The Division of Field Investigation (DFI) is the criminal investigations arm of the DMV. Its investigators/law enforcement officers combat auto theft, identity theft, and fraudulent document related crimes in New York. These investigators are armed New York State peace officers with state wide authority to enforce laws and handle investigations. Motor Vehicle Investigators also perform fraud detection, investigate auto theft rings. Motor Vehicle Investigator's perform a variety of criminal investigations, field inspections, inventories of seized properties, odometer fraud, identity verification, fraudulent document detection, vehicle theft examinations.
Registration
The New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law gives DMV the authority to suspend registrations for habitual and persistent violations of the law.[3] In 2015-2016, the DMV enacted regulations allowing the suspensions of registration for people who fail to pay 5 road chargefines (toll violations) within 18 months.[3][4]
Real ID Act
In order to travel on U.S. domestic flights or enter federal buildings, by May 3, 2023, state residents must possess a Real ID Act compliant identification card. The New York DMV is encouraging residents to arrange to upgrade their ID ahead of the deadline at the cost of a replacement ID.[5][6][7][8] Currently, the fee to apply for or renew a REAL ID is the same as the fee for a standard New York State DMV license. State residents who are United States citizens can also apply for an Enhanced ID, which allows them to cross the border from Canada or Mexico, as well as some Caribbean countries, for an additional $30 fee. Under the Real ID Act, people applying for a Real ID compliant license must provide additional proof of their identity and residence. New Yorkers must apply for a REAL ID or Enhanced license by going into a DMV office and presenting the necessary documentation, even if they currently have a non-upgraded license. They may not apply online or by mail. The DMV has created a "Document Guide", a tool on its website that will tell people what documents they need to apply for a Real ID or Enhanced ID.[9]
^Vehicle and Traffic Law § 200. "1. There shall be in the state government a department of motor vehicles. The head of the department shall be the commissioner of motor vehicles [...]"
^"Traffic Violations Bureau". New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. August 12, 2014. Retrieved August 3, 2015.