Kearns reminds snowmobilers to register their sleds locally

Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns advises snowmobilers to register their sleds locally through the Erie County Auto Bureau, rather than conducting their renewal online with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.

“This is an effort to keep as much as $1.5 million in vital revenues right here in Erie County,” Kearns said. “Riders can renew by mail or in-person at any Erie County Auto Bureau.”

Appointments can be made easily at erie.gov/clerk/autobureau or by calling the clerk’s outreach hotline at 716-858-8864. Same day or next day appointments are currently available at all branches.

To renew a snowmobile registration, riders need to complete and mail in their renewal notice, a photocopy of existing snowmobile registration and a copy of the registrant’s New York state driver license. In addition, snowmobile club members need to include proof of membership in a New York State Snowmobile Association (NYSSA) snowmobile club. Mail all documents to: Erie County Clerk’s Office, 92 Franklin St., Suite 1, Buffalo, NY 14202. Include a check payable to the “Erie County Clerk.”

Snowmobile registrations will be mailed back within 10 business days upon receipt of the renewal request. To renew in person, schedule an appointment and bring in all required documents to the Auto Bureau in order to receive a sled registration.

Kearns said members of a snowmobile club are entitled to a discounted snowmobile registration for $45, while nonmembers would pay the full registration cost of $100. Snowmobilers are encouraged to contact the NYSSA at nysnowmobiler.com for information on joining local clubs and to obtain their registration voucher. All but $10 of each registration fee goes to the Snowmobile Trail Development and Maintenance Fund, which supports the maintenance of 10,500 miles of public snowmobile trails across New York state.

Kearns said, due to the DEC holiday hunt season, the Erie County Federation of Snowmobile Clubs have set Jan. 2, 2022, as the official opening date for all trails in Erie County, pending sufficient snow cover and conditions. Riders are encouraged to check with their local clubs to ensure trails have been opened and to obtain the latest information on snowmobiling safety courses. Kearns’ team said, “For the wellbeing of riders and others, remember to stay on designated or signed trails only.”

Any riders who require a registration renewal form or a “Renew Local” envelope can request
one via email to [email protected] or by calling the clerk’s outreach hotline at 716-858-8864. Additional snowmobile and trailer registration information and forms can also be obtained online at erie.gov/clerk/autobureau.