Snowmobile Registration
All snowmobiles operated in New York State must be registered with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
, even if it is registered in another state or province, except under certain exemptions. Registration is done at the time of sale by the dealer. A snowmobile obtained in a private sale or from an out-of-state source may be registered by the new owner at any Motor Vehicle office or by a dealer participating in the state's prepaid registration program.
Registration Fee, Trail Development and Maintenance
A dedicated trail maintenance fund supports snowmobile trail maintenance, law enforcement, and education programs in New York. It's primarily funded through a surcharge on snowmobile registrations, and the money is returned to local communities as grants-in-aid to support trail grooming, insurance, training, signage, special event permits, and operator safety regulations.
As of May 3, 2024, the cost to register a snowmobile in New York State has been updated as follows:
- $135 - For original and renewal registrations regardless of whether the snowmobile is registered by a resident or a non-resident of the state.
- $65 - For registrants who can provide proof of membership with a snowmobile club or Trail Maintenance Entity (TME) that is a member organization of the New York State Snowmobile Association (NYSSA). This also applies to original and renewal registrations, regardless of whether the individual is a resident or non-resident of New York State.
Pursuant to updates within Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 2222, as well as Section 21.07 of the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law, $130.00 of the $135.00 registration cost, or $60.00 of the $65.00 registration cost for a member of a NYSSA-affiliated snowmobile club or TME, shall be a fee that is collected and deposited within the NYS Snowmobile Trail Development and Maintenance fund. The remaining $5 is deposited into the New York State General Fund.
Exemptions from Registration Requirements
- Snowmobiles operated exclusively on the owner's property;
- Snowmobiles operated in approved and permitted competitive events;
- Snowmobiles owned and operated by the United States government;
- Snowmobiles covered by a valid registration of a neighboring state or province and operated on a border trail that occasionally and sporadically crosses into New York State, and is specifically designated as a cross-border trail by the Commissioner of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation.
Registration Display
Registration numbers are permanently assigned to a snowmobile when it is registered for the first time. These numbers stay with the machine from owner to owner until it is destroyed or permanently removed from the state.
DMV-provided registration number decals must be displayed on both sides of the cowling of the snowmobile at all times. The cowling is defined as the forward portion of the snowmobile surrounding the engine and clutch assembly. Any display position behind the snowmobile cowling (tunnel or seat area) or on the windshield is illegal and could result in an expensive citation for violation of the registration law.
Yearly registration validation stickers must be displayed in the upper left-hand corner of the DMV-provided registration number decals or to the left of the owner-provided registration numbers.
First Registration
Snowmobiles first registered prior to August 1995 must display owner-provided registration numbers on both sides of the cowling. They must be of block type, at least three inches tall, and in a contrasting and reflective color. A hyphen or a space must appear between the last number and the letters. Snowmobiles registered for the first time after 1995 do not need to show the full display of registration numbers. These sleds only need to show the proper registration decal.
Out-of-State Registration and Validation Display
Snowmobiles legally registered in another state or province are still required to register their snowmobiles with the NYS DMV. These sleds are NOT required to display the New York State registration number decals, only the yearly validation stickers. The stickers must be displayed next to the home state or province registration sticker or number.
Insurance and Required Documents
New York State Parks law requires snowmobilers to carry liability coverage in the minimum amount of $10,000 for an accident involving one person, $20,000 for an accident involving two or more persons, and $5,000 for property damage from one accident.
Snowmobilers must carry registration and proof of insurance documents on their person at all times while snowmobiling. These documents must be produced at the request of any law enforcement officer or magistrate or anyone who has suffered personal injury or property damage as a result of the snowmobiler's actions.
Holders of snowmobile safety certificates must carry the certificate when they are snowmobiling. All documents should be carried on your person and never left in the snowmobile.
Trailers and Trailer Registration
Trailers manufactured specifically for snowmobiles are usually the best choices. The tow vehicle should be big enough and have enough power to handle the trailer easily.
All trailers operated on New York State's public highways must be registered, inspected, and display a license plate with an annual validation tag. The vehicle used to tow the trailer must be insured. The Department of Motor Vehicles must be provided with all required items to receive a valid registration and license plate for the trailer.
Custom-built trailers must meet all equipment requirements of section 375 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law, and must be assigned a vehicle identification number by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Contact the county's weights and measures office for local weighing stations.
Register a Trailer