County Clerk launches “Ready, Reserve, Renew” initiative to help improve efficiencies in Auto Bureau

Buffalo, N.Y.: Erie County Clerk Mickey Kearns announced the opening of Ready Centers for residents who want either a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or non-driver identification card. Erie County Auto Bureau staff will be on hand to assist residents prepare for their Auto Bureau visit by providing them accurate information on exactly what license or non-driver ID is right for them and to ensure customers have the proper documents needed for their visit. The goal of the Clerk’s initiative is to educate and effectively prepare Auto Bureau patrons in the hopes to make processing both Enhanced and Real IDs more efficient in order to help to reduce wait times and longer than anticipated lines in the Auto Bureau. Staff will also help customers with scheduling an on-line reservation at a date and time most convenient for them.

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses, permits and ID cards. Beginning on October 1, 2020, the federal government will require your driver license, permit or ID card to be REAL ID compliant if you wish to use it as identification to board a domestic flight (within the U.S.), or enter military bases and certain federal facilities.

County Clerk Kearns stated, “In order to better serve Erie County residents, I am implementing our ‘Ready, Reserve, Renew’ campaign. This new approach to business at the auto bureau is designed to better prepare our customers prior to them arriving at the Auto Bureau which will help to increase efficiency and decrease wait times.”

Four community outreaches are scheduled for the second week of October 2018:

Kearns is also encouraging Auto Bureau customers to make an on-line reservation prior to visiting the auto bureau. “By utilizing our on-line reservation system, customers are guaranteed service at an office conveniently located to them, at their scheduled time and the do not have to wait in line,” added Kearns.  “I encourage everyone to take advantage of our Ready Centers and skip the line at the auto bureau. When individuals utilize this service, transaction time is much quicker when they are ‘ready’ with the proper forms and documents.”

When residents take time to “Renew Local” it helps keep up to $1.5 million here in Erie County, not Albany. To Renew Local, visit any of our six auto bureau locations or mail your forms in a the green Renew Local  postage paid envelope found at public buildings and libraries throughout Erie County or by contacting my office.

To make a reservation online at a time that is convenient for you visit www.erie.gov/clerk/reservations. If you have additional questions, you can always visit us online at www.erie.gov/clerk or email us at ErieCountyClerkOffice@erie.gov.