How to Book and Prepare for Your New York State ID Appointment

Book your New York State ID appointment through the DMV website or by phone

You can schedule an appointment for a New York State ID (also called a non-driver ID) in two ways: online through the DMV website at dmv.ny.gov, or by calling 518-402-2500. The online system is usually faster — you pick your preferred DMV office location, choose an available date and time, and get a confirmation number on the spot. Phone appointments take longer because you are working through a queue, but you can ask questions while booking.

The DMV releases appointment slots in batches, usually a few weeks ahead. If you do not see times available for your preferred location, check back the next day or try a different office nearby. Some locations fill faster than others, so flexibility on location or time of day can mean getting in sooner.

When you book online, write down your confirmation number and the date, time, and office address. Bring that confirmation number with you on the day of your appointment. If you booked by phone, ask the representative to email or text your confirmation — do not rely on memory.

Key Takeaways

• Book online at dmv.ny.gov or call 518-402-2500; online is usually faster and slots open a few weeks in advance.
• Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a document proving your identity like a passport or birth certificate.
• If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you and bring their own ID and proof of residency.
• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early; the DMV will not hold your appointment slot if you are more than 15 minutes late.
• The appointment itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are called, but bring a book or phone charger because wait times vary.

What documents to bring to your appointment

You need three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of New York residency. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, a valid driver's license from another state, or a military ID. A photocopy is not acceptable — the DMV must see the original document.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a property tax bill. The document must show your name and a New York address and be dated within the last 30 days. A cell phone bill does not count.

If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will not issue your ID under a different name without it.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian

Anyone under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present at the appointment. That adult must bring their own valid ID (driver's license, passport, or military ID) and their own proof of New York residency using the same rules as above. The DMV will not issue an ID to a minor without both the young person and the adult in the room together.

If you are 16 or 17 and your parent cannot attend, you can bring a legal guardian, grandparent, or other adult with a notarized letter from your parent giving permission. The notarized letter must state that the adult has permission to take you to the DMV appointment. Getting a letter notarized takes a few days, so plan ahead if this is your situation.

What to expect on the day of your appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get separated. When you enter the DMV office, check in at the front desk with your confirmation number. The staff will take your documents, verify them, and ask you to sit in the waiting area.

When your number is called, you will go to a window where a DMV employee will ask you questions about your address, your name, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive (even though you are not getting a driver's license, the form asks this). They will take a photo and your fingerprints. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the window, but the wait before your number is called can be longer depending on how busy the office is that day.

You will pay a fee at the end of your appointment. As of 2024, a New York State ID costs $20 and is valid for 8 years. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. The DMV will give you a receipt and tell you when to expect your ID in the mail — usually 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if you miss your appointment

If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it through the DMV website or by calling 518-402-2500 at least 24 hours before your scheduled time. If you cancel, you can book a new appointment right away. If you do not show up and do not cancel, the DMV will not hold the slot, and you will have to book again from scratch.

If you are running late, call the DMV office directly as soon as you know. The office number is on your confirmation email or receipt. The DMV will usually hold your appointment for up to 15 minutes past your scheduled time, but not longer. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, you will have to reschedule.

Getting your ID after your appointment

The DMV mails your State ID to the address you provided at your appointment. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, you can request expedited mail at your appointment for an additional fee, though this is not always available at every office. Ask the DMV employee before you leave whether expedited service is an option.

If your ID does not arrive within 10 business days, call 518-402-2500 to check the status. Have your confirmation number ready. The DMV can tell you whether your ID has been mailed and can reissue it if it was lost in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

No. The person who will receive the ID must be the one to book the appointment, except for minors under 18, whose parent or guardian can book on their behalf. If you are booking for a minor, you will still need to attend the appointment with them.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a valid passport, a military ID, or a driver's license from another state instead. If you have none of these, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born to request a certified copy of your birth certificate before your appointment.

Can I change my address on my State ID without making a new appointment?

No. If your address changes after you receive your ID, you must make a new appointment to update it. You cannot change your address online or by mail. Bring your current ID and proof of your new address to the appointment.

What if I lost my confirmation number?

Call 518-402-2500 and give the representative your name and date of birth. They can look up your appointment and confirm the date, time, and location. You do not need the confirmation number to attend, but having it makes check-in faster.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

You must have a scheduled appointment. The DMV does not accept walk-ins for State ID appointments. If you show up without an appointment, staff will ask you to leave and book a time online or by phone.