How to Apply for a NYS Driver's License or NYS Learner's Permit
The NYS DMV provides eligible persons in NYS with documents necessary to legally drive a car in New York State, and identity documents.
International students are allowed to drive in New York State using their home country driver's license and an International Driving Permit if your home country license is not in English. (See the attached article, Driving in the US with a Foreign Drivers License)
You may also wish to apply at the NYS DMV for a NYS Learner's Permit or a NYS Driver's License.
To apply for a NYS ID Card you need to bring the following documents with you to the NYS DMV:
- A Letter of Certification prepared for you by the ISSS office. This letter will confirm you valid visa status and enrollment in full-time study at Binghamton University. You can request this letter using the form at this weblink: http://isss.binghamton.edu/forms/LOC.htm
- Your immigration documents , I-20 or DS-2019 (you will need the one with the most recent entry stamp, if you have a document issued after your most recent entry, you need both documents) visa and passport, and I-94 card
- Please note: At the time of your application, your I-20 or DS - 2019 must be issued for a minimum of 1 academic year, and 6 months must remain before the program completion date
- Your name must be the presented in the same way on all of your identity documents. The name on your immigration papers, Social Security card, and other documents must match.
- US Social Security card or a Letter of Ineligibility from the Social Security Administration
- Additional proof of identity to meet the 6 points of identity required by NYS DMV (see the attached information sheet on documentation to prove your identity to the NYS DMV)
- NYS DMV application for the NYS Learner's Permit or NYS Driver's License
- If you have applied for OPT, you need to have received your EAD card to apply for a new driver's license. Your OPT I-20 must also have a minimum of 6 months left before the end of your OPT authorization.
You may also wish to review the information on this issue at the New York State Department of Motor Vehicle's website:
http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/
Directions to the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles:
All persons in F or J visa status must go to the Clinton Street office of the NYS DMV. This is the only office presently equipped with the technology required to process applications where verification of a passport identity pages is necessary.
The Binghamton branch office of the NYS DMV is located at 181 Clinton Street. Clinton Street runs parallel to Main St. in Binghamton. Clinton Street is located between Water Street and Glenwood Avenue in Binghamton. (see attached map)
If you go to the Endicott or Broome County Office Building DMV offices, DMV staff will send you to the Clinton St. office.
You can check on office hours by calling 607-778-2337. Remember office hours may change so be sure to check for the hours during the week you plan to visit the DMV office.
The DMV Office is open on Saturday mornings. You can reach the offices by taking a cab or by BC Transit bus. (OCCT blue buses do not go directly to Clinton St.) You can review bus schedules on the internet at this link: http://www.gobroomecounty.com/transit/TransitRoutes.php Speak with the bus driver to learn about transferring between busroutes.
It is against the law to drive a motor vehicle that is not registered, or not covered by auto insurance to the NYS DMV office. The NYS DMV has the legal authority to seize your vehicle and impound it (keep it).You will be ticketed for a violation of the law and you may also be fined.