(A service window inside the Chautauqua County DMV office in Jamestown, where residents are assisted with driver licensing, vehicle registrations, and other motor vehicle services.)
MAYVILLE, NY — The Chautauqua County Clerk’s Office is advising residents that local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices in Jamestown, Dunkirk, and Mayville will be temporarily closed as New York State implements a new, modernized DMV software system known as DRIVES.
To support this statewide technology upgrade, all Chautauqua County DMV offices will be closed to the public beginning Friday, February 13, 2026. Following the system upgrade, staff training, system testing, and the President’s Day holiday, the DMV offices in Jamestown, Dunkirk, and Mayville will reopen to the public on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“This temporary closure is an important step toward improving the overall DMV experience for our residents,” said Chautauqua County Clerk Greg Carlson. “By preparing in advance and allowing time for a smooth transition, we can help ensure our customers receive more efficient and reliable service when our offices reopen.”
The DRIVES system replaces decades-old technology used by the New York State DMV and is designed to improve customer service by streamlining transactions, enhancing security, and allowing DMV staff to process services more efficiently within a single, modern platform.
“Our staff has been training extensively for this upgrade, and we appreciate the public’s patience during this brief disruption,” said Kerri Smith, Chautauqua County DMV Administrator. “The new system will allow us to better serve customers, reduce processing time, and support a more modern and secure DMV operation.” Once fully implemented, the new system is expected to support additional online services and faster in-person transactions.
Residents who need to renew a driver license or non-driver ID, register a vehicle, or complete another DMV transaction are strongly encouraged to plan ahead. Where possible, customers should take advantage of the many online services available through the New York State DMV website prior to February 13.
The Chautauqua County Clerk’s Office appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation during this transition and looks forward to offering improved DMV services as a result of this important technology investment.
For additional information, including DMV locations and hours of operation, residents are encouraged to visit the Chautauqua County Clerk’s Office website or contact their local DMV office in Jamestown, Dunkirk, or Mayville. More information is available at: chautauquacountyny.gov/county-clerk/Department-of-Motor-Vehicles.
