Driving in New York State and Buying/Insuring a Car
Information for International Students, Scholars & Employees
Before I travel to the U.S., what should I prepare if I want to drive in New York State (“NYS”)?
Bring your Valid Driver's License from your home country. You can drive in NYS if you have an unexpired foreign driver's license with you. However, some police officers and automobile insurers believe that you need a NYS driver's license (as U.S. drivers do). Therefore, we recommend that you obtain a NYS driver's license if you are eligible.
Get an International Driving Permit. An International Driving Permit is not required in NYS but it is helpful (especially if your license is not in English) because it informs authorities in several languages that you have a valid driver's license. By itself, the International Driving Permit is not valid for driving in NYS. You cannot obtain an International Driving Permit when you get to the U.S. so please bring one with you if you plan to drive in NYS.
Will I be able to rent a car if I only have my foreign license?
Yes. But, rental car companies may have their own requirements (e.g. minimum age requirement of 25).
New York State Driver's License
When I get to the U.S. , will I be eligible to apply for a New York State driver's license?
You will be eligible to apply for a NYS license if:
- Your I-20, DS-2019 or H-1B approval notice (I-797) is valid for a duration of at least one calendar year AND
- Your I-20, DS-2019 or H-1B approval notice (I-797) has at least 6 months remaining before its expiration date.
How do I apply for a NYS driver's license?
- Study the New York State “Driver's Manual”. This is the “rules of the road” book. When you drive in NYS, you are expected to know, and abide by, these rules. You can get a manual at the Department of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”) office or you can download it from the DMV website: www.nysdmv.com/dmanual/default.html
- Go to the DMV, fill out the application and pay the fee for the Driver's License. You must bring proof of your name AND proof of your date of birth to complete this application. See the requirements below.
- Take a written test and eye exam. The written test is based on the information in the Manual. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, please wear them for the eye exam.
- Complete a 5-hour “mandatory pre-licensing course”. Look in the telephone book under “Driving Instruction” to find out where you can take this course.
- Pass a road test. After you have completed steps #1-4, you may schedule this appointment when you are ready to be tested.
What kind of documents can I show that will prove my name?
With the increase in requirements for public security, the DMV frequently updates the list of acceptable proofs of identity and date of birth. Please consult their list of proofs and point values before going to the DMV.
To prove your name, you must show 6 points of identification from the following:
- (3 points) Passport. Your passport must be in English, and have your U.S. Visa and a valid I-94 card
- (2 points) U.S. Social Security Card. If you are not eligible for a Social Security number, you must get a letter from the Social Security Office (see below for directions) stating that you are ineligible for a Social Security number The letter does not have any point value, but is required.
- (2 points) Photo Driver's License issued by another U.S. state (not expired for more than 12 months)
- (1 point) Your UB Staff / Faculty ID Card OR (2 points) Your UB Student ID Card + transcripts from UB
- (1 point) Supermarket Check Cashing Card
- (1 point) Utility Bill (must have your name and address)
- (1 point) Valid Major U.S. Credit Card
- (1 point) Bank Statement (with your name and address on it)
- (1 point) ATM Cash Card (with your name preprinted and your signature)
Directions to Social Security Office
By Car from UB’s North Campus:
Take Maple Road west (toward Niagara Falls Boulevard) to Alberta Drive. Turn left onto Alberta. Take Alberta straight into the Northtown Plaza parking lot. Keep to the left. Pass the Bon-Ton store. Turn right. The Social Security Office is in the back of the Plaza in the Century Mall Extension building
By Car from UB’s South Campus:
Take Bailey Avenue north (toward North Campus). Turn left into the Northtown Plaza / Century Mall (before Sheridan Drive). The Century Mall EXTENSION is the building straight ahead. The Social Security Office is in this building.
By Metro-Bus:
Take Metro Bus #34 to Sheridan Drive. When you get out of the bus, take a right and walk a short distance to Northtown Plaza. An alternative is to take Metro Bus #34M, which drives into Northtown Plaza.
What kind of documents can I show that will prove my date of birth?
To prove your date of birth, you must submit one of the following:
- Your Foreign Passport, U.S. Visa and I-94 Card. Your passport must be in English and you must have the visa and I-94 card attached. If your passport is not in English, you should get a certified translation from your country's Embassy or Consulate
- Canadian Birth Certificate AND Driver's License
- Refugee Travel Document (I-571)
Buying a Car: Some Things to Consider
Buying a New Car
- You must purchase automobile insurance if you buy a car. This can add a substantial cost to car ownership. Please be sure to consider the cost of insurance when planning your car budget.
- You must also “register” your car with the DMV each year. There is a fee for the car registration. You must present 6 points of identification for proof of your identity and date of birth. Please see the New York State DMV website for instructions: http://nysdmv.com/register.htm#register
- Consult the “buying a car” brochure from the New York State DMV website: www.nysdmv.com/broch/c18.htm
- Get tips about “Buying A Car” from AAA (American Automobile Association or “Triple A”) at www.nyaaa.com or at www.edmunds.com
- Visit the Department of Motor Vehicles website: www.nysdmv.com
Buying a Used Car
- Get information about the market value of a used car at www.edmunds.com or www.nyaaa.com
- Take the car for a test drive
- Have the car inspected by a reliable mechanic or AAA-approved repair shop before agreeing to buy
- Be sure to get a receipt
- Get the “title” for the vehicle
- Be aware of New York State 's “Lemon Laws”:
New York State's new & used car lemon laws provide legal solutions for consumers who buy or lease cars. If a car does not live up to the written warranty and cannot be repaired--or if it has not been repaired correctly after a reasonable number of attempts--the consumer could receive a refund or replacement car.
For information and assistance concerning New York 's Lemon Laws, contact:
Office of the Attorney General, Albany NY (518) 474-5481
State Consumer Protection Board, Complaint Unit, Albany NY (518) 474-8583
Automobile Insurance
I have a foreign driver's license. Can I buy car insurance and register my car at the DMV?
Yes, you can do both. HOWEVER,
- Car Insurance, which is mandatory in New York State, may be more expensive if you don't have a U.S. license.
- Insurance companies often add a surcharge to the cost of your insurance if you don't have a U.S. driver's license (the “Inexperienced Driver” surcharge).
- Some automobile insurers believe that you need a NYS driver's license (as U.S. drivers do).
Therefore, we recommend that you obtain a NYS driver's license if you are eligible.
What else do I need to know about car insurance in New York State?
- There is a minimum amount of coverage that you must carry on your automobile. This is determined by the State of New York.
- This minimum coverage must be in effect as long as your car is registered in New York . (This means that, even if you are not driving the car for some reason, you must still pay your car insurance bills if your car is registered in New York).
- You must purchase an automobile liability insurance policy from an insurer licensed by the New York State Insurance Department and authorized to do business in NYS.
- The insurance must be in the name of the person who has registered the car.
- The cost for auto insurance is called the “Premium”. The amount that you must pay out of your pocket if you get into an accident is called the “Deductible.”
- Please visit www.ins.state.ny.us/cauto.htm for specifics about New York State's MINIMUM INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS and for very helpful hints about insuring your car.
How do I find an insurance company?
- Get recommendations from other students / scholars / UB faculty.
- Look in the “yellow pages” of the phone book.
- Call numerous companies to compare rates (known as “premiums”) to see which company offers the best deal for you.
Some facts about Auto Insurance:
- If you live in the “city”, you will probably pay more than if you live in the suburbs.
- If you have a bad driving record or are a new driver in NY, your premium will be higher.
- You can reduce your auto insurance premium by taking a “Driver Improvement” course.
- The International Student and Scholar Services office organizes “Driver Improvement” courses on UB's campus each semester. Please watch your listserv messages and check the ISSS website for dates and times.
- The American Automobile Association offers courses regularly at various locations in western New York . Please check the AAA website for locations and contact information: www.nyaaa.com
More Important Information
- Driving while intoxicated (“DWI”) is a very serious crime in New York State .
- Cell Phones: In New York State , you must have a “hands-free device” to use your cell phone in the car.
- Seat Belts: You must always wear your seat belt—it's the Law!
- Know what to do if you get pulled over by the police. For more information, visit: www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/enforce/WhatHappensEnglish.pdf
Directions to local Department of Motor Vehicles ("DMV") offices
2/07
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