SYRACUSE -- County Clerks in Central and Northern New York are reminding drivers that they don't need to replace their license plates with the new "Empire Gold" plates.
Oswego County Clerk George Williams says when he took a look at his son's vehicle registration renewal form, he was immediately concerned.
"When I saw it and really looked at it, I thought it's pretty confusing," says Williams.
That's why he and other county clerks are trying to clarify what drivers need to do.
The state had originally proposed a plan to force people to pay for the new gold and blue license plates. Then, county clerks statewide joined together to fight that plan, and the state backed off.
Now, when drivers renew their registration, they'll be given a form with three options.
They can renew and keep the old style of plate, renew and get a new gold plate with a new number, or renew and get a new gold plate with their old number. The most expensive option is the new plate with the old number.
All the confusion is frustrating to some drivers.
"They should say, cut and dry, whether you need them or you don't," says driver Don Sherwood. "Can you retain your old plates or do you have to have the new plates?"
Williams says people can opt to get a new plate. He just wants to make sure that's up to the driver.
"I think that's our message. Now, you have to read it," says Williams. "If you want to keep your old plate, you can keep your old plate, but you have to make sure you check the right box."
County clerks are offering another piece of advice. If you have any questions, contact the county offices, before you renew your registration. They say if you call the state registration line, it'll cost you $5.
