What to bring to the New York DMV for your learner permit

A first New York Class D or DJ learner permit requires an application, identity and residence documents, a vision test, a knowledge test and payment. Applicants must be at least 16. Start with the DMV’s permit application and pre-screening guide, then pack the documents selected for your circumstances.

Choose Standard, REAL ID or Enhanced

The official ID-44 document guide gives the accepted documents and point values for each credential:

• Standard: proof of date of birth, six points of proof of name, one NY residence proof and the applicable Social Security information. Proof of lawful immigration status is not required for a Standard car permit.
• REAL ID: six name points, proof of Social Security, citizenship or lawful status, and two residence proofs.
• Enhanced: six name points, proof of Social Security and U.S. citizenship, and two residence proofs. Enhanced is available only to U.S. citizens and carries an additional $30 fee.

Standard credentials are not accepted as federal identification for domestic flights. Choose your credential before collecting documents, because accepted evidence differs.

Build your document packet

Identity and date of birth: Use ID-44 to count points and meet the separate date-of-birth requirement. At least one name proof must show your signature. For example, a qualifying U.S. passport is worth four name points and an original Social Security card two. A U.S. birth certificate proves birth date but contributes zero name points. Bring originals or copies certified by the issuing agency; include the documents linking any legal name changes and certified English translations of foreign-language documents.

Social Security: If ever issued an SSN, provide it. For Standard, someone never issued an SSN can use the applicable NSS-1/NSS-1A affidavit. REAL ID applicants ineligible for an SSN need an SSA ineligibility letter dated within 30 days of the visit and the DHS documents shown to SSA. Follow ID-44’s credential-specific options.

Residence: Bring accepted documents with your current NY street address pre-printed. Print electronic statements and bills. ID-44 lists bank statements, utility bills and residential leases, with document-specific dates and conditions. DMV accepts only one proof of a type or from the same source; a bank statement and credit-card statement from the same bank cannot count as two proofs.

Application: Bring MV-44, completed and signed. Ages 16–17 need parent/guardian consent, with an exception for a 17-year-old holding MV-285. If using MV-45 for parent/guardian identity or residence evidence, that adult must attend and sign it in front of a DMV representative.

Vision, payment and the test

Take the vision screening at DMV, or arrange acceptable provider results under the vision requirements. Bring glasses or contacts if needed and payment for the fee based on age and county.

For the knowledge test, prepare for 14 correct out of 20, including two of four road-sign questions. Applicants under 18 can use the online-test option through pre-screening; after passing, allow three business days for review before the office visit. See office reservations and test options and test languages.