To transfer ownership of a vehicle in New York, you need to follow specific steps and provide certain documents. Here is a list of what you need to transfer a car title:
- Visit your local NY DMV office.
- Provide the completed and signed vehicle title by the seller.
- Provide proof of a valid NY insurance policy and identification.
- Complete a Vehicle Registration/Title Application (Form MV-82).
- Complete a Statement of Transaction (Form DTF-802).
- Pay the $50 vehicle title and registration fees, and taxes.
In general, when transferring ownership, the seller must either:
- Complete and sign the transfer ownership section of the title certificate, and sign a bill of sale (even if it is a gift), or
- Provide other acceptable proofs of ownership and transfer of ownership.
The buyer must sign the bill of sale (even if it is a gift), pay sales tax or have proof of an exemption, register and title the vehicle or trailer (or snowmobile, boat, moped or ATV) or transfer a registration from another vehicle they own to their new vehicle.
The proofs of ownership needed to register and title a vehicle in New York are different for different types of vehicles (for example, cars, trailers, boats, snowmobiles, manufactured homes). Acceptable proofs of ownership include:
- Get proof of ownership at purchase.
- Deceased owner.
- Proof of ownership at purchase.
Additionally, if the vehicle was manufactured in or after the 2011 model year and is 20 model years old or newer, the seller must complete the Odometer Disclosure Statement on the back of the title certificate. The Damage Disclosure Statement on the back of the New York State Certificate of Title must be completed for all vehicles regardless of the vehicles age.
