The state Department of Motor Vehicles is reminding riders to register their snowmobiles ahead of the upcoming winter as snowmobile registrations must be renewed annually.

The DMV allows snowmobilers to renew registrations online on the DMV website, by mail or in person at a DMV office.

All snowmobiles operated in New York state must be registered and marked with a valid sticker. Riders who complete a registration online can print a temporary certificate, which is valid for 15 days. The DMV generates a permanent registration card and mails it to the recipient along with their sticker. There is no added charge for the temporary certificate.

Find information about registering a snowmobile in New York state on the DMV’s website at dmv.ny.gov/registration/register-snowmobile.

Members of the New York State Snowmobile Association or a local NYSSA-affiliated snowmobile club receive a $55 discount on snowmobile registrations. More information can be found at nysnowmobiler.com/membership/.

Revenue from snowmobile registrations helps to develop and maintain the state’s vast trail network, with grants administered through 52 municipal sponsors. The network is made up of lands under the jurisdiction of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the state Department of Environmental Conservation, state Canal Corporation, national forest land, local governments, and private landowners who have increasingly opened their property to snowmobiling with insurance coverage provided by the state snowmobile program.

In addition to trail maintenance, registration fees support the state’s safety education programs for young riders and promote the sport to bolster snowmobile tourism and local economies.

Snowmobilers from outside the state who wish to ride in New York State can register a snowmobile if it is already registered in their home state. They can use the  NYS Registration for Out-of-State Snowmobile service to get the 15-day registration and operate their snowmobile here immediately. DMV will send a permanent registration in the mail.

Snowmobilers must always carry registration and proof of insurance documents while snowmobiling. Riders must produce the documents at the request of any law enforcement officer or magistrate. Riders also must produce insurance documentation at the request of anyone who is injured or suffers property damage as a result of operating a snowmobile. Holders of snowmobile safety certificates must carry the certificate when they are snowmobiling.

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

Contact a local club or tourism department for trail status and trail conditions. For more information on the New York Snowmobile Trail System and tips for operation, visit www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7718.html and https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/snowmobiles/.