Under New York’s Green Light Law, you do not need to prove citizenship or immigration status to get a standard driver’s license or non-driver ID in this state. But the DMV application still asks for a Social Security number, or proof of why you don’t have one. If you’ve never been issued a number, that proof is form NSS-1A.
Fill in your name and date of birth, pay, and your NSS-1A affidavit is prepared on the real DMV form and notarized online in one session. Start your affidavit →
Where the affidavit fits in the application
On the standard DMV application (form MV-44), you’ll be asked for a Social Security number. If you don’t have one because you were never issued one, you attach the completed NSS-1A affidavit in place of that number. It has to be witnessed, by a notary if you’re mailing the application, or by a Motor Vehicle Representative if you’re applying at a DMV office in person.
What else the DMV still requires
The affidavit solves the Social Security question, but it does not replace New York’s identity and residency documentation requirements. You’ll still need to bring the DMV’s required point-based identity documents (passport, foreign birth certificate, ITIN documentation, and so on, depending on your situation) and proof of New York residency. NSS-1A itself does not count toward that point total, it only satisfies the Social Security number field.
Standard license only, not REAL ID
Using NSS-1A means you’ll receive a standard New York license or ID marked not valid for federal purposes. It cannot be used to obtain an Enhanced license or a REAL ID-compliant credential, both of which have their own, stricter documentation rules that this affidavit doesn’t satisfy. For everyday driving and state purposes, the standard license works fine, just know it won’t get you through TSA once REAL ID enforcement applies to you, or serve as federally accepted ID for other purposes.
The practical order of operations
Most people find it easiest to get the affidavit notarized before their DMV appointment or before mailing an application, rather than trying to get it witnessed at a busy DMV counter. Have your full legal name and date of birth ready, get the affidavit notarized on the actual NSS-1A form, then bring or mail it in with the rest of your application.
Fill in your name and date of birth, pay, and your NSS-1A affidavit is prepared on the real DMV form and notarized online in one session. Start your affidavit →
This page is general information, not legal advice, and reflects our understanding of current DMV policy under the Green Light Law. Confirm current documentation requirements directly with the DMV before your appointment.