Albany computer outage impacting local DMVs

Auto transactions severely limited by statewide outage

All three of Niagara County's Department of Motor Vehicles offices have been forced to severely limit operations following a major power outage originating in Albany, according to County Clerk Joseph A. Jastrzemski.

That outage has disrupted many services performed via computer connection with Albany, and is impacting DMV offices statewide.

News of the outage came in an email from the state DMV, which noted multiple state offices had advised workers not to come in. The state DMV is also updating information about the outage on its webpage, dmv.ny.gov, which currently features a red band stating, "ALERT: Due to an electrical outage in the DMV Central Office, some phone and other services will not be available until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please check back for updates."

Jastrzemski said that, among other problems caused by the computer outage, was the inability to upload and download photographs for licenses and IDs.

Niagara County's three DMVs remain open, but performing significantly curtailed operations. Residents are advised their transactions may be unavailable until Albany restores power and computer services. Late office hours planned at the Niagara Falls DMV, located in the Trott Access Center, 1001 11th St., remain in effect, with that office open until 6:30 p.m.