Motor Vehicles, Department of

Agency Web Site: https://dmv.ny.gov/

Mission

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) delivers essential motor vehicle and driver related services, issues secure identity documents, and administers motor vehicle laws enacted to promote safety and protect customers.

Organization and Staffing

The Department is headed by a Commissioner that is appointed by the Governor. The Department’s main office is in Albany, with 28 State-run DMV offices, primarily located in the New York City Metropolitan District and Long Island areas, and 100 County run offices. The Department issues licenses, non-driver identification cards and vehicle registrations, conducts road tests, monitors driver training, and performs enforcement activities.

The DMV is primarily a customer service agency whose employees perform functions such as issuing title certificates, identification documents, license plates, and vehicle registrations. Additionally, staff regulate automobile dealers and repair shops, oversee vehicle safety and emissions standards, and conduct investigations into motor vehicle fraud.

Budget Highlights

The FY 2025 Executive Budget proposes $665 million of appropriations. This is a net increase of $184 million from the prior year, mostly to support investments in technology and process improvements to enhance the DMV's services.

The Executive Budget recommends a workforce of 3,228 FTES for the Department.

Major budget actions includes legislation that:

• Allows New York City to lower its city-wide speed limit (Sammy's Law).
• Institutes an update to the driver insurance verification system.
• Extends the authority of the DMV to test and report on autonomous vehicle technology.
• Extends the DMV’s Internet Point Insurance Reduction Program (IPIRP).
• Extends the expiration dates of certain DMV fees related to motor vehicle transactions.

For more information on this agency's budget recommendations located in the Executive Budget Briefing Book, click on the following link:

Briefing Book – Transportation (PDF)

Program Highlights

Accident Prevention or Insurance Reduction Program (IPIRP)

IPIRP allows drivers to reduce points on their license through successful completion of an Internet Driver Safety Course. DMV uses alternative delivery methods to the traditional classroom-based Point and Insurance Reduction Program through the application of the internet and other technologies. The program is funded by the General Fund which receives program revenues including course provider and student fees.

Administrative Adjudication

DMV adjudicates traffic offenses in major metropolitan areas and provides motorists with a system specifically designed for traffic violation cases, relieving local courts of handling most non-criminal traffic tickets. Fines collected from traffic violators are used to cover State operating expenses. The remaining funds are returned to the jurisdictions where violations occurred.

Clean Air

The Clean Air program develops, operates, evaluates, and maintains the system for conducting emissions inspections in the State of New York. Revenues consist of sales of emission inspection stickers and a surcharge on heavy weight vehicles.

Compulsory Insurance

Compulsory Insurance ensures that motorists maintain insurance coverage on their registered vehicles and supports the DMV's crash records staff. The program is funded by the General Fund, which receives fines charged to DMV customers because of a lapse in auto insurance coverage, in addition to fees obtained from assessments on insurance companies based on the number of premiums written.

Motorcycle Safety

Motorcycle Safety develops and implements education and awareness courses throughout the State. DMV engages an independent training coordination organization to manage the program. The program is funded by the General Fund which receives deposits by DMV from motorcycle registration fees and motorcycle licenses.

Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC)

GTSC serves as the State's liaison with Federal Government agencies on highway safety programs and policies. Through GTSC, DMV receives Federal funding for traffic safety programs. GTSC maintains employees in DMV responsible for the programmatic functions of highway safety, planning the grant program, and safety program activities.

Note: Most recent estimates as of 01/16/2024