If you’ve been putting off a trip to the DMV, now’s the time to move it up your to-do list.
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is temporarily shutting down all offices, phone lines, and online services across the state for a major technology overhaul — a move officials say will eventually make transactions faster and more reliable.
Starting Friday, Feb. 13 at 2 p.m., every DMV office will close. Services will remain offline through Tuesday, Feb. 17, with offices and online systems expected to reopen Wednesday, Feb. 18.
During the shutdown, no in-person visits, online renewals, or phone assistance will be available.
Speaking with Radio Catskill, Russell Reeves, the Sullivan County clerk who oversees the local DMV, said the change is long overdue.
“This system has been outdated for years,” Reeves said. “There have been a lot of add-ons and patches. This upgrade is meant to replace all of that and fix many of the problems we’ve been having.”
Why the shutdown?
Reeves said frequent technical issues — including system crashes and equipment failures — can quickly create long lines and delays.
“When the computers go down for even 10 minutes and you’ve got a room full of people, it backs everything up,” he said. “We’re hoping this new system will streamline the process and shorten wait times.”
The state has been training local staff for months in preparation for the transition.
Expect a busy reopening
Even with the improvements, Reeves cautions there could be a rush once offices reopen.
“DMV is such an integral part of people’s lives,” he said. “Whenever we close, even for a day, we feel it. I expect it to be busy right after we reopen.”
His advice: don’t wait if your paperwork is urgent.
“If you need something done right away — a renewal, registration, anything to get on the road — come in the week before,” Reeves said. “Take care of it now so you don’t get caught in delays.”
What to know
Here’s the quick breakdown:
All DMV offices close: Friday, Feb. 13 at 2 p.m.
No online or phone services during shutdown
Services resume: Wednesday, Feb. 18
Expect heavier traffic when offices reopen
There may still be some early hiccups as staff and customers adjust to the new system, Reeves added, but the long-term goal is smoother service and shorter lines.