All DMVs to close across the state for system upgrades

HVNY News + Notes

Feb 9

Written By HVNY

Local officials ask for patience as there may be ‘bumps along the way’

That dreaded trip to the DMV may have to wait another week as every Department of Motor Vehicles in New York State will be closed beginning Friday, February 13, 2026 at 2pm, until at least Wednesday, February 18, 2026, for a large-scale system upgrade to replace and consolidate a significant portion of the DMV’s legacy technology, some of which are over 50 years old.

No DMV transaction of any kind will be able to be completed during this period, including in-person transactions, online services through the state DMV website, or by phone; The state DMV phone system will be unavailable during the shutdown.

“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.

As part of a contract with the software company FAST Enterprises LLC, the first segment of upgrades to the DMV’s system is geared to offer streamlined services for both customers and staffers with a one single, more secure, stable and efficient platform. These upgrades will help process transactions quicker, and allow for the implementation of additional online transaction options to expand and expedite service.

During this period, the state DMV will migrate approximately 30 million records to the new system, and test the new system before opening up back up to consumers.

A second major upgrade is planned to take place in 2028.

“This system upgrade is essential to modernizing motor vehicle services,” said Ulster County Clerk Taylor Bruck. “I ask the residents of Ulster County to be patient through this transition. Even when we reopen, our DMV staff will be navigating an entirely new internal system, and I am sure there will be bumps along the way. We’re working diligently to get everyone up to speed, but once the system is live there will inevitably be growing pains. Our staff will do their very best to learn and implement new workflows, and I’m hopeful that going forward this new system will make transactions faster and smoother.”

Putnam County Clerk Michael Bartolotti added: “It is our hope that this new technology upgrade will improve the DMV experience for our customers and staff alike. While we realize that these closures may result in temporary inconvenience for our customers, we hope that we can count on your patience, and we believe that it will be worth it!”