Kearns Reminds Snowmobilers to Renew their Sled Registration in Erie County

Riders Save Money and Help County Retain Much Needed Revenue

Erie County, NY - Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns is reminding snowmobilers to renew their snowmobile registrations locallythrough the Erie County Auto Bureau. Registering within the county ensures that vital revenues stay right here in Erie County to support local services and infrastructure. With the snowfall mounting locally and across New York State, more and more snowmobilers are finding their way back to the trails this season.

Snowmobilers can renew by mail or in person at any Auto Bureau location. Due to higher-than-normal seasonal volume, reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made online at erie.gov/clerk/autobureau or by calling the Clerk's Outreach Hotline at 716-858-8864.

How to Renew by Mail

To renew by mail, riders must submit:

• Their renewal notice
• A photocopy of the current snowmobile registration
• A photocopy of the registrant's New York State driver license
• Proof of NYSSA snowmobile club membership (if applicable)
• A check payable to "Erie County Clerk"

Mail all documents to:
Erie County Clerk's Office
92 Franklin Street - Suite 1
Buffalo, NY 14202

Registrations will be processed and returned by mail within 10 business days.

How to Renew In Person

To renew at an Auto Bureau office, bring all required documents to receive your new registration during your visit. We encourage everyone to schedule an appointment and take advantage of our DMV Express Lane for faster service. Same-day and next-day appointments are currently available at all branch offices.

An in-person visit to your local Auto Bureau branch ensures your snowmobile registration is processed immediately, allowing you to leave the Auto Bureau fully registered and ready to ride without delay.

Registration Fees & Club Discounts

Members of the New York State Snowmobile Association (NYSSA) or any NYSSA-affiliated club receive a discount on their registration.

• NYSSA Member Registration: $65
• Non-Member Registration: $135

Snowmobilers seeking to join a local club or obtain a club voucher can visit can do so online at membership.nysnowmobiler.com. Importantly, all but $10 of every registration fee goes directly to the statewide Snowmobile Trail Development and Maintenance Fund, supporting over 10,500 miles of public trails maintained by more than 230 volunteer clubs.

Snowmobilers must carry the following at all times:
• Your snowmobile registration
• Proof of insurance
• A snowmobile safety certificate (if required)

You are legally obligated to produce these documents upon request by law enforcement, a magistrate, or any individual who is injured or whose property is damaged in a snowmobile-related incident.

Erie County Clerk Kearns asks all riders to adhere to all safety guidelines and reminders to ensure a safe and responsible season:

• Stay on marked trail- and pack out all your trash
  Snowmobile trails exist through the generosity of private landowners. Respecting their property is essential to keeping trails open.
• Leave loud exhausts at home
  Aftermarket or altered exhaust systems are illegal in New York State and create noise issues that threaten continued landowner participation.
• Register your snowmobile- it's the law
  Your registration directly funds trail maintenance. There is no DMV grace period for snowmobile renewals.
• Never ride under the influence
  SWI (Snowmobiling While Intoxicated) carries penalties similar to DWI. Alcohol and snowmobiles are a dangerous-and unlawful-combination.
• Helmets are required for all riders on the state trail system
• Respect the volunteers

New York's snowmobile trails are built and maintained entirely by volunteers. If you ride, join a club and consider giving back.

Trail Opening Date & Conditions

The Erie County Federation of Snowmobile Clubs established January 2, 2024 as the official opening date for trails in the Southern Hunting Zone and in Erie County parks with designated snowmobile routes. Trail openings remain contingent on adequate snow cover and safe conditions. Riders should always confirm trail status with their local clubs and seek updated information on snowmobile safety courses.

The NYSSA Snowmobile Webmap offers snowmobilers general information about riding in New York State and is designed to display trail status as OPEN or CLOSED. Visit: nyssa.evtrails.com.

More Information

For snowmobile registration questions, call the Clerk's Outreach Hotline at 716-858-8864 or submit an inquiry at https://clerkhelp.erie.gov. Forms and additional information can be found under the Auto Bureau tab at erie.gov/clerk.