How to Get a DMV Appointment in Niagara Falls, NY

Booking a “DMV” appointment in Niagara Falls, New York, is one of the most confusing processes in the state. The most important “secret” you must know is that there are two different “DMV” offices in the city, and they are run by two different agencies for two different purposes.

1. The County Clerk’s Office (111 W. 2nd St.): This is for your CAR. Go here for Vehicle Registration, Titles, and License Plates.
2. The State DMV Office (1001 11th St.): This is for your LICENSE. Go here for your Learner’s Permit, Written Test, and REAL ID.

This guide will show you how to book the right appointment at the right office so you don’t make a wasted trip.

How to Book a Vehicle Appointment (Registration, Plates, Title)

Use this process if you need to register a car, transfer a title, or get new plates. This is handled by the Niagara County Clerk’s Office (111 W. 2nd St.).

1. Start at the State Website: Go to the official NYS DMV offices page: https://dmv.ny.gov/offices/county-offices
2. Find Niagara County: In the dropdown menu, select “Niagara” and click “Show offices.”
3. Go to the County Site: You will see the Niagara Falls office listed. Click the link for the “Niagara County DMV”(this will take you to the official niagaracounty.com website).
4. Click “Schedule An Appointment”: On the county’s website, click the main appointment button.
5. Select Your Service: This is the most important step. Choose the vehicle service you need:
   • “New Registration”
   • “Registration Renewal”
   • “Plate Surrender” (to return your license plates)
6. Pick a Date and Time: A calendar will show you all available slots.
7. Enter Your Details: Fill in your name, email, and phone number.
8. Confirm & Save: You will receive a confirmation email. You must bring this to your appointment at the 111 W. 2nd St. location.

How to Book a Learner’s Permit or REAL ID Appointment

You CANNOT book an appointment for a new permit or written test at the County Clerk’s office. You must go to the State-run DMV Office (1001 11th St.).

1. Go to the NYS DMV Website: Navigate to the official state portal: https://dmv.ny.gov/offices/
2. Find the State Office: Select “Niagara County.” This time, you must find the office listed as “Niagara Falls – NYS DMV” (the one on 11th St.).
3. Book Your Appointment: On that office’s page, click the link to “Schedule an in-office visit.”
4. Select Your Service: Choose “Driver’s License or Non-Driver ID” and then “Permit Test” or “Get my first license/permit/ID.”
5. Follow the Steps: The state portal will guide you through picking a date, time, and confirming your details for the 1001 11th St. location.

How to Book a Road Test Appointment

The road test has its own separate booking system. You must have a valid NYS learner’s permit to use it.

1. Go to the NYS Road Test Portal: Navigate to the official scheduler: https://dmv.ny.gov/road-test-scheduler
2. Log In: Enter your 9-digit NYS Permit Number (Client ID) and your date of birth.
3. Select a Location: The system will show you the “Niagara Falls” road test site.
4. Choose a Time: Select an available date and time. Road test slots fill up very fast, so you may need to check back often.

Required Documents for Your License/Permit Appointment

When you go to your in-person appointment at the State DMV Office (11th St.), you must bring the official REAL ID or Enhanced ID documents.

• Proof of Identity: (e.g., U.S. Passport or Birth Certificate)
• Proof of Social Security: (e.g., Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 with your full SSN)
• Proofs of NYS Residency (TWO required):
  • You must bring TWO recent (within 90 days) documents from different sources with your name and NYS address.
  • Examples: Utility bill, bank statement, paystub, lease agreement.
• Proof of Name Change (if applicable):
  • Certified Marriage Certificate or court order.

FAQs