Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories

Niagara County clerk offers updates on several DMV issues

Submitted

Mon, May 3rd 2021 04:55 pm

Niagara County Clerk Joseph Jastrzemski on Monday provided an update on a couple of Department of Motor Vehicle issues, as the state and federal governments continue to reevaluate COVID-19 pandemic guidelines.

Jastrzemski said the federal Department of Homeland Security has delayed implementation of the REAL ID requirements for domestic flights until May 2, 2023. The mandate was supposed to take effect on Oct. 1.

“This 19-month delay in REAL ID makes sense as obviously residents are focused on other issues and DMVs across the state are still working through their backlogs,” Jastrzemski said. “I do recommend that people review the options available to them as they can choose between a REAL ID, an enhanced driver’s license or a traditional passport to meet the federal mandate.”

Jastrzemski also said Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s executive order that kept driver’s licenses and permits that expired after March 1, 2020, in good standing was extended at least through May 27.

“As I always do, I caution people not to delay too long is renewing their documents, as we do not know how long the governor will continue these extensions,” he said.

Jastrzemski said appointments and walk-ins at the county’s three DMV offices have now been running smoothly after the offices were initially overwhelmed when walk-in traffic was allowed one day at each location.

“I still think it’s best for people to make appointments, and our appointments are booking just a couple of weeks out,” he said. “I would ask that, if you book an appointment and then choose the walk-in service, that you please remember to cancel your appointment. Be courteous and make that time you no longer need available for your neighbor.”

Hometown News

View All News