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 locally through 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 great stretch of 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.
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.
To renew in-person 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. - There is a 55-mph speed limit on New York’s trails unless otherwise posted lower.
Riders are urged to travel at “reasonable and prudent speed for the existing conditions”. - 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.
New York State does not designate a state-wide date for opening trails. Rather, clubs designate trail openings each season based on weather and maintenance status. 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.
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.
