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 history is described as it transitioned from NY 312 in the 1930s to becoming part of NY 216 and then being truncated to create NY 164 in 1970.