Motor Vehicle Bureau

Frequently Requested Info

Currently, clients can take Class D and Class M permit tests online through the NYS DMV website. Follow guidelines for ID requirements on the DMV website before visiting the office.

Please complete ALL documents and have ALL required information and documentation prior to coming into the office.

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Insurance cards can be accepted printed out, electronically or faxed to (585) 396-4981.

The fee to surrender plates is $1.00 and payment must be in the form of cash or check only

All DMV documents can be found in the office or printed online. Should you have any questions we can answer them at the time of your visit.

NOTICE:  Recent legislation rescinded the DMV’s vessel surcharge portion of the registration fee for boats. 

NYS is automatically issuing refund checks to those who had already paid the surcharge with their boat registration fee, however, some of those checks have been issued in incorrect amounts. If you paid for your boat registration renewal and received a refund check in excess of $12.50. DO NOT CASH THE CHECK! Instead, please call the DMV Refund Department at 518-474-0904 for further instructions.

*** Keep Your Tax Dollars Local! ***

Ontario County keeps 12.7% of your registration and license renewal fees paid when processed locally.


Get your registration back faster and keep your tax dollars local. Ontario County keeps 12.7% of your registration and license renewal fees paid when processed locally, but gets nothing if you mail it back to the State or renew online.

Residents are encouraged to renew vehicle registrations and drivers' licenses locally.  This can be done either in person, by local mail or by using the convenient drop-box located just outside the DMV Office at the main entrance.

Registrations mailed directly to Utica or Albany using the bar-coded envelopes included with the registration/license renewal notice, do not reimburse Ontario County for any portion of the fee paid.

Keep your dollars working for Ontario County!

Real ID and Enhanced Drivers Licenses

Beginning May 7, 2025, the federal government will require your driver license, permit or ID card to be REAL ID compliant if you wish to use it as identification to board a domestic flight (within the U.S.), or enter military bases and certain federal facilities. You may also use an Enhanced driver license, permit, or non-driver ID or valid U.S. Passport or other identification acceptable to the federal government. 

Please click REAL ID for more information.

DMV Documents Provided

The Canandaigua Motor Vehicle Office provides all type of DMV documents:
  • Driver Licenses
  • Duplicate Titles
  • Enhanced Driver Licenses
  • Enhanced Non-Driver Identification Cards
  • In-Transit Permits
  • Learner's Permits
  • Non-Driver Identification Cards
  • Vehicle Registrations, including trailers, boats and snowmobiles

Transactions Processed Here

We also process all types of transactions:
  • Driver Licenses: Originals, Renewals, Amendments and Duplicates
  • Reciprocity from Out-of-State
  • Administers Eye Tests
  • Learner Permits, Motorcycle, Vehicle and CDL Tests
  • Schedules Road Tests
  • Issues Original, Transfers and Duplicate Registrations
  • Collects Sales Tax on Private Vehicle Sales

All road tests are now scheduled by calling 800-368-1186. Road tests will be conducted on, line up with the railroad tracks and wait for the road test examiner, checking in at the office is not required.

Enforcement transactions, including conditional and restricted licenses, also are processed and applicants may sign up for the Drinker Driver Program through the Canandaigua Office. Payments for Driver's Responsibility Assessment and Civil fees are also accepted.

We accept cash, checks made payable to "Ontario County Clerk" and the following major credit cards:

  • American Express
  • Discover
  • MasterCard
  • Visa

Applicants may also register to vote at the DMV when processing a transaction, as well as signing up to become an organ donor.  

Register as an organ, eye and tissue donor.

If you have any questions, you may also connect to the New York State DMV website for information and to download forms.