily search reputable interstate movers in your area. Because moving out of state can be costly, we recommend reaching out to at least three different interstate moving companies to get quotes so that you can ensure you are getting the best price possible. Use our moving cost calculator to get an estimate on how much your New York move will cost.
Laura Mueller is a professional writer with nearly five years of experience writing about moving. She is particularly interested in topics around organization, home design, and real estate, and definitely has a few tricks up her sleeve after moving eight times in eight years during her 20s. Laura believes that moving should be as stress-free of an experience as possible, and is always working on new tips and shortcuts that she can share with readers on Moving.com.View all posts by Laura Mueller
