Department of Motor Vehicles

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, November 21, 2017

DMV, DEC and NYS PARKS REMIND RIDERS TO REGISTER FOR SNOWMOBILE SEASON

As the weather becomes colder, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation are reminding New Yorkers to register their snowmobiles.

Snowmobile registrations must be renewed annually. You can do so online on the DMV website, by mail or in person at a DMV office. Last year, 106,867 snowmobiles were registered in New York.

 “Snowmobiling is one of the many ways residents and visitors can enjoy winter in New York,” said Terri Egan, DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner. “Before the snow starts to fall, make sure your snowmobile is registered so you’re good to go as soon as the weather allows. You and your passengers should also wear a helmet so you can ride safely.”

Members of a New York State Snowmobile Association (NYSSA) Snowmobile Club can receive a voucher that includes an ID number which can be used to reduce your registration fee.

If you are registering your snowmobile for the first time, here is what you need to bring to a DMV office:

• a completed Snowmobile Registration Application (MV-82SN)
• proof of identity and age. See DMV form ID-82 Proofs of Identification. You must be at least 16 years old to register a snowmobile in New York.
• proof of ownership and bill of sale:  non-residents can use photocopies of proof of ownership and aren’t required to pay the NYS sales tax if the snowmobile is registered in another state
• proof of identity and age
• cash, check or credit card for the $100 registration fee and sales tax, or proof of sales tax payment or exemption. If you have a current, valid NYSSA voucher, and bring the voucher to the office, the fee for your registration is $45.00.

Apart from the first $5 collected, the registration fees are used to support snowmobiling in New York State. There are more than 10,400 miles in the Statewide Snowmobile Trail System traversing 45 counties, maintained by over 200 clubs, and funded through 51 municipal sponsors.

“New York State is an exceptional destination for snowmobiling, and the best way to enjoy this winter activity is to ride safely,” said State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey. “As snowmobilers get prepared for the upcoming season, we remind them to exercise caution and follow safe riding practices when the time comes to head out on the trails.”

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “Snowmobiling is an exciting way for adventurers of all abilities to enjoy the great outdoors and have some winter fun. I also want to remind New Yorkers to register their snowmobiles, which supports new trail construction and our ongoing maintenance of more than 1,800 miles of snowmobile trails on state land, and be sure to follow appropriate safety precautions while enjoying the great outdoors this winter.”

For non-New Yorkers looking to use their snowmobiles in New York State, you can register if your snowmobile is already registered in your home state. Use the NYS Registration for Out-of-State Snowmobile service to get a temporary (15 day) NYS registration and operate your snowmobile here immediately. We will send you your permanent registration in the mail.

Snowmobilers must carry registration and proof of insurance documents on their person at all times while snowmobiling. Riders must produce the documents at the request of any law enforcement officer or magistrate. Additionally, riders must produce insurance documentation at the request of anyone who is injured or suffers property damage as a result of operation of a snowmobile. Holders of snowmobile safety certificates must carry the certificate when they are snowmobiling.

DMV also reminds snowmobilers that it is illegal to operate one while impaired by drugs or alcohol, and drivers and passengers must wear helmets on the state snowmobile trail system.

New York State is a leader in snowmobile education and offers operator training courses for snowmobilers of all ages beginning at age 10. For more information, visit https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/snowmobiles/education.aspx.

You can learn more about registering a snowmobile in New York State on the DMV’s website.

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