Booking a DMV appointment in Yonkers, New York, can be one of the most confusing processes in the state. The most important “secret” you must know is that “DMV” services are split between two different types of offices.
Where you go depends entirely on what you need to do:
- For your CAR (Vehicle Registration, Titles, Plates): You must go to the Westchester County Clerk’s Office(located in Yonkers).
- For your first LICENSE or PERMIT (Written Test): You must go to a State-run NYS DMV Office (like the one in White Plains or Manhattan).
This guide will show you how to book the right appointment at the right office, with the right documents, so you don’t make a wasted trip.
What You CAN and CANNOT Do at the Yonkers DMV
The Yonkers DMV office is a County Clerk’s office. It is NOT a State-run DMV. This means its services are limited.
Services Offered at the Yonkers Office (Appointments Required):
- Vehicle Registrations (new, renewals, transfers)
- Vehicle Titles (new, duplicates)
- License Plate Surrender (returning your plates)
- Driver’s License Renewals (if you already have one)
- Driver’s License Address Change
Services NOT Offered at the Yonkers Office:
- Learner’s Permit or Written (Knowledge) Tests
- Road (Driving) Tests
- First-Time Driver’s License applications
- Out-of-State License Transfers (you must go to a State office)
How to Book an Appointment at the Yonkers Office (For Vehicle Services)
Use this process if you need to register a car, transfer a title, or renew your license.
- Start at the NYS DMV Website: Go to the official state site:
dmv.ny.gov/offices/ - Select Westchester County: From the list, choose “Westchester County.”
- Find the Yonkers Link: On the county page, find the “Yonkers” office.
- Click the Correct Link: Do NOT click the “AAA” link. You must click the official county clerk link, which will direct you to the Westchester County Clerk’s website.
- Go to the County Scheduler: Once on the
westchesterclerk.comwebsite, find their “DMV” or “Branch Offices”section and click their “Schedule an Appointment” link. - Select Location & Service: Choose “Yonkers” as your location, and then select the vehicle or renewal service you need (e.g., “New Registration”).
- Pick a Date and Time: A calendar will show you all available slots.
- Enter Your Details: Fill in your name, email, and phone number.
- Confirm & Save: You will receive a confirmation email. You must bring this to your appointment.
How to Book a Permit Test or Road Test (The Other Offices)
You CANNOT do this in Yonkers. You must use the official NYS DMV systems.
For a Learner’s Permit (Written Test):
You must book this at a State-run DMV Office. The closest major offices are in White Plains or Manhattan (NYC).
- Go to the NYS DMV website:
dmv.ny.gov/offices/ - Find a State-run office (e.g., “White Plains”) and click “Schedule an in-office visit.”
- Select the service “Permit Test” or “Get my first license.”
For a Road Test (Driving Test):
This uses its own separate booking system.
- Go to the NYS Road Test Portal: https://dmv.ny.gov/road-test-scheduler
- Log in with your 9-digit NYS Permit Number (Client ID).
- The system will show you all available test sites in the area (e.g., “Yonkers – Herriot Place”).
FAQs from Yonkers/Westchester Residents
No. The Westchester County DMV offices (including Yonkers) are by appointment only for all services. You will be turned away without a reservation.
This is the most common frustration. Appointments are in extremely high demand and are often booked 2-4 weeks in advance. The county releases new appointment slots at the beginning of each business day (around 9:00 AM) for a date two weeks in the future. You must be online at that exact time to get a slot.
The NYS DMV Office in White Plains is the closest state-run office that handles new permits and written tests. You must book this on the state (dmv.ny.gov) website, not the county website.
> By Mail: This is the easiest way. Mail them to the NYS DMV in Albany.
> In Person: You must book an appointment at the Yonkers County Office. Select the service “Plate Surrender” on the westchesterclerk.com scheduler.
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