Pursuant to Executive Order No. 2 by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo , all licenses and registrations for New York State military personnel returning from active military duty relating to the war on terrorism and military action in Iraq will automatically be extended. The following information will help minimize any potential inconvenience upon their return. 

What happens if my NY State driver license expires while I am on active duty? 
NY State law automatically extends license privileges throughout active military service for up to 6 months after discharge or separation. Discharged or separated military personnel may renew an expired NY State license up to two years after the extended expiration. No more than 30 months may have passed since discharge 6-month extension plus 24 -month grace period. Active military personnel must show proof of date of entry into military service. If the NY State license was valid at any time during your military service , your license can be renewed. A discharged serviceman must show a Certificate of Discharge, DD-214. You must have been discharged within the past 30 months. If the NY State license was valid at any time during your military service , your license can be renewed. 

Am I required to notify DMV of my entry into the military? 
While not required , it is suggested that military personnel file a Notification of Military Service pdf [1] MV -75 to ensure that the license record is not purged once the expiration date has passed. 

What happens if my NY State registration expires while I am on active duty? 
Registrations are extended for up to 60 days from return to New York State. This extension applies only to vehicles registered to military personnel. You must show proof of military service or separation. Liability insurance coverage must be maintained at all times, including the period of extension. 

What happens if I had a lapse of insurance coverage during active duty? 
You are required to maintain continuous coverage or surr

user: I need to know whether or not I need to notify DMV of my military status.

assistant: Are you asking whether or not it is a requirement?

user: No. I was just wondering if it was something I should do.

user: What will happen if my NY registration expires while I'm on Active Duty?

assistant: Your registration will be extended for up to 60 days once you return to NY. The extension only applies to vehicles registered to military personnel, so you will need to show proof of military service or separation.

user: How can I get more information about being on Active Duty and having a lapse of insurance coverage?

assistant: Contact the DMV Call Center. They will be able to assist you with any questions that you have about that topic.

user: What if I'm not able to surrender my plates after letting my insurance lapse?

assistant: DMV has a procedure in place to exempt you from administrative actions once you return. You will need to provide a notarized statement that your vehicle was not used during the time in question, a copy of your military ID, and signed and dated copies of deployment and return papers. You will also need to provide proof of current insurance. If you cannot, you will need to surrender your plates.