Niagara County Clerk Jastrzemski offers updates on DMV

Niagara County Clerk Joseph A. Jastrzemski on Friday said that, in compliance with Gov. Andrew Cuomo's executive order 202.29, the Department of Motor Vehicles offices in Niagara County, like those across the state, will remain closed for face-to-face transactions through June 6.

“Our office has received calls asking if the DMVs would be opening on May 15 given that the governor has been talking about metrics for reopening when his most recent executive order expires,” said Jastrzemski. “But DMVs are still prohibited from face-to-face transactions at least until the first week of June.”

Jastrzemski said all testing, which must be done face-to-face, is still on hold. Registration, license renewals and vehicle inspection dates have been extended until further notice.

Jastrzemski reminded the public the DMV does have processes in place to conduct certain business:

√ New and renewal vehicle registrations can be processed, and provide plates for same, via mail. In addition, boat, jet ski and trailer registrations are now being accepted via mail, as well. Customers should follow this informational link: https://www.niagaracounty.com/Portals/0/20200417130250546.pdf.

√ Plates can be surrendered at the Niagara Falls DMV, 1001 11th St., and the Lockport DMV, 111 Main St., by following the instruction at this link: https://www.niagaracounty.com/Departments/Motor-Vehicles-Department.

If Niagara County residents have specific questions regarding insurance lapses, revocations, suspensions, drinking driver program or conditional licenses, they should call 716-278-1970.

“We are optimistic we are getting closer to be able to return to some measure of regular operations,” Jastrzemski said. “We are already working on logistics of how we can reopen and still maintain proper social distance to protect the public and our staff.”