If your New York driver's license is coming up for renewal, you need to show that you meet the state's vision standard. It takes a few minutes, but the rules can be confusing: where can you take the test, what counts, and how long does it last? Here is a plain-English guide, based on the New York DMV's own pages.
What the DMV Requires
To apply for or renew a license, the DMV requires a vision test showing visual acuity of at least 20/40 (on the Snellen chart) in either or both eyes. You can meet it with or without glasses or contact lenses.
If you need corrective lenses to pass, the DMV adds a restriction to your license. If your vision falls below the standard, an eye care professional can complete a different DMV form (MV-80L) for you.
Three Ways to Take the Test
- At a DMV office. The DMV does the test there at no extra charge.
- With a provider in the DMV Vision Registry. Enrolled providers send your result to the DMV electronically, within 24 hours. You do not need to mail a paper vision form when you renew.
- With a paper vision test report (MV-619). This form must be completed by a licensed eye care or medical professional.
The DMV also states that pharmacists and pharmacist-supervised staff can perform vision screening tests if they are enrolled in the Vision Registry. Healarian Pharmacy is listed in the registry.
At Healarian Pharmacy: the DMV vision test is $30, takes about 5 minutes, and walk-ins are welcome. We submit your result to the DMV Vision Registry online, and can give you a paper copy if you prefer to mail it. You can also book a time online. Details are on our DMV vision test page.
How Long Do Results Last?
According to the DMV, results expire twelve months from the date of the test. An optometrist or ophthalmologist may set a six-month period instead. Plan your test so the result is still valid on the day you renew.
What to Bring
- The glasses or contacts you drive with, so the result matches how you actually see on the road
- Your driver's license or renewal notice, which is helpful but not required
What It Costs
A DMV office does the test at no additional charge. Private providers set their own fees, since the DMV does not set one for them. At Healarian, the fee is a flat $30 by cash, credit or debit. It is a quick vision screening, not a full eye exam. If you want a complete eye exam for your health, an optometrist or ophthalmologist is the right visit.
Where to Take It on the Upper East Side
Healarian Pharmacy is at 1658 3rd Avenue, near 93rd Street, a few minutes' walk from the Q and 6 train at 96th Street. We are open Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm. Call 212-317-0828 if you have a question before you come.
You can also search the DMV's own Vision Registry Locator to see every enrolled provider near you. Rules can change, so for the latest requirements check the NY DMV vision requirements page.
The Bottom Line
For most people, the vision test is the easy part of a license renewal. Know the standard (20/40 in either or both eyes), take the test with a provider who reports results to the DMV, and renew while your result is still valid.
— Zimo Wahdan, RPh, Owner & Pharmacist, Healarian Pharmacy