The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is pushing back expiration dates for licenses and registrations for motorists in four Western New York counties hit by the October 12-13 snowstorm, DMV Commissioner Nancy A. Naples announced today.

On October 13, Governor George E. Pataki declared a State Disaster Emergency for Erie, Genesee, Niagara and Orleans Counties as the early storm hammered the Western Region with up to two feet of snow, closing State and local roads, and cutting electric power to over 300,000 homes and businesses. The Governor, who immediately called on State agencies to provide all possible assistance to the beleaguered areas, has directed DMV Commissioner Nancy A. Naples to extend license and registration deadlines by up to 20 days.

"Throughout his 12 years in office, it has been the Governor's philosophy that State government should do whatever it can, as quickly as it can, to help victims of disasters, either natural or manmade," Commissioner Naples said. "Hard working Western New York motorists should not be penalized because a freak storm prevented them from getting to a DMV office to renew their licenses or registrations."

Motorists in the affected counties whose driver licenses, learner permits, non-driver identifications or vehicle registrations were scheduled to expire on or after October 13 will get an extension until November 2. Vehicle inspections, which expire on the last day of the month, are not subject to an extension.

"As a Western New York resident, I know first hand the distress and suffering this storm caused," Commissioner Naples said. "This extension is consistent with the Governor’s commitment to making DMV more responsive to the needs of the motoring public it serves."

State Police and local law enforcement are being notified of the extensions. While the extensions are good for the full 20 days, Commissioner Naples urged motorists to get their renewals as soon as possible.

She also reminded motorists that driver licenses and vehicle registrations can be renewed online at www.nysdmv.com.