Driver’s License Renewal From Abroad
Posted by Purple_Ad_1360@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 8 comments
have called the NYS DMV several times about having my renewed driver’s license sent to me overseas. It seems doable, but I don’t know the best way to do it. The website states that if I apply online it can’t be forwarded to out of the country and that I would need to mail in the application with the foreign address and “a pre-addressed priority mail return envelope“ but the only courier here is DHL and it doesn’t seem they have pickup arrangements with DHL. The lady over the phone said I should apply online then call within 24 hours to request it to be sent to my foreign address. Does this sound right? Has anyone ever done this successfully? If you have, please share how you did it. Thanks for any advice!
FinestTreesInDa7Seas@reddit
DHL is the only courier in your country? Where do you live?
Purple_Ad_1360@reddit (OP)
I've been traveling through South America, mostly through smaller towns. They have local couriers, and FedEx has limited service here. The only thing with FedEx is that I can't create a return label from a US address to here. I can send it to the DMV, but I can't create a prepaid envelope- something about the way FedEx's billing system is set up. I was told by someone at DHL that it's possible with them, though.
danielitrox@reddit
How much time have you been in South America? In most countries you can't drive more that 6 moths with a foreign license.
Purple_Ad_1360@reddit (OP)
I'm not driving here. I just don't want my driver's license back in the US to lapse since it'd be a pain to reapply for a new one.
danielitrox@reddit
ok, so you don't really need it to be delivered abroad
Purple_Ad_1360@reddit (OP)
In the US, we use our driver's licenses for ID purposes, not only to drive.
apbailey@reddit
I’m unsure about NYS but do you have any friend or family in the US who could receive it and then bring it to you or DHL it?
Purple_Ad_1360@reddit (OP)
That would probably be the easiest way, but I wouldn't want to burden them with this. I was just wondering if this sounds odd in any way that I would have to call the DMV after I submit my application online.