Erie & Niagara county clerks announce details on upcoming DMV closures, technology upgrade

Statewide DMV offices to temporarily close for system improvements in February

Submitted by the Office of Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns

On Monday, Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns and Niagara County Clerk Joseph A. Jastrzemski announced the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is preparing over the long Presidents Day weekend to launch the first phase of a new, modernized technology system designed to improve customer service and streamline operations for both residents and staff.

To complete this major upgrade, the county-run DMV offices serving Erie and Niagara will temporarily suspend operations beginning at noon Friday, Feb. 13. In addition, all DMV offices will close statewide, with online and phone services unavailable beginning at 2 p.m. This brief shutdown is necessary to safely install and test the new software system before it goes live.

According to the state DMV’s rollout schedule, offices across New York, including in Erie and Niagara, will reopen for customer transactions Wednesday, Feb. 18.

To ensure a smooth transition, appointments will be required for all in-person visits from Feb. 18-20 at all Erie County Auto Bureau branch offices and all Niagara County DMV offices. Mobile DMV services on Grand Island and in Concord will be suspended during this period and are expected to resume the following week.

The upgraded system replaces decades-old technology with a single, secure platform that allows DMV employees to process transactions more efficiently, reducing delays and helping customers complete most transactions in one visit. The new platform will also expand online services, allowing residents to complete more DMV transactions from home, on their own schedule.

In addition, during this time, the state DMV will migrate about 30 million records to the new system and complete the transition to bring the first phase of the upgrade online.

“After months of extensive training, our staff is ready to roll. We are optimistic this statewide upgrade will streamline our work and further improve the customer experience,” Kearns said. “We thank the public for their flexibility and patience during the initial rollout period as everyone adjusts to the new DRIVES system.”

Erie and Niagara residents who need to renew a driver license or non-driver ID, or complete another DMV transaction before Feb. 13, are strongly encouraged to do so ahead of time. As always, appointments are encouraged, as customers with reservations take precedence.

In Erie County, appointments can be made 24/7 online at erie.gov/clerk or by calling the clerk’s outreach center (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays – Thursdays until 7 p.m.) at 716-858-8864.

“This long-planned state upgrade will significantly improve how we serve our residents. We encourage customers to plan ahead and schedule appointments in advance,” Jastrzemski said. “We greatly appreciate the community’s cooperation as this transition moves forward.”

Appointments in Niagara County can be made 24/7 online at dmvappointment.as.me or by visiting the Niagara County clerk's website at niagaracounty.gov.

For real-time updates before and after services resume, residents can visit erie.gov/clerk or niagaracounty.gov, or follow the clerk’s offices on X, Facebook and Instagram.

This February upgrade builds on recent improvements such as expanded online services, appointment-based office visits, and reduced wait times. A second major system upgrade is planned for 2028 as part of the DMV’s long-term effort to modernize operations and improve customer experience.

NYS DMV has contracted with software company FAST Enterprises LLC, which has implemented similar systems in more than 20 other states, to help it modernize technology platforms and service delivery in two major stages over the next two years.