The route was originally designated as NY 312 during the 1930s and later became part of NY 216. NY 164 was established on January 1, 1970, following the truncation of NY 216 to its current eastern terminus.
The route's initial designation was NY 312 during the 1930s, later becoming part of NY 216. In 1970, NY 164 was created by truncating NY 216 to its current eastern endpoint.