CHENANGO COUNTY – The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles closed offices statewide after Governor Andrew Cuomo announced an executive order to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

This order, which was announced on March 21, came just four days after Cuomo announced that most offices would be making the switch to appointment only, which was announced on March 17.

According to an announcement from the Department of Motor Vehicles, DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said “These are extraordinary times and at the direction of Governor Cuomo we are taking broad action to protect the health and safety of the public and our workers. We will continue to offer a wide selection of online transactions during this shutdown so New Yorkers can continue to do business with the DMV.”

More than 60 services can still be access by visiting the DMV's website, dmv.ny.gov. Transactions such as renewing a vehicle registration, paying tickets, and replacing a drivers’ license are all apart of the numerous online services still available.

Customers can also return their license plates and complete many other transactions by mail.

Some services such as filing a new vehicle registration, scheduling driving tests, and applications for a REAL ID will be put on hold until offices open back up. At this time the date for offices to reopen is unknown.

Anyone who had a road test or scheduled appointment prior to the closing of the DMV offices will receive priority to schedule first when offices do re-open.

Traffic Courts have also been closed until further notice. Those who are scheduled to appear during this time will receive an adjournment notice from the DMV. However, the DMV website allows people to pay fines, check points on a license, and reinstate suspended drivers licenses.

Licenses and registrations that expire on or after May 1 have been extended until further notice. Inspections that expired on March 31 or after have also been extended until further notice.

The current 45-day temporary vehicle registration issued by auto dealers will also be extended. This extension does not apply to insurance coverage requirements. Motor Vehicle Liability insurance coverage must continue to be maintained.