NYS DMV Vision Registry Program Delivers Fast, Reliable Results for New Yorkers
Albany, NY - February 8, 2017 - The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) today encouraged New Yorkers looking to renew their driver licenses to take advantage of its online Vision Registry program, which assists motorists in speeding up the renewal of their driver license in lieu of visiting a DMV office. Launched in 2013, the Vision Registry assists New Yorkers in finding a location near them to take their vision test and have the results electronically transmitted to DMV. After the provider enters an individual’s vision test results into the registry, usually within 24 hours of the test, New Yorkers can renew their driver license online, saving them time and effort.
License renewal volumes vary from year to year and DMV anticipates an increase in driver license renewals in 2017 compared to last year, potentially increasing congestion in DMV offices. Participation in the Vision Registry program has the potential to save thousands of New Yorkers a trip to the office. Nearly 3,500 providers are participating in the Vision Registry program. Since April 2013, more than 414,000 driver license renewals have been completed by New Yorkers using the Vision Registry.
“The Vision Registry connects New Yorkers to a convenient service to renew their license quickly and efficiently,” said DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan. “At DMV, our business is superior customer service, and we’ve made a number of innovative enhancements under Governor Cuomo’s leadership to improve the experience of our customers. The Vision Registry is one such enhancement that has changed for the better the way we do business.”
New York State requires driver license holders to pass a vision test to obtain their New York State license and to have their vision retested when they renew their license. To pass the vision test, individuals must have 20/40 vision in at least one eye with or without corrective lenses. The Vision Registry has streamlined online license renewals, eliminating the need for those customers to enter their vision test result information online, visit an office for renewal, or submit a form by mail when renewing.
Many pharmacists and other vision care providers are enrolled in the registry and have authorization to submit an individual’s vision test results into the DMV database. Some providers charge a nominal fee to administer the vision test. For more information, see our YouTube video, or visit the DMV's Online Vision Registry page.
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