Erie and Niagara County Clerks Announce Details on Upcoming DMV Closures and Technology Upgrade

Statewide NYS DMV Offices to Temporarily Close for System Improvements in February

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

To complete this major upgrade, the County-run DMV offices serving Erie and Niagara Counties will temporarily suspend operations beginning Friday, February 13 at 12:00 p.m. In addition, all NYS DMV offices will close statewide, with online and phone services unavailable beginning at 2:00 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 Counties, will reopen for customer transactions on Wednesday, February 18. 

To ensure a smooth transition, appointments will be required for all in-person visits from February 18 through February 20 at all Erie County Auto Bureau branch offices and all Niagara County DMV offices. Mobile DMV services in Grand Island and 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 state-wide upgrade will streamline our work and further improve the customer experience,” stated Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns. “We thank the public for their flexibility and patience during the initial roll-out period as everyone adjusts to the new DRIVES system.” 

Erie and Niagara County residents who need to renew a driver license or non-driver ID, or complete another DMV transaction before February 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 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm and on Thursdays until 7pm) 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.” said Niagara County Clerk Joseph A. Jastrzemski. “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.