If you are looking for the “Buffalo DMV,” you are actually looking for the Erie County Auto Bureau. Unlike many state-run offices, Erie County runs its own independent system with its own rules.
Knowing how to navigate this local system is the difference between a quick 15-minute trip and a wasted afternoon.
Whether you are heading to the main Rath Building downtown or one of the suburban branches, this guide will show you exactly how to book the right appointment, which forms to bring, and the “Renew Local” secret that keeps your tax dollars in Buffalo.
The Erie County “Auto Bureau” System
Before you book, you need to know where you are going. Erie County has several main branches.
- Buffalo (Downtown): Located in the Rath Building (170 Pearl St). This is the main hub.
- Cheektowaga: A popular suburban branch (check status as it sometimes undergoes renovations).
- Northtowns (Tonawanda): Located at Sheridan Plaza (2309 Eggert Rd).
- Southtowns (West Seneca): Located at Southgate Plaza (1088 Union Rd).
- Eastern Hills Mall (Williamsville): Located at 4545 Transit Rd.
Important: All these offices use the same Erie County appointment scheduler.
How to Book Your Appointment Directly (Skip the State Site)
Skip the confusing New York State website. Go directly to the source.
- Visit the Official Scheduler: Go to erie.gov/clerk/autobureau.
- Select “Make/Edit Appointment”: This will open the county’s booking tool.
- Choose Your Location: Select “Buffalo – Rath Building” for downtown, or choose the suburban branch closest to you.
- Select Your Service: Be specific.
- “Driver License / Permit / ID” for license services.
- “Registration / Plates / Title” for vehicle services.
- Pick a Date and Time: Select an available slot.
- Pro-Tip: If you don’t see a slot, check back at 8:00 AM or 12:00 PM. New slots from cancellations are often released at these times.
- Confirm: Enter your email and phone number. Screenshot your confirmation. You will need to show this at the door to access the “Express Lane.”
Walk-Ins vs. Appointments
- Appointments: Highly recommended. Appointment holders get priority access to the “Express Lane,” meaning you skip the general line.
- Walk-Ins: Accepted at most branches, but you must wait in the general queue. On busy days (Mondays, Fridays, and month-ends), walk-ins may be cut off early if the line is too long.
Arrival Rule: Do not arrive more than 15 minutes early. The offices are small, and arriving too early causes overcrowding. If you are too early, you may be asked to wait outside.
Required Documents Checklist (Forms MV-44 & MV-82)
Bringing the wrong form is the #1 reason people are rejected. Use the correct list below.
For Driver’s Licenses (Permit, Renewal, REAL ID)
- Form MV-44: This is the “Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card.” (Do not use an MV-82).
- Proof of Identity: Current License (even if expired less than 2 years), Passport, or Birth Certificate.
- Social Security Card: You must bring the original card (no copies).
- Proof of Residency (for REAL ID): Two printed documents (utility bill, bank statement) with your Erie County address.
For Vehicle Registration & Plates
- Form MV-82: This is the “Vehicle Registration/Title Application.”
- Proof of Ownership: The original Title (signed over to you) or a Transferable Registration.
- Proof of Insurance: A valid NYS Insurance Card (must be effective in the system).
- Bill of Sale: Required if you just bought the vehicle (Form MV-912).
- Sales Tax Form: Form DTF-802 (Statement of Transaction).
The “Renew Local” Secret: Keep Your Fees in Erie County
This is a specific tip for Erie County residents.
If you renew your license or registration online through the main NYS website, 100% of the fee goes to Albany.
However, if you “Renew Local” (by mailing your renewal to the Erie County Clerk or visiting an Auto Bureau in person), the county keeps 12.7% of the fee. This money stays in the community to fund local roads and services. It costs you nothing extra, but it helps Buffalo.
Frequently Asked Questions: Parking, Plate Surrender & Rescheduling
Yes. You can book an appointment for “Plate Surrender” or use the designated drop box if available. If you use the drop box, make sure to include $1.00 for the processing fee if required, or they will mail you a bill.
Go back to the Erie County Scheduler and click “Make/Edit Appointment.” You will need your confirmation number to change your time. Please cancel if you can’t make it so another resident can take the slot.
No. The Rath Building is in the heart of downtown Buffalo. You will need to pay for street parking (using the Buffalo Roam app) or park in a nearby garage. The suburban branches (Cheektowaga, West Seneca, etc.) have free parking lots.
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