{ "url": "https://www.buffalo.edu/international-student-services/life-in-buffalo/driving-in-new-york-state.html", "title": "Driving in New York State - International Student Services - University at Buffalo", "content": "[University at Buffalo (UB)](//www.buffalo.edu/)\nIf you want to drive in New York State, be sure you know how to get a driver's license, what insurance you need, and what regulations may apply to you.\nEven before you come to the U.S., you can take steps to prepare to drive in New York State.\nYou can drive in NYS if you have an unexpired foreign driver's license with you. However, some police officers and auto insurers believe that you need a NYS driver's license after residing in NYS for a period time. Therefore, we recommend that you obtain a NYS driver's license if you are eligible.\nAn 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.\nYes, you can do both. HOWEVER,\nWe recommend that you obtain a NYS driver's license if you are eligible.\nUsually, yes. But keep in mind that rental car companies may have their own requirements (e.g. minimum age), which you must satisfy.\nYou will be eligible to apply for a NYS driver's license if you have one of the following documents and it is still valid:\nYou can follow the steps below to plan out your application process.\nThis is the \u201crules of the road\u201d book. When you drive in NYS, you are expected to know, and abide by, these rules.\nYou will 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.\nNYS driver\u2019s license fee rates for first-time drivers in the U.S. are available at the DMV website (look for your age under Class D driver\u2019s license).\nThe written test is based on the information in the Manual. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, please wear them for the eye exam.\nLook online to find out where you can take this course.\nAfter you have completed steps #1-4, you may make an appointment for a road test when you are ready to be tested.\nUB's Registrar is the office in charge of enrollment and transcripts. For information on getting enrollment verification from HUB please refer to their [Enrollment and Degree Verification page](https://www.buffalo.edu/registrar/transcripts-and-records/enrollment-and-degree-verification.html).\nISS cannot help you obtain enrollment verification or official transcripts. You must contact the Registrar if you have any questions\nTo prove your date of birth, you must submit one of the following:\nIf you're in the Buffalo area you can call them directly at (716) 858-7450.\nIf you're not in the Buffalo area use the link below to find the contact information for your local DMV office.\nYou 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.\nYou must register your car with the DMV every two years and there is a fee for the car registration. You cannot register a vehicle online. Auto dealers can register and title vehicles, and issue plates (and charge a fee for this).\nNew York State has requirements regarding the amount of insurance coverage you must have for your car.", "headings": [ { "level": 1, "text": "Driving in New York State" }, { "level": 2, "text": "On this page:" }, { "level": 2, "text": "Before You Travel to the U.S." }, { "level": 3, "text": "Bring Your Valid Driver's License From Your Home Country" }, { "level": 3, "text": "Get an International Driving Permit" }, { "level": 2, "text": "Driver\u2019s Licenses" }, { "level": 3, "text": "Foreign Driver\u2019s Licenses" }, { "level": 4, "text": "Can I buy car insurance and register my car in New York State if I only have a foreign driver's license?" }, { "level": 4, "text": "Will I be able to rent a car if I only have my foreign driver's license?" }, { "level": 3, "text": "New York State Driver\u2019s License" }, { "level": 4, "text": "When I get to the U.S., will I be eligible to apply for a New York State driver's license?" }, { "level": 4, "text": "How do I apply for a NYS driver's license?" }, { "level": 3, "text": "Steps for Getting Your NYS License" }, { "level": 5, "text": "1. Study the NYS Driver's Manual" }, { "level": 5, "text": "2. Visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and apply" }, { "level": 5, "text": "3. Take a written test and eye exam" }, { "level": 5, "text": "4. Complete a 5-hour mandatory pre-licensing course" }, { "level": 5, "text": "5. Pass a road test" }, { "level": 4, "text": "What kind of documents can I show that will prove my name?" }, { "level": 4, "text": "Obtaining Enrollment Verification" }, { "level": 4, "text": "What kind of documents can I show that will prove my date of birth?" }, { "level": 2, "text": "Buying a Car & Car Registration" }, { "level": 3, "text": "Are There Any Tips for Buying a Car?" }, { "level": 4, "text": "New Cars" }, { "level": 4, "text": "Used Cars" }, { "level": 3, "text": "How to Register Your Car" }, { "level": 2, "text": "Car Insurance" }, { "level": 3, "text": "What Do I Need To Know About Car Insurance in NYS?" }, { "level": 2, "text": "New Students" }, { "level": 2, "text": "Activities" }, { "level": 2, "text": "Immigration & Visa" }, { "level": 2, "text": "Social Security Card & Income Tax" }, { "level": 2, "text": "Life in Buffalo" }, { "level": 2, "text": "About Us" }, { "level": 1, "text": "Your Privacy is Important To Us." } ], "faqs": [], "important_links": [ { "text": "3/31/25Your I-20 & Next Steps", "url": "/international-student-services/for-new-students/your-i-20---next-steps.html" }, { "text": "4/18/25Visa Information", "url": "/international-student-services/for-new-students/immigration-and-visas.html" }, { "text": "2/10/25E-form Processing Times", "url": "/international-student-services/immigration-visa/e-form-processing-times.html" }, { "text": "2/10/25Financial Documentation", "url": "/international-student-services/immigration-visa/financial-documentation.html" }, { "text": "2/10/25Information Sessions", "url": "/international-student-services/workshops-trips-events/workshops.html" }, { "text": "Use the DMV Document Guide", "url": "https://dmv.ny.gov/more-info/dmv-document-guide" }, { "text": "DMV Contact Information", "url": "https://dmv.ny.gov/contact-us/contact-us" }, { "text": "Get information about the market value of a used car at www.kbb.com", "url": "http://www.kbb.com/" }, { "text": "Get information and assistance on New York's Lemon Laws", "url": "https://ag.ny.gov/resources/individuals/car-auto/lemon-law-program" }, { "text": "Please check the AAA website for locations and contact information", "url": "http://www.aaa.com" }, { "text": "3/31/25Your I-20 & Next Steps", "url": "/international-student-services/for-new-students/your-i-20---next-steps.html" }, { "text": "4/18/25Visa Information", "url": "/international-student-services/for-new-students/immigration-and-visas.html" }, { "text": "2/10/25Information Sessions", "url": "/international-student-services/workshops-trips-events/workshops.html" }, { "text": "2/10/25E-form Processing Times", "url": "/international-student-services/immigration-visa/e-form-processing-times.html" }, { "text": "2/10/25Financial Documentation", "url": "/international-student-services/immigration-visa/financial-documentation.html" } ], "categories": [ "fees" ], "scraped_at": "2025-04-25T23:49:29.192459", "path_hierarchy": [ "international-student-services", "life-in-buffalo", "driving-in-new-york-state.html" ], "domain": "www.buffalo.edu" }