Commissioner Nancy A. Naples of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) today announced the extension of the expiration date for licenses and registrations for the victims of the storms that devastated the people of New York. All residents of the 13 counties under a state of emergency declared by Governor George Pataki in response to last week's heavy storms and subsequent severe flooding will have more days added to the expiration of their license and registration to help people as they recover.

"The DMV joins Governor Pataki in his unwavering commitment to continue to do whatever is necessary to help the people in the devastated areas restore their lives," Commissioner Naples said. "By assisting in the disaster centers and extending the expiration of licenses and registrations as well as actively working to fully restore services of all our offices, we are doing our part to further ensure the people of New York can recover as quickly as possible."

All licenses and registrations that expired on or after June 28, 2006 for residents in the 13 counties under the state of emergency declared by the Governor will now be valid through July 18, 2006.  June 28th was the official date the Governor first began declaring a state of emergency in the counties of Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Orange, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, Tioga and Ulster. The DMV cautions, however, that although licenses and registrations have been extended, motorists are still required to maintain proper insurance coverage as well as a valid vehicle inspection.

After last week's storms, the DMV's partners in the affected areas have been able to continue service in the majority of the storm-ravaged areas. However, the County Clerk-run DMV offices in Owego (Tioga County) and Deposit (Delaware) are still not operational and the DMV is working diligently with the County Clerks in these counties to restore these vital services as soon as possible. In the meantime, residents can still utilize existing offices in the surrounding areas to process all transactions. The Commissioner has also informed all law enforcement agencies across the State of the extension.

"The DMV has the authority to extend the period of validity of certain documents under extenuating circumstances, allowing for contingency planning for situations as the one facing many New Yorkers today," Commissioner Naples said. "As we go forward, the DMV will be assessing the situation faced by the Department and the public to determine if future actions are required to fulfill our mission to provide the best possible service to the motoring public."

For more information on office closings, office locations and times of service, please visit the DMV internet office at: www.nysdmv.com.