A registration lets a vehicle be driven on public roads; a title certificate proves who owns it. Whether you own the vehicle or just drive someone else's, it's your responsibility to make sure it is registered, insured and inspected before it goes on a public road.
Minimum age to register a vehicle (you can title a vehicle at any age)
Handbook p. 24 ↗For a new resident to get a New York registration after establishing residence
Handbook p. 24 ↗To register a vehicle you must prove:
- You own the vehicle, or the owner authorizes you to register it
- The vehicle is insured
- State and county sales taxes have been paid
- Any required odometer reading and/or damage disclosure statement
Know the rule
Complete a Vehicle Registration/Title Application (MV-82) and show proof of name (6 points) and date of birth. You receive plates, a registration document and a registration sticker; the title is mailed several weeks later.
Handbook p. 24 ↗Know the rule
Bought from someone other than a NYS registered dealer? You can get a 10-day inspection extension sticker when you register, and must have the vehicle inspected within 10 days. A NYS dealer must inspect the vehicle within 30 days before selling it to you.
Handbook p. 24 ↗Proof of ownership
| Bought from | Proof you need |
|---|---|
| NYS registered dealer (new) | Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin + MV-50 |
| NYS registered dealer (used) | Prior title (MV-999), odometer/salvage statement, MV-50 |
| Dealer outside NYS (used) | Title or registration signed to dealer + bill of sale |
| Private seller | Title (MV-999) signed over to you |
Know the rule
For 1972 or older models bought privately, a transferable registration signed over to you can serve instead of a title. The seller completes, and you sign, the odometer and damage disclosure statements.
Handbook p. 24 ↗Lien
A note on the title that the owner still owes money on a vehicle loan. Get proof it's paid (usually a lien release from the lender), or the lien holder could repossess the vehicle.
Handbook p. 24 ↗Know the rule
A motor vehicle office will not accept a title if the odometer or damage disclosure statement isn't completed, or if any information, including a name or signature, has been adjusted, erased or canceled.
Handbook p. 25 ↗Disclosure statements:
- 8 model years old or newer: seller completes, you sign, both odometer and damage disclosure statements
- 10 model years old or newer: private seller completes the odometer statement on the title's back
- You initial next to the odometer box and compare it with the vehicle's odometer
- Damage disclosure isn't required for vehicles nine model years old or older
- DMV must examine any "Rebuilt Salvage" vehicle for stolen parts before registering or titling it
Know the rule
A NYS registered dealer collects the sales tax. Otherwise, fill out Form DTF-802: the buyer completes and signs one side; the seller signs if the price is below fair market value or it's a gift from a non-family member. If the seller doesn't, you're taxed on fair market value.
Handbook p. 25 ↗Know the rule
Your insurance agent gives you two insurance ID cards. Names and VIN must exactly match the registration application; present one card to register and keep the other in the vehicle.
Handbook p. 25 ↗Put it into practice
You buy a six-year-old car from a neighbor. Check the title for lien holders and ask for a lien release if one is listed. Make sure the seller completes the odometer and damage disclosure statements, sign them, fill out DTF-802, and have the car inspected within 10 days of registering.