Erie County leaders remind motorists to renew locally

ERIE COUNTY — The following guest column was submitted by Erie County Clerk Chris Jacobs and Erie County Legislator Kevin Hardwick.

Erie County Clerk Chris Jacobs and Legislator Kevin Hardwick are reminding motorists to renew their vehicle registration locally to keep revenue in Erie County. By renewing directly through the county clerk’s office, taxpayers retain more than $1.5 million in Erie County that otherwise would go to New York state, every year.

“The power of one individual, multiplied by the actions of thousands, can make a difference,” Jacobs said. “By joining in the ‘renew locally’ initiative, residents can be proud to know they are contributing directly to keeping taxes down, for themselves and their fellow residents.”

“This is one area where people can help keep the cost of county government down. I call it the citizen’s tax cut,” Hardwick said, after renewing his registration on Oct. 16 at the Erie County Auto Bureau’s downtown Buffalo location.

Erie County receives 12.7 percent of each transaction processed by the Erie County Auto Bureau.

The county clerk’s office offers several options to renew locally. Any of the auto bureau offices and satellite locations can renew registrations, on the spot. The clerk’s office provides green, pre-addressed postage-paid envelopes available, by calling 858-8866 or emailing eriecountyclerkoffice@erie.gov.

When residents receive the renewal form in the mail they are directed to sign the certification on the back of the renewal application; fill in the inspection number on the back of the renewal form and enclose a check or money order payable to the Erie County Clerk and mail the postage-paid envelope to the Erie County Auto Bureau

The county clerk’s office will mail new registrations and stickers to motorists.

For a complete list of DMV locations or to request a green envelope, visit www.erie.gov/clerk. Renew locally envelopes are also available through Hardwick’s office. For more information, call 858-8672 or email kevin.hardwick@erie.gov.