What documents must you provide to apply for a New York driver's license?

To apply for a New York driver's license, it is essential to provide proof of identity, residency, and your Social Security number. This combination of documents ensures that the applicant is who they claim to be, resides at the address they provide, and has a valid Social Security number, which helps verify their identity and ensure they are legally eligible to drive.

Proof of identity can typically be achieved through documents like a passport or a birth certificate. Residency confirmation can be satisfied by providing utility bills, bank statements, or leases that include your name and residential address. The requirement for a Social Security number reinforces the bureaucratic need to maintain accurate records and aids in the prevention of identity fraud. Each of these document types plays a crucial role in establishing both legal identity and residency in New York State.

Other options presented do not meet the necessary criteria for identification and residency that the DMV specifies. Items like school IDs are insufficient as they do not serve as authoritative proof of identity, and documents like credit cards or health insurance cards may not adequately verify residency or identity on their own. Therefore, the selection of proof of identity, residency, and a Social Security number is vital to the application process.