Jagow urges residents to use local DMV offices

Niagara County Clerk Wayne Jagow offered some clarity this week on recent changes to New York State Department of Motor Vehicles renewal forms, which appear to be causing confusion with local DMV customers.

He pointed out some DMV forms affirm renewals may only be done via U.S. mail or online. That is untrue, Jagow said, pointing out all Niagara County motor vehicle offices are still able to process renewals, and customers can leave with their motor vehicle registration and temporary license documents in hand.

Jagow urged county residents to conduct their DMV business in person by visiting one of three local offices in Niagara County that handle such transactions. By renewing locally, the amount spent for driver licenses, vehicle registrations and the like is retained locally and used to operate local offices, including salaries, supplies and overhead.

Jagow, who oversees the operation of the three DMV locations in Niagara County (North Tonawanda, Niagara Falls and Lockport), said staffers at these offices are oftentimes tasked with resolving issues that develop in online and mail transactions, such as lost documents.

"Customers can avoid paying fees to obtain duplicates by using a local office first," Jagow said.

County employees typically handle a number of DMV-related transactions, including the purchase and return of license plates, vehicle registration, learner's permits and enhanced driver's licenses.

For more information on the Niagara County DMV, including locations and hours of operation, visit www.niagaracounty.com/Departments/MotorVehicleOffice.aspx.