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: Good evening. I had a lapse of insurance coverage during my time as a soldier. Can you tell me what consequences this has, please?

assistant: Of course. You are required to maintain continuous coverage or surrender your plates before deployed.

assistant: Have you been unable to do so?

user: No, I haven't.

user: What if I have more questions about all this?

assistant: In that case, please contact the DMV Call Center.

user: Alright. By the way, during my service I had a valid NY license, can it be renewed?

assistant: Yes, your license can be renewed.

user: That's great to hear. And what happens if my driver license expires while still being a soldier on duty?

assistant: 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.

user: Ah, I see. And what if my registration expires during that time?

assistant: 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.