Department of Motor Vehicles

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, August 24, 2015

Contacts:

Joe Morrissey    [email protected] 
Casey McNulty [email protected] 

DMV ANNOUNCES MORE THAN 80,000 NEW YORKERS HAVE NOW USED VISION REGISTRY PROGRAM TO SPEED UP LICENSE RENEWAL PROCESS
Program launched in April 2013 allows for electronic transfer of vision test results to DMV

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) today announced that more than 80,000 New Yorkers have saved time renewing their driver licenses using the Vision Registry.  Motorists can now use the DMV website to find locations of registered vision care providers where they can have their vision tested and have the results electronically transmitted to DMV.  Motorists can then renew their license by mail or online on the DMV website, avoiding a trip to a DMV office. The Vision Registry program is a part of DMV’s Customer Service Initiative, launched in 2012 by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to increase efficiency, streamline services, and improve customer service.

DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan said, “The numbers speak for themselves: more and more New Yorkers are taking advantage of the Vision Registry, which makes fulfilling a DMV requirement quicker and easier. Designed with the customer in mind, it’s just one more way DMV is making its services more efficient. We are so pleased with the feedback we are getting from both motorists and providers, and are excited to keep growing the registry as we continue our customer service initiative.”

New York State requires driver license holders to pass a vision test when they receive 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, which opened in April 2013, authorizes additional professionals to conduct the vision exam outside of DMV offices and electronically transmit the results to DMV. About 2,600 providers from more than 1,400 businesses, including doctors, nurses, vision care professionals, and authorized pharmacists and organizations, are currently participating in the program.

After a provider enters an individual’s vision test results into the registry, which they are required to do within 24 hours, New Yorkers can renew their driver license online, saving them time and effort. Alternatively, people can bring a vision test form to their provider for completion and renew their license by mail or online.

Staff at enrolled AAA branches say that vision test results are easy to send to DMV and transactions take less than five minutes, saving members time. John A. Corlett, AAA New York State’s Legislative Committee Chairman, said, “Vision testing services has been a hit with AAA members. This collaborative and innovative DMV program is a great example of a private/public partnership and is a ‘win/win’ for everyone.”      

Information about businesses or providers enrolled in the registry can be found here. Some providers may charge a fee, which is not determined by DMV, to conduct vision tests for license renewals, and some providers may require New Yorkers to be patients of their practice in order to conduct the test.

About DMV

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is a national leader in providing efficient, innovative, and responsive government services. The agency issues secure identity documents, delivers essential motor vehicle and driver related services, and administers motor vehicle laws enacted to promote safety and protect consumers. For more information, visit dmv.ny.gov, “like” DMV on Facebook, or follow @nysdmv on Twitter.

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