Niagara County DMV to host Saturday event for CDL renewals

Niagara County Clerk Joseph A. Jastrzemski announced the Niagara County Department of Motor Vehicles will hold special office hours this Saturday, Aug. 29, at the North Tonawanda and Lockport DMV offices for those who need to renew their commercial driver’s licenses (CDL). No appointment is necessary.

“We have heard from freight truck drivers, heavy equipment operators and, more recently, school bus drivers, concerned about the ability to renew their CDLs,” Jastrzemski said. “These licenses are paramount to how these folks earn a living and they certainly perform critical functions for the community, so we want to clear up the backlog and ensure everyone has what they need.”

Jastrzemski said the event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Lockport DMV, 111 Main St.; and the North Tonawanda DMV, 500 Wheatfield St. One must be in line no later than 12:30 p.m. More than a dozen DMV staffers will be on hand to process the paperwork.

Jastrzemski stressed this is for renewal of current CDLs only. Drivers should bring their medical certification, if required. Those who do not possess an enhanced or Real ID CDL, must bring a valid U.S. passport or original birth certificate (no copies.) To upgrade to an enhanced or Real ID, a driver will need proof of citizenship, two proofs of residency and their Social Security card. A list of acceptable documents can be found at www.dmv.ny.gov.

“While our office is still required by the governor to operate under certain restrictions, we continue to look for ways to provide better, faster service to Niagara County residents,” Jastrzemski said. “My hope is that clearing up the CDL backlog will free up additional appointments for residents during regular DMV hours.”

Jastrzemski said he was notified by New York that a number of CDL holders received a renewal invitation with an incorrect expiration date, further creating confusion. He stressed that, per the governor’s executive order, any CDL that expired after March 1, 2020, remains valid, although drivers are being encouraged to renew.