Maybe you drive for quite a while. Or you may need to have a driver’s license when applying somewhere. Whatever the case, your driver’s license should be valid and active anytime and anywhere. That is why you need to know the current status of your NYC driver’s license before sitting behind the wheel.
The tips and rules mentioned below will make it easier for you to understand your license status and driving records in New York. So, keep reading to learn more.
- 1. How to Check Your Driver’s License Status?
- 2. DMV Records in New York
- 3. Your New York Driver’s License Is Expired: What to Do?
- 4. Ways of Renewing Your Driver’s License
- 5. Your Driver’s License is Suspended: What to Do?
- 6. How to Reinstate Your Driver’s License
- 7. What to Do if You Do Not Have a New York State Driver’s License, Permit, or Non-Driver ID Card?
How to Check Your Driver’s License Status?
Please note that it’s not permitted to order driving records by phone in New York. However, there are other ways of checking the license status. Continue scrolling to find out more.
Online Through MyDMV Service
Whether you want to order a CDL, standard, or lifetime driving record, you can do it through MyDMV by downloading and printing a PDF version. However, you’ll be able to download it five days after ordering a driving record. There’s a fee of $7.
The following are things you can find out about your driving license through MyDMV:
- The current class and status of your driver’s license. In fact, you can check whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked.
- Your non-driver ID, permit, and license status. That will let you know if your documents are still valid or expired and should be renewed.
- The points as well as traffic violations on your driving record. Keep in mind that this involves buying the driving record.
- The type of document you obtain – check if it’s Enhanced, REAL ID, or Standard – and every related information. By using the MyDMV service, you’ll be capable of addressing your driving records. You may also be able to alter some details sometimes.
- The certification status of your medical CDL in New York.
- The status or mailing list of documents ordered. You will also be able to renew or request a replacement document if needed. Bear in mind that it takes about 14 days to get your document.
Many drivers need to print and/or download certified copies of their driving records every once in a while. That can be done through an online service called Get My Driving Record Now. You will need to create a MyDMV account to use this service.
Remember that you need to provide your most recent non-driver ID, driver’s license, or permit when signing up for MyDMV. In some cases, driving records can only be ordered by mail. This applies to those who:
- Don’t have a New York State non-driver ID, driver’s license, or permit
- Don’t have the most recent permit, driver’s license, or non-driver ID. They will be required to provide the document number from their latest document.
Personally by Visiting a DMV office (Only for Standard Records)
Lifetime and CDL abstracts can’t be obtained at DMV offices. It only works for Standard driving records in New York. When visiting a DMV office, you need to bring proof of identity and a completed MV-15C form (Request for Driving Record Information).
In addition, you will have to pay $10. Money orders, cash, personal checks, credit cards accepted. If you want to use money orders or checks, make sure they are payable to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. Consider conducting your DMV business by mail or at an office or in your county.
By Mail
Do you want to check your driver’s license status and request a driving record by mail? If so, you will need to send a completed MV-15CDL form (Request for Certified CLD Abstract) for a Lifetime or Standard driving record. As for the CDL abstracts, it’s necessary to submit a completed MV-15 form (Request for Certified DMV Records).
Additionally, you need to send a copy of your proof of identity. You can use your driver’s license or photo ID card issued by the government for this purpose. Besides, 6 Points of ID also works in New York.
Once you’ve completed and submitted the documents required, you will have to send a money order or personal check for $10.00. Make sure it is payable to the New York Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. All of this should be sent to this address:
MV-15 Processing
NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
6 Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12228
NOTE: If the driving record is ordered while you’re still renewing your driver’s license, you should pay the search fee of $10 aside from the renewal fee. On the renewal notice, the blue box should be marked.
DMV Records in New York
A state department maintains DMV driving records for all the citizens who possess a driver’s license. While these records are usually available to the public, not every piece of information is accessible by everyone in some states.
Types of DMV Driving Records in New York
There are three types of NYC driving records, such as:
- Standard
- Lifetime, and
- Commercial
Standard Driving Records (abstracts)
Standard records only point out that DMV should be kept all the time. This information is usually related to DMV records for the last several years. Note that some traffic violations are shown permanently. Click here to learn more about Abstracts of Driving Records.
Lifetime Driving Records
As the name implies, this type of record includes all the details about a license owner or driver no matter his/her data retention policy. However, it doesn’t always contain information dating back to the times when the driver initially got driving privilege in New York. You can find out more about this type of driving record here.
Commercial Driver License (CDL) Driving Records
CDL driving records show the expanded driver history. They include license suspensions, revocations, convictions, and so on. In addition, these driving records give information about Self-Certifications and Medical Certification Status. Companies and employers can obtain CDL abstracts for any enrolled driver through the LENS service.
What Do NYC Driving Records Contain?
- Driving History
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- DUI records
- Driver’s license number, expiration date, date and place of issue
- Traffic violations, endorsements, and restrictions
- License suspensions
Requesting a Driving Record for Someone Else
Do you want to request another person’s driving record? Remember that it requires having a permissible use certified by the DPPA (Drivers Privacy Protection Act). To order someone else’s records, you will have to:
- Submit the completed MV-15C Form (Request for Driving Record Information) at a DMV office or MV-15 Form (Request for DMV Records) when requesting records by mail.
- Provide the completed MV-FOIL Form (Freedom of Information Law Request) when ordering records at the FOIL Office.
- If you often need access to someone else’s records, you should consider creating a DIAL-IN Search Account or participating in the LENS.
Your New York Driver’s License Is Expired: What to Do?
Don’t push back renewal dates to avoid lateness charges and possible problems. Be sure to renew your license on time before updating your personal information. You will be required to pay roughly $15 (lateness fee).
Ways of Renewing Your Driver’s License
In New York, driver’s licenses can be renewed online or in person at the nearest DMV branch. No matter what method you choose, there’s the same renewal fee of 48 dollars.
Your Driver’s License is Suspended: What to Do?
If you experience license suspension, you shouldn’t drive illegally in order not to be apprehended. Try to reinstate your license promptly by fulfilling the stipulated requirements. You will also need to take and complete a defensive driving course. Aside from saving money on auto insurance, it will show that you want to improve your driving skills and be a better driver.
How to Reinstate Your Driver’s License
Visit the NY DMV website and sign up (or log in if you already have an account) to check the court fees and fines you should pay. The fines go from $50 to $150 in most cases. You are supposed to submit the documents required after responding to a court summons.
What to Do if You Do Not Have a New York State Driver’s License, Permit, or Non-Driver ID Card?
Checking a driver’s license is quite simple with a New York driver’s license, non-driver ID card, and permit. However, you can neither check your driving status through online portals nor sign up for MyDMV without these NY documents.
So, what should you do?
Query about your driving status via email or visit the nearest DMV office in your county.
We recommend using the MyDMV e-service. It allows you to enjoy a wide range of facilities in a convenient way. If you can’t use this service for some reason, you should personally clarify problems regarding your NY license status by going to the DMV office. Mailing your queries is another option. It is often utilized during a pandemic. That will help you get a clearer idea of how to address some issues related to your license before proceeding to the next steps.