What you should know
- Residents of some countries, such as the Dominican Republic, can now validate their country’s driver’s license in New York thanks to a law that was signed on Sunday by Governor Kathy Hochul during the visit of President Luis Abinader to celebrate the Dominican National Parade .
- legislation S.4329-A /A.3935-A, authorizes the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to enter into agreements with governments outside of the United States to allow new residents of those countries, such as the Republic Dominican, exchange your valid license for a valid New York driver’s license without having to take any theory exam or driving test.
- The DMV must determine that the other country in the agreement has a “comparable license process” that includes knowledge and driving tests.
NEW YORK — Residents of some countries, such as the Dominican Republic, can now have their country’s driver’s license validated in New York thanks to a law signed by Governor Kathy Hochul on Sunday during President Luis Abinader’s visit to celebrate the Dominican National Parade.
legislation S.4329-A /A.3935-A, which had been approved by the State Assembly and Senate, authorizes the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to enter into agreements with governments outside the United States to allow new residents of those countries, such as the Dominican Republic, to exchange their valid license for a valid New York driver’s license without having to take any theory exams or driving tests. The DMV must determine that the other country in the agreement has a “comparable license process” that includes knowledge and driving tests.
“They would only have to pay the corresponding taxes, comply with the New York transportation law, and in this way their country’s license is exchanged for one from the state of New York,” said Rusking Pimentel, communications director for Senator Luis Sepúlveda. who was the one who promoted the legislation.
The law sets requirements for the agreements, including that the exchange only applies to drivers over the age of 18; that it applies only to standard licenses, not business licenses or motorcycle licenses; and that the parties to the agreement must confirm through designated officials that the applicant has a valid license to trade. License reciprocity would be subject to the time of the agreement executed between the DMV and the foreign government.
“The DMV is the gateway to state government for New Yorkers, and thanks to Governor Hochul’s diplomacy and leadership, we can now make our processes even easier for new New Yorkers. This type of effective and convenient service is the cornerstone of DMV’s ongoing mission to change the way we operate and better serve the millions of New Yorkers who rely on our services,” said the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles of the New York State, Mark JF Schroeder.
“It is a proud day in New York State as this bill becomes law at the Dominican Day Parade, and it is a promise fulfilled after a productive delegation trip to the Dominican Republic last year. past. This landmark legislation opens doors to help millions of annual commuters to New York by building stronger relationships with countries like the Dominican Republic, allowing licensed drivers to move more easily in our driver-focused society. car. New York has always been a beacon of hope and prosperity for travelers, and this new law will allow people to move safely and freely throughout the state without fear, thereby boosting our local economy. I thank Governor Hochul for her continued leadership and her partnership,” added Assemblyman Phil Ramos.
On the other hand, the same measure applies to people from New York who travel to countries that join the agreement. The Dominican Republic and the Taiwan embassy were the ones that started the legislative processes in the New York State Assembly and Senate.
How the law works
This legislation allows great flexibility for New Yorkers working abroad who want to obtain driver’s licenses in the countries in which they are working as well as employers from other countries who reside in New York.
For example, if it were a driver’s license reciprocity agreement between the New York State Department of Transportation and the Dominican Republic, you would agree to recognize and exchange valid driver’s licenses issued by the other’s jurisdiction. The benefit to New York State for entrepreneurs, researchers, students and so on to obtain a New York State license would be increased mobility in the State which in turn is a direct benefit to the developing economy of New York State. York.
DMV can only enter into reciprocal agreements with territories that have a licensing process comparable to New York, including, without limitation, knowledge and practice tests.
The law ensures that license holders from other states or countries are held to the same high standards and adhere to the same rules and regulations as New York driver’s license holders, prioritizing roadway safety.
The passage of this law is the culmination of the collaborative efforts and valuable contributions of various individuals and organizations.
In addition, discussions with technicians from the Taiwanese Embassy, led by the ambassador, and discussions with technicians from the Dominican Republic, such as Intrant director Hugo Beras, have shaped the provisions of this legislation and contributed to its success. .
