I live in NY. I renewed my license online. I know that if my license
expires before my new one arrives, I can get "ticketed". Would that be
for not having the document, or am I considered "unlicensed"?

Hi windowsnlinux,

It's would be for not having the document.

NYS DMV: On-line Driver License Renewal:
"You may be ticketed if you drive without having a valid driver
license in your possession."
" If it is very close to your license expiration date, we recommend
that you visit a DMV Office so that you can get a temporary license
document."
http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/licrenew/lrnFAQ.htm#cautions

I hope this helps. If you have any questions, please post a
clarification request *before* closing/rating my answer and I'll be
happy to reply.

Thank you,
hummer

I searched the NYS DMV website.

Great work!

Good, thank you windowsnlinux. Please excuse the typo in my first
sentence. It should read, "It would be for not having the document." 
Take care, hummer