For those needing the assistance of the Department of Motor Vehicles in the coming days, this is an important reminder: the office will be closed Friday until Feb. 18. It is not just in Chautauqua County, it is statewide as a new, modernized DMV software system known as DRIVES is implemented.

“This temporary closure is an important step toward improving the overall DMV experience for our residents,” said Chautauqua County Clerk Greg Carlson. “By preparing in advance and allowing time for a smooth transition, we can help ensure our customers receive more efficient and reliable service when our offices reopen.”

The DRIVES system replaces decades-old technology used by the state DMV and is designed to improve customer service by streamlining transactions, enhancing security, and allowing DMV staff to process services more efficiently within a single, modern platform.

Due to the Presidents’ Day holiday on Monday, the inconvenience of the office closing will take place over just two business days.

Once fully implemented, the system is expected to support additional online services and faster in-person transactions. That will benefit many here — and throughout the state.