The MV-44 is the official Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card issued by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This critical government document serves as the primary gateway for New Yorkers seeking to obtain or modify their driving credentials and personal identification status. Whether you are a first-time applicant getting your learner permit, someone transferring an out-of-state license to New York, renewing an expiring credential, or simply updating information due to a name change or address relocation, the MV-44 form is the mandatory starting point. The form itself spans three pages and collects comprehensive personal identification data, health and medical information, voter registration details, and Selective Service System registration requirements. Understanding each line item on this form is essential because providing accurate information ensures faster processing times, prevents costly delays, and protects you from potential legal consequences tied to false statements on government applications. The MV-44 is designed to work seamlessly with the DMV’s statewide database systems, meaning the information you provide can affect not only your driver license but also your vehicle registration records, voter registration status, and eligibility for federal benefits.
How To File The MV-44 Form
Filing the MV-44 form involves several straightforward steps. First, gather all required documentation before starting, including proof of identity, proof of residency, your Social Security Number, and any relevant medical forms if you have health conditions affecting your driving ability. You may complete the form at home and bring it to a DMV office, or you can fill it out in person at the office. The form must be printed clearly using blue or black ink only—do not use pencil or other writing instruments. Once completed, you must sign and date page 2 (the certification section) in the presence of DMV staff or mail it with supporting documentation to your local DMV office. You will also need to pay the applicable fee based on the type of credential you are requesting (learner permit, driver license, non-driver ID card, or renewal). Processing times vary depending on whether you are applying for a new license or renewing an existing one, but typically the DMV provides updates within 2-4 weeks.
Complete Line-By-Line Instructions For All Fields
Section 1: What Are You Applying For?
This section at the top of page 1 asks you to select one of three credential types.
Checkbox: License – Check this box if you are applying for a New York State driver license that authorizes you to operate a motor vehicle on public roads.
Checkbox: Permit – Select this if you are applying for a learner permit, which allows supervised driving practice before taking your road test for a full license.
Checkbox: Non-Driver ID Card – Choose this option if you only need a state-issued identification document for non-driving purposes and do not wish to obtain driving privileges.
Section 2: Purpose For Application
This section clarifies the reason for your submission. Select only one box that applies to your situation.
Transfer to New York – Check this if you currently hold a valid driver license or permit from another state or country and are moving your credentials to New York State.
New – Select this if you have never had a New York State driver license, permit, or non-driver ID card.
Renew – Choose this if your existing New York credential has expired or is about to expire and you wish to renew it.
Update Info – Select this if your personal information has changed (name, address, height, eye color, etc.) but you are not renewing the full credential.
Change Type – Pick this if you are changing from one credential type to another (for example, converting a learner permit to a full license).
Replacement – Mark this if your existing credential has been lost, stolen, or damaged and you need a new copy.
Conditional – Select this if you are applying for a Conditional Use License, which allows driving only under specific circumstances (often used in DUI rehabilitation programs).
Restricted – Choose this if you need a Restricted Use License, which limits your driving privileges based on medical, legal, or other conditions.
Section 3: ID Number (Optional)
ID Number on New York State Driver License, Learner Permit, or Non-Driver ID Card – If you already have a valid or recently expired New York identification document, enter the eight-digit ID number from that document. This helps the DMV locate your existing record and prevents duplicate applications.
Section 4: Identification Information
Full Last Name – Print your last name (surname) exactly as it appears on your birth certificate or official legal documents. Do not use nicknames or shortened versions.
Full First Name – Write your first name as it appears on your birth certificate. This must match your legal name.
Full Middle Name – If you have a middle name, enter it here. If you have multiple middle names, include all of them.
Suffix – If your name includes a suffix such as Jr., Sr., II, or III, enter it in this field.
Date of Birth – Write the month, day, and year in the designated spaces. This must match your birth certificate and be used to verify your age for licensing purposes.
Sex – Select M (Male), F (Female), or X (Non-binary) to indicate your sex designation.
Height – Measure your height in feet and inches. For example, if you are 5 feet 10 inches tall, write 5 in the feet box and 10 in the inches box.
Eye Color – Enter your natural eye color (brown, blue, green, hazel, black, etc.).
Telephone Number (Home/Mobile) – Provide a current phone number where the DMV can contact you. Include the area code in the designated space.
Has Your Name Changed? – Select Yes or No. If you answer Yes, print your former name exactly as it appeared on your current license or ID card in the space provided. This is used to track name changes and consolidate your driver record.
Other Change – If you are correcting information other than your name (such as date of birth, license class, or other data), describe the change and the reason for it in this field.
Section 5: Social Security Number (SSN)
Social Security Number – Enter your nine-digit SSN if you have ever been issued one. The form notes that this information is collected under authority granted by Sections 490(3) and 502(1) of the Vehicle and Traffic Law and is used for identity verification, inter-jurisdictional exchange with other DMV systems, and driver license sanctions. Your SSN will not be made public.
Checkbox: If You Have Never Been Issued An SSN – If you have never received a Social Security Number, check this box and leave the SSN field blank.
Section 6: Address Where You Get Your Mail
Street Number and Name – Enter the full street address where you receive mail, including the street number and complete street name. Include rural delivery information or box numbers if applicable.
Apartment Number (Optional) – If you live in an apartment or condominium, enter the unit number.
City or Town – Write the name of your city or town.
State – Enter the state abbreviation (NY for New York).
Zip Code – Provide your five-digit postal zip code.
County – Specify the New York County where this address is located.
Important Note – This mailing address will appear on your standard (non-Real ID) identity document.
Section 7: Address Where You Live (If Different From Mailing Address)
Note: This section is required only if your mailing address and residential address differ. Do NOT provide a post office box here.
Street Number, Name, Apartment Number, City, Town, State, Zip Code, County – Fill in your actual residential address using the same format as the mailing address section.
Important Note – This address will appear on your Enhanced/Real ID identity document.
Section 8: Address Change Questions
Has Your Mailing Address Changed? Yes or No – Select Yes if your mailing address is different from what was previously recorded.
Has The Address Where You Live Changed? Yes or No – Select Yes if your residential address has changed since your last DMV transaction.
Important Information – If you answer Yes to either question, all vehicle registrations linked to your ID number will automatically be updated with the new address, unless you check the opt-out box provided. If you are registered to vote, your voter registration record will be updated with the new address when you submit this form, unless you check the second opt-out box to prevent this update. The DMV will otherwise send your new address to the Board of Elections of your county.
Section 9: Veteran Status
Checkbox: Would You Like To Have “Veteran” Printed On Your Photo Document? – If you wish to have the word “Veteran” displayed on the front of your DMV photo ID, check this box. You must present official proof of an honorable discharge from military service, such as a DD-214 or DD-215 form.
Section 10: New York State Organ And Tissue Donation
Question: Would You Like To Be Added To The Donate Life Registry? – This mandatory section requires you to make a choice.
Checkbox: Yes (with signature and date) – If you wish to become an organ and tissue donor, check Yes and then sign and date the consent section below. By checking Yes, you certify that you are at least 16 years of age, are consenting to donate your organs and tissues for transplantation and research, and are authorizing the DMV to transfer your information to the Donate Life Registry. Upon your death, federally regulated organ procurement organizations and New York State licensed tissue and eye banks will have access to this information. The word “ORGAN DONOR” will be printed on your DMV photo document. If you are aged 16 or 17 and die before age 18, your parents or legal guardians may change this decision. You will receive a confirmation that explains your options to modify or limit your donation.
Checkbox: Skip This Question – If you choose not to answer the organ donation question at this time, check this box.
Voluntary $1 Donation – You have the option to check a box to contribute an additional $1 to the Life…Pass It On Trust Fund, which supports organ and tissue donation research and outreach. If you choose to donate, this $1 will be added to your total DMV transaction fee.
Donor Consent Signature and Date – If you selected Yes for the Donate Life Registry, you must sign and date this line to finalize your consent.
Section 11: Voter Registration
Question: If You Are Not Registered To Vote Where You Live Now, Would You Like To Apply To Register? – You must select one of two options.
Checkbox: YES – Complete Voter Registration Application Section – If you wish to register to vote or update your existing voter registration, check Yes. You will then need to complete the New York State Voter Registration Application section on page 3 of the form.
Checkbox: NO – I Decline To Register/Already Registered – Select No if you are already registered to vote, choose not to register, or do not wish to participate in voter registration at this time.
Important Note – If you do not check either Yes or No, you will be considered to have declined voter registration. A “no” response does not prevent you from registering separately through other channels.
Section 12: Selective Service System (SSS) Registration
Requirement Information – This section explains that all male U.S. citizens and immigrants ages 18 through 25 must register with the Selective Service System by law. Failure to register is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine. Males not registered by age 26 permanently lose eligibility for U.S. citizenship (if an immigrant), Pell Grants and federal student aid, job training programs, and all federal, postal, and many state employment jobs.
Checkbox: YES (implied by not selecting NO) – If you are a male aged 18-25 and do not check the No box, you are automatically opting to register with the SSS, and the DMV will forward your personal information to SSS for registration.
Checkbox: NO – Only check this box if you deliberately choose NOT to register with the Selective Service System, understanding that you will lose all associated benefits.
Section 13: Previous New York Credentials
Question: Do You Now Have, Or Did You Ever Have, A New York Driver License, Learner Permit, Or Non-Driver ID Card? – Answer Yes or No.
Important Note – Applying for a Non-Driver ID card will cancel any existing New York State driver license privilege and may cancel any permit, driver license, or ID card held in any other U.S. state or the District of Columbia.
Section 14: Out-of-State Permits or Licenses
Question: Do You Have A Permit Or Driver License That Is Valid Or Has Expired Within The Last Two Years, Issued By Any Place Other Than New York State? – Answer Yes or No.
If YES, Provide the Following Information:
- Where Was It Issued? – Write the state or jurisdiction that issued your out-of-state credential.
- Date of Expiration – Enter when the out-of-state credential expires or expired.
- Type of License – Specify the class of license (Class D, Commercial, etc.).
- Out-of-State Permit or License ID Number – Write the identification number from that credential.
Important Note – An out-of-state permit, driver license, or ID card may be subject to cancellation once you are issued a New York credential. Additionally, if you are transferring an out-of-state license to New York, you will certify on page 2 that you were a permanent resident of that state when you obtained the license, that the license has been valid for at least 6 months, and that you have not failed a New York State driving skills road test in the last 12 months.
Page 2: Certification And Signature Section
Certification Checkbox – At the top of page 2, check the box to confirm that you have completed and reviewed all information on the form.
Sign Here (X) – You must personally sign this line. Your signature certifies that all information provided on the application and any supporting documentation is true and complete. You also acknowledge that making false statements on this application or submitting false documentation may be punishable as a criminal offense.
Print Name – Below the signature line, print your full name.
Date – Write the date you signed the form in MM/DD/YYYY format.
Replace Document Certification – If you are applying for a replacement document, you further certify that your New York State document has been lost, stolen, or mutilated.
Information Verification Acknowledgment – You acknowledge that personally identifiable information collected for the purpose of issuing a license or ID card may be verified against nationwide DMV systems for accuracy.
Out-of-State Transfer Certification – If transferring an out-of-state license, you certify that when you obtained that license, you were a permanent resident of that state, the license has been valid for at least 6 months, and you have not failed a New York State driving skills road test in the last 12 months.
Conditional/Restricted License Certification – If applying for a Conditional or Restricted Use License, you certify that you will pay all required rehabilitation program tuition and fees, attend the program if required, and drive only within the permitted conditions. You understand that failure to do so will result in revocation of your restricted or conditional license.
Selective Service Affirmation – If you are a male at least 18 but less than 26 years old and have not opted “no” to SSS registration on page 1, you affirm that you are choosing to register with SSS and consent to the DMV forwarding your information for registration.
Section 15: Parent or Guardian Consent (For Minors)
If You Are Applying For A Learner Permit, Junior License, Or Non-Driver ID Card (Under 16) – A parent or legal guardian must sign this section.
Relationship To Applicant – The parent or guardian must indicate their relationship (mother, father, legal guardian, etc.).
Date – The parent or guardian must sign and date this consent.
Important Requirement – The consenting parent or guardian certifies that they are responsible for confirming that the applicant has completed at least 50 hours of supervised “practice” driving, including 15 hours of driving after sunset, prior to taking a road test. This certification must be submitted on form MV-262 at the time of the road test.
Exception – If the applicant is 17 years old and has a Driver Education Student Certificate of Completion (form MV-285), parental consent is not required.
ID Number of Consenting Parent or Guardian – The parent or guardian must provide their own New York ID number (if applicable).
Section 16: Teen Electronic Event Notification Service (TEENS)
Checkbox: I Would Like To Enroll In The TEENS Program – This optional, free service notifies the parent or guardian of an under-18-year-old applicant if the young driver receives a conviction, suspension, revocation, or accident on their license file. More information is available on form MV-1046 or MV-1056.
Section 17: Medical And Health Questions (All License/Permit Applicants)
These questions must be completed for all driver license and permit transactions.
Question 1: Suspended, Revoked, or Cancelled License – Answer Yes or No: “Has your driver license, learner permit, or privilege to drive a motor vehicle been suspended, revoked or cancelled, or has your application for a license been denied in this state or elsewhere, in the name you provide on this form or any other name?”
If Yes, provide a follow-up answer to: “Has your license, permit or privilege been restored, or has your application been approved?” – Answer Yes or No.
Question 2: Medical Conditions Causing Unconsciousness – Answer Yes or No: “Have you received treatment, do you currently receive treatment, or do you take medication for any condition that causes unconsciousness or unawareness (for example, a convulsive disorder, epilepsy, fainting or dizziness, or a heart condition)?”
If Yes, you must submit form MV-80U.1 (Medical Review Form) even if you were previously released from the Medical Review Program. Obtain this form at any DMV office or at dmv.ny.gov.
Question 3: Hearing Aid or Full View Mirror Requirement – Answer Yes or No: “Do you need a hearing aid and/or full view mirror to drive a motor vehicle?”
Question 4: Loss of Use of Limbs or Eyes – Answer Yes or No: “Have you lost the use of a leg, arm, hand or eye?”
If No, skip the follow-up questions. If Yes, proceed to:
Question 4a – “If you need to renew your driver license and you marked Yes, did this occur since your last driver license?” – Answer Yes or No.
Question 4b – “If you marked NO to 4a, has your condition gotten worse since your last driver license?” – Answer Yes or No.
Section 18: Commercial Driver License (CDL) Applicants Only
These questions apply only to individuals applying for a Commercial Driver License and must be completed in full.
Question 1: Previous CDL Issuance – Answer Yes or No: “In the past 10 years, was a driver license issued to you from another state in the U.S. or the District of Columbia?”
If Yes, write the name of each state that issued you a license.
Question 2: Disqualification Status – Answer Yes or No: “Are you subject to any disqualification under section 383.51, title 49 of Code of Federal Regulations or NYS Law?”
Question 3: CDL Certification Type – You must certify to DMV that you operate (or expect to operate) a commercial motor vehicle in one of four driving types. Select only one:
- Non-Excepted Interstate (NI) – You are age 21 or older and operate (or expect to operate) interstate commerce other than for excepted operation. Certified medical status is required, which means you must provide a current USDOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
- Non-Excepted Intrastate (NA) – You are age 18 or older and operate (or expect to operate) within New York State only for non-excepted operation. Certified medical status is required.
- Excepted Interstate (EI) – You are age 18 or older and operate (or expect to operate) interstate in Excepted Operation ONLY. You must have the A3 restriction.
- Excepted Intrastate (EA) – You are age 18 or older and operate (or expect to operate) in Excepted Operation ONLY within New York State. You must have both A3 and K restrictions.
Certified Medical Status Requirement – If your selected driving type requires certified medical status (NI or NA), you must provide a legible copy of your current USDOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate to DMV if it is not already on file. Refer to form MV-44.5 for additional information to help determine your driving type.
Page 3: New York State Voter Registration Application
This section is separate and applies only if you selected “YES” to the voter registration question on page 1.
Question 1: U.S. Citizenship – Answer Yes or No: “Are you a citizen of the U.S.?” If you answer No, you cannot register to vote.
Question 2: Age Requirement – Answer Yes or No: “Will you be 18 years of age or older on or before election day?”
Question 3: Pre-Registration for 16-17 Year-Olds – Answer Yes or No: “Are you at least 16 years of age and understand that you must be 18 years of age on or before election day to vote, and that until you are eighteen, your registration will be marked ‘pending’ and you will be unable to cast a ballot in any election?”
If you answer No to both Question 2 and Question 3, you cannot register to vote.
Question 4: Previous Voting History – Answer Yes or No: “Have you voted before?” If Yes, provide the year.
Voting Information That Has Changed – Check the appropriate boxes if your name, address, or state/New York County has changed since your last voting registration.
Your Name, Address, Email, Telephone Number – Fill in your current information. Email and telephone are optional.
Political Party Selection – You must make one selection:
- Democratic Party
- Republican Party
- Conservative Party
- Working Families Party
- Other (specify the party name)
- No Party (remain an independent voter)
Note: Political party enrollment is optional, but if you wish to vote in a primary election of a specific party, you must be enrolled in that party unless state party rules allow otherwise.
Affidavit Certification and Signature – By signing below, you swear or affirm the following:
- I am a citizen of the United States.
- I will have lived in the county, city, or village for at least 30 days before the election.
- I meet all requirements to register to vote in New York State.
- The above information is true. (Understanding that providing false information can result in conviction and a fine up to $5,000 and/or jail time up to four years.)
Sign (X) and Date – You must personally sign and date this affidavit. Your signature confirms the truth and accuracy of all voter registration information provided.
Tips For Successful Completion:
Print the form in black or blue ink only. Complete all sections, even if you think a section does not apply to you—leaving fields blank can delay processing. Double-check all spelling, especially your name and address. Ensure your signature matches the signature on your supporting documents. Gather all required documents before visiting the DMV so you do not make multiple trips. If you have medical conditions, prepare the necessary medical forms beforehand. Keep a copy of your completed form for your records before submitting it to the DMV.