Motor Vehicles

State laws vary when it comes to motor vehicle insurance requirements, licensing and registration. The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Service members and their families will want to understand their state’s laws on registration and licensing before moving to a new state. Visit the USA.gov Motor Vehicle Services page for links to state-specific websites.

New York State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver's license in order to operate a vehicle. The term "vehicle" generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Further, your vehicle must be properly registered. Even though you are in the Military, you may be required to register your vehicle in-state and obtain an in-state license within a few months of moving. Access complete information on insurance, driver's licensing, and where and how to register your vehicle by visiting the State Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Base registration/decals are not required or issued on this installation.  However, proof of proper insurance, registration, and inspection are required for base access.  Vehicles entering NSA Saratoga Springs are subject to search.

If you become a resident of NYS, you must get a NYS driver license within 30 days and surrender your out-of-state driver license. Contact the local DMV office in Ballston Spa at 518-885-2227, Wilton at 518-584-7403. or Clifton Park at 518-383-2480.

Military Personnel Automatic Military Extension

A valid NYS driver license is automatically extended when you are on active military duty. Your driver license does not expire and is extended during your active service. Your driver license is also extended for a maximum of six months after your discharge from military service. Complete form MV-75 (Military Service Notification) to inform the DMV to update your driver record. The DMV will keep your driver record after the expiration date of your driver license.Form MV-75 (Military Service Notification): This form is normally filed when you enter military service. You can file form MV-75 after you enter military service, but you must file the form before your NYS driver license expires.

If your driver license expires before you file form MV-75, you must send the form and a letter from your commanding officer. The letter must certify the date that you entered military service and that you are on active duty. The date that you entered military service must be earlier than the expiration date of your NYS driver license. How to Renew Your Driver License: You can renew your driver license when there is an automatic military extension after you have filed form MV-75. 

If you did not file form MV-75, complete form MV-75 and send it with your renewal application.

State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location. Many states regulate the following:

• Seatbelt use
• Child safety seats
• Motorcycle operation
• The use of cellphones and other digital devices while driving

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.

No person in New York State shall operate a motor vehicle upon a public highway while using a mobile telephone to engage in a call while such vehicle is in motion. An operator of a motor vehicle who holds a mobile telephone to, or in the immediate proximity of his or her ear while such vehicle is in motion is presumed to be engaging in a call within the meaning of this section. A violation of this section shall be a traffic infraction and shall be punishable by a fine of up to one hundred dollars. 

You and your passengers must always wear seatbelts while driving, you will be ticketed and issued heavy fines if seatbelts are not secured. State law requires that all children under 6 years of age be properly restrained in child seats. Some states also require younger, smaller children to sit in the back seat.

Motorcycles and their operators are subject to special laws. If you own and operate a motorcycle, you must comply with those laws. Visit the State Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information.

Many States and local jurisdictions have strict laws about the use of cell phones and other digital devices while driving. Research these laws on the State Department of Motor Vehicles website. Tickets will be issued and fines assessed for violating these laws. Play it safe and always use a “hands free” device if you must use a cell phone or other PDA while driving. Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.