How much does a New York State License Cost?
No matter where you are in the world, you can’t operate a vehicle without a valid driving license in your name. This document ensures that you have the necessary experience and expertise to drive a car, truck, or motorcycle safely on the street.
If you plan to drive in New York State, know that you’ll have to adhere to strict driving laws and have a license on your person at all times. And that’s not it. In addition to the driving license, you’ll also need a permit that lets you drive a specific vehicle in the state.
This article will discuss the cost, the procedure of getting a driving license, and the different types of driving licenses.
NYS Permit Cost
The charges or payment for an NYS permit varies with the type of license you are applying for. The NYS driver’s license cost can range anywhere from $73 up to $109.
The fee for a license or learner’s permit includes the following:
- Application fee
- License type fee
- Documentation fee
- For individuals living in the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD), there is a $1 fee that needs to be paid every six months
NYS License Fee Chart 2021
Source: dmv.ny.gov
Other Charges
- The fee to replace a driver’s license is $17.50
- The fee to change the information on your driver’s license is $12.50
- The fee to apply for an enhanced driver’s license is an additional $30.00
- The fee to apply for a Class M or MJ driver’s license or the addition of class M or MJ to your existing driver’s license can range between $21 to $120
On the 17th of June, 2019, the Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act was enacted in New York. The law went into effect on the 16th of December, 2019, and has been dubbed the “Green Light law.” This law permits all New York residents over the age of 16 to apply for a standard driver’s license or learner’s permit regardless of their lawful status or citizenship in the U.S.
This license cannot be used for federal and commercial use. We will talk about the different types of driving permits later on in the article.
NYS INSPECTIONS ON LONG ISLAND
Schedule your New York State Inspection with us Today!
Necessary Documentation
Applicants looking to apply for a standard driver’s license are required to show documentation. This document should identify the individual based on their name, date of birth, and New York residency.
If you are not a resident of New York, the NY DMV also accepts other proof of identification. This has been applicable after the enactment of the “Green Light Law.”
- Valid foreign passport issued by the country of citizenship
- Valid consular ID issued by a consulate
- Valid foreign driver license (The license should include your photo)
- Permanent Resident Card. It needs to be valid or has expired for less than 24 months
- Employment Authorization Card. It needs to be valid or has expired for less than 24 months
- S. Municipal ID Card with photo
- Foreign marriage or divorce certificate, or a court-issued name change decree
- Foreign birth certificate
Types Of Driver's License
There are eight different classes of driver licenses under the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. We will discuss each category and what it allows the license holder.
Categories
Class A CDL
You qualify for this license if you are 21 years or older and have a legal presence in the U.S. It permits the holder to drive all kinds of single unit vehicles or any vehicle combination up to the legal weight limit depending on restrictions and endorsements.
Class B CDL
Individuals aged 18 or older and having a legal presence in the United States is eligible for this license. This allows the holder to drive most types of single unit vehicles allowed to a Class E driver, including trucks and buses, with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs. This limit can change based on endorsements and restrictions.
Class C CDL
This is similar to Class B CDL except for the commercial learner’s permit (CLP) endorsements.
Class D Operator
Individuals 18 years or older or 17 with a certified driver education can apply for this license. The Operator license permits you to drive the following:
- Passenger trucks or cars with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less
- A vehicle that tows other vehicles that have a maximum GVWR of 10,000 pounds
- Limited use of motorcycles such as mopeds
Class DJ Junior Operator
Individuals between the age of 16 and 17 are eligible for this license and can operate the following:
- Passenger trucks or cars with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less
- A vehicle that tows other automobiles that have a maximum GVWR of 3,000 pounds
- Limited use of motorcycles such as mopeds
Class E For Hire
Individuals 18 years or older can apply for this license and operate all the vehicles under Class D along with for-hire vehicles that carry up to 14 passengers.
Class M Motorcycles
Individuals 18 years or older or 17 with a certified driver education can apply for this license. It permits holders to operate motorcycles. In addition, this license can be combined with Class D to enable the driving of other types of vehicles.
Class MJ Junior Motorcycle
Individuals between the age of 16 and 17 with a proper Driver’s Education are eligible for this license. It permits the use of motorcycles with the restrictions under GDL for drivers under 18.
NYS INSPECTIONS ON LONG ISLAND
Schedule your New York State Inspection with us Today!
Summary
There are several licenses to choose from under the New York State, and each has different criteria and permissions. Attaining a driver’s license might not be the easiest process, and if you get it, you should ensure that you drive safely to keep your license from getting revoked.
One of the major reasons people get their license revoked is faulty car parts that weren’t fixed on time. For example, you can get pulled over for a broken taillight, and repeat offenses can lead to your license being revoked.
Drivers can save themselves money, time, and stress if their vehicle is road-friendly and does not give law enforcement a reason to pull them over. Suppose you are looking to get your vehicle repaired. In that case, TLC Auto & Truck Repair Service Center will ensure that your vehicle is road-friendly and take care of all your repair needs.
