ALBANY — New Yorkers must register to vote by Oct. 14 in order to cast ballots in the upcoming presidential election on Nov. 8, state officials said.

New Yorkers looking to register to vote or to change their enrollment information can do so by using the state’s online voter registration service on the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles’ website.



“New York’s online voter portal has helped break down barriers to democracy, making it easier than ever to register and ensure you can exercise your right to vote on Election Day,” said Gov. Andrew Cuomo. “I encourage eligible voters who need to register, or update their information to visit this new, improved and even more convenient Web site and make sure your voice is heard.”



Previously, New Yorkers needed to sign up for a MyDMV account to register to vote online. Thanks to a new feature on the website, applicants can simply visit the voter registration page on the DMV website. The application takes only a few minutes to complete and no longer requires that a MyDMV account be created to participate. Customers must enter information from their New York State driver license, permit, or non-driver ID, their date of birth, current zip code, last four digits of their Social Security Number and their email address. The information provided is validated to ensure accuracy and security.



Since the MyDMV automated online system was launched in 2012, the DMV has processed more than 467,000 online voter registration applications, including more than 182,500 from first-time voters.



“It is quicker and easier than ever to register to vote online through DMV’s website now that DMV has eliminated the need for applicants to sign up for a MyDMV account,” DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan said. It is as easy as logging on to our website from a computer, tablet, or even a smartphone by the Oct. 14 deadline in order to exercise your right to vote in this November’s presidential election.”



DMV does not approve or deny voter registration applications. Upon completion, DMV sends the voter registration applications to the County Board of Elections for review and action. Once processed, the county will notify the applicants either that they are registered to vote or that additional information is needed to complete the application. Additionally, New Yorkers can use the New York State Board of Elections’ website at elections.ny.gov to check their voter registration status.



To register to vote, a New Yorker must be a United States citizen; be 18 years old by Dec. 31 of the year in which he or she submits the form (note: you must be 18 years old by the date of the general, primary or other election in which you want to vote); live at his or her present address at least 30 days before an election; not be in prison or on parole for a felony conviction; not be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court; and not claim the right to vote elsewhere.



A list of frequently asked questions about registering to vote through DMV can be found on dmv.ny.gov.