Roughly 48,000 drivers in New York state could have their license suspended if they do not submit an updated eye exam by Friday, Dec. 1.

Those who renewed licenses online that expired between March 2020 and August 2021 are required to submit the updated test.

“During the pandemic, we knew it would be, if not impossible, very difficult for many people to go have their vision tests done, which is a requirement of having a driver's license in New York state and many other states,” said Lisa Koumjain, DMV deputy commissioner for customer service. That was when the DMV allowed people to self-certify they met the requirements and agree to taking an eye exam within one year. If they are not received by Dec. 1, an automatic suspension on the license goes into effect.

“There’s been a lot of time to get this done and we know that some people are scrambling at the last minute,” said Koumjain. “We understand that and we’re working on our end to process those vision test results as soon as we get them.” 

Those who still need to get the exam are in the minority as the DMV said about 90% of people who needed to do it have already done so.

Eye exams can be done at the DMV, pharmacies and eye care providers.