ALBANY, NY (January 22 2026) — New York State DMV to Shut Down Offices and Online Services for Major Tech Upgrade Over Presidents Day Weekend
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles today announced that it will be rolling out the first segment of its new, modernized technology system to give customers better and more streamlined service, and to help DMV staff serve New Yorkers more efficiently.
The rollout of the new technology is set to take place over the long Presidents Day weekend. Beginning on Friday, February 13 at 2:00 p.m., all DMV offices will close for business, and DMV online transactions and phone services will be unavailable. DMV operations, including full service in-person, online and over the phone services are expected to resume at the start of business on Wednesday, February 18.
This brief interruption will allow for the new system to be implemented and tested to ensure the successful resumption of services.
“With one consolidated, state-of-the-art system, we will be replacing hundreds of software applications, some of which date back to the days of Nelson Rockefeller,” said DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder.
“I truly believe it will give our staff the ability to serve New Yorkers better, faster, and more comprehensively than ever before. I and everyone at DMV are so proud of the hard work and effort that has gone into developing this new platform over the last two years. Our staff has worked tirelessly to train and prepare for this change; however, we ask for patience as we adjust to the new system in the days immediately after it launches.”
The new modernized system will enable employees to process transactions effectively and efficiently in one secure platform rather than moving between outdated systems. It supports the agency’s goal of one trip to an office and done, brings additional online transactions, and helps the agency implement future technology enhancements faster and more seamlessly.
Customers are encouraged to complete transactions before February 13 via more than 70 online transaction opportunities. They should monitor DMV’s social media channels (X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) for updates.
A second major upgrade is planned to follow in 2028.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.