Niagara County DMV doubles number of available appointments

Previously expired documents must be renewed by Nov. 3

Niagara County Clerk Joseph A. Jastrzemski said New York state is requiring all previously expired documents that were still considered valid during the pandemic be renewed by Nov. 3: This includes driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations and non-driver identification cards.

“This was a little bit unexpected, as all indications had pointed to expired documents being good into December – and the state could still extend it again,” Jastrzemski said. “However, we want to take steps now to meet the public demand and so we are doubling the number of appointments available at our DMV offices.”

He explained DMVs had planned for 20-30 minutes between appointments, but that will now be reduced to 10-15 minutes. Jastrzemski said that, while this will undoubtedly create a little bit of backup at times, his offices have the protocols in place to maintain appropriate social distancing.

“The more complicated transactions that take longer, like dealer work, putting cars, trailers and motorcycles back on the road, purchase of cars out of state and so on tend to decline after summer,” he said. “The standard stuff, like license and registration renewals, can be done pretty quickly, especially if people have their paperwork in order before arriving. So, I think any backup at our office should be minimal and manageable.”

Jastrzemski said this change should create an additional 4,000 appointments each month. In addition, he reminded people that transactions like registration renewals and turning in plates can be done using the drop boxes located at each DMV location. Jastrzemski asked those who have already booked an appointment but decide to schedule for something sooner, to please be courteous and cancel their original appointment so another resident can utilize that time.

For more information, visit www.niagaracounty.com/Departments/Motor-Vehicles-Department.