Buying a Vehicle in New York

Title Verification

In New York State, title verification is mandatory when buying a vehicle. This process protects buyers from fraud and confirms the vehicle's legal ownership and history.

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYS DMV) uses the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System(NMVTIS) to quickly and accurately compare the information on the paper title with electronic records from the issuing state.

To verify a title, buyers typically need to provide the DMV with the vehicle's title certificate, proof of purchase, a completed Vehicle Registration/Title Application (Form MV-82), proof of identity, proof of New York State residence, and payment for applicable fees and taxes.

While verifying the vehicle's title through the NMVTIS system, buyers should also pay close attention to any branding and notice on the title certificate.

Title Brandings

When purchasing a vehicle in New York State, buyers should be aware of potential title brandings that may appear on the Certificate of Title (MV-999). These brandings indicate specific details about the vehicle's history that may impact its value or performance:

• A "REBUILT SALVAGE" means a vehicle was once considered a total loss due to severe damage or labeled from another state.
• "NON-USA-STD" indicates the vehicle wasn't built to meet U.S. emissions or safety standards.
• The "RECONSTRUCTED" label is for vehicles repaired or built using heavily damaged trucks or tractors.

These labels provide essential information about a vehicle's history and should be considered carefully when buying a used vehicle.

Title Notices

In addition to the brandings mentioned above, the title certificate may also contain a notice indicating that the vehicle was previously returned to the manufacturer due to warranty non-compliance. This notice reads:

"IMPORTANT: THIS VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE MANUFACTURER OR DEALER BECAUSE IT DID NOT CONFORM TO ITS WARRANTY."

Buyers should carefully review the title certificate and any accompanying disclosures to fully understand the vehicle's history before completing the purchase.

Vehicle Records

Buyers of motor vehicles in New York State can access important information through the DMV Records Request Navigator. This online tool allows buyers to request specific records that shed light on a vehicle's history.

For instance, the Vehicle Registration Record (Abstract) reveals the current owner, plate number, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and registration history. Meanwhile, the Vehicle Title Record (Abstract) confirms ownership and lienholder information.

Accessing these records typically requires the vehicle's VIN. In some instances, buyers may be able to provide alternative information, such as the seller's information or the vehicle's plate number, to obtain these records.

Safety Inspection

A valid inspection sticker from a DMV-licensed inspection station is required when purchasing a vehicle registered in New York State. If the vehicle passes inspection, a report will be issued as proof of compliance. If the vehicle fails, the necessary repairs must be made, and a re-inspection is required before the sale can proceed.

The inspection must be completed before the transfer of ownership and within 12 months of the previous inspection. The inspection will cover various safety aspects of the vehicle outlined in the NYS Vehicle Safety/Emissions Inspection Program for Cars and Light Trucks (C-50) brochure.

If concerns arise about the inspection process or the inspection station, buyers can file a Vehicle Safety Complaint Report (VS-35) to the following address:

Or email the completed form and supporting documents to CSR@dmv.ny.gov.

Reported Mileage

The buyer should anticipate the odometer mileage from the most recent ownership transfer being printed on the front of form MV-999, which was manufactured between the model year 2011 and 20 years before the current year.

This mileage may be accompanied by the following descriptions: "EXCEEDS MECHANICAL LIMITS" if the odometer had surpassed its maximum reading or "NOT ACTUAL MILEAGE, WARNING ODOMETER DISCREPANCY" if the actual mileage is unknown due to a broken, repaired, or replaced odometer.

Bill of Sale

The buyer must obtain a completed bill of sale as a legal record of the transfer of vehicle ownership. The bill of sale is necessary to register the vehicle and acquire a title certificate under the buyer's name. The New York State DMV provides a standard Vehicle Bill of Sale (MV-912) form for this purpose.

In the case of a gifted vehicle, the bill of sale must indicate the car as a gift and list the purchase price as '$0'. Additionally, the buyer must complete the Statement of Transaction(DTF-802), which addresses explicitly gifted vehicle transactions.

Ownership Transfer

Transferring vehicle ownership in New York involves several steps to facilitate a seamless and compliant transaction. The process differs slightly based on whether the vehicle is purchased from a dealer or a private seller.

When buying from a private seller or receiving a vehicle as a gift, it is important to obtain the correct documentation.

The primary document needed is a bill of sale. The seller and buyer must complete this document, indicating the transaction details. If the vehicle is a gift, the bill of sale should reflect this with a purchase price of $0.

In addition to the bill of sale, a DTF-802 form must be filled out. This form captures essential transaction details and, like the bill of sale, should indicate if the vehicle is a gift.

Once the needed documents are in order, the buyer must take the proof of ownership and bill of sale to an NYS DMV office to apply for a new title and registration in their name.

Transferring Ownership of a Vehicle from a Deceased Owner

The transfer of ownership when the vehicle owner is deceased depends on the vehicle's value and the presence of a surviving spouse or minor children.

For vehicles valued at $25,000 or less, if there is a surviving spouse, ownership automatically transfers to them by printing the deceased owner's name and signing the title as "surviving spouse." If there is no surviving spouse, transferring ownership to another person requires a notarized Affidavit for Transfer of Motor Vehicle (MV-349.1) and a copy of the death certificate.

Vehicles valued over $25,000 or multiple vehicles become part of the deceased's estate. The executor or administrator, as designated in court documents, must sign the title and indicate their role.

Out-of-state titles also require transfer by an executor or administrator before being accepted in New York. The same supporting court documents are needed, and the MV-349 and MV-349.1 forms are not applicable.

Transferring a Vehicle to a Revocable Living Trust

To transfer a vehicle into a revocable living trust, the current owner, who may also be the settlor (creator), must complete a few key steps. First, they need to fill out for DTF-802. Then, the Title Certificate needs to be completed with the owner signing as the seller and the settlor signing as the buyer, remembering to add "settlor" after their name.

When applying, they must provide the completed DTF-802, new insurance card, MV-82 form, and official trust document.

License Plates and Registrations

Whether through a dealership or a private sale, the buyer must register and title the vehicle with the NYS DMV. If the vehicle is purchased from a dealership, the dealer can handle the registration and titling process for an additional fee. However, if the buyer chooses to register the vehicle themselves, they must follow the steps outlined below:

Obtain Insurance Coverage

The buyer must obtain New York State automobile liability insurance prior to registering the vehicle. The vehicle must be registered within 180 days of the effective date listed on the insurance I.D. card.

Gather Necessary Documents

The buyer must gather all required documents, including proof of ownership, proof of identity and age, proof of insurance, and payment for applicable fees and taxes.

The DMV Registration Instructions provide a comprehensive list of the required documents for vehicle registration.

Submit Application and Payment

The buyer can submit form MV-82, along with the required documents and payment, either by mail or by scheduling a reservation at a DMV office.

Receive Plates

Upon registering a vehicle in New York, the buyer will receive license plates. If the buyer already has New York plates, they can transfer them to the newly purchased vehicle or request replacement plates if needed.

If the purchased vehicle does not yet have plates, the buyer can obtain in-transit permits from the DMV for $12.50. These permits are valid for 30 days and allow for the temporary operation of the vehicle while transporting it.

Conduct a Pre-Sale Inspection

All vehicles, including new ones, must undergo inspection within 30 days of the sale and before the buyer takes delivery. The dealer may pass the inspection fee on to the buyer.

Provide Warranty Service

If franchised by a manufacturer, the dealer must offer service or repairs covered under the manufacturer's warranty. Warranty service may also be available from other dealers franchised by the same manufacturer.

Disclose Vehicle History

The bill of sale must clearly indicate whether the vehicle is new, used, rebuilt, salvaged, rebuilt, or not originally manufactured to U.S. standards.

Complete Odometer and Disclosure Statements

For all vehicle sales, the seller will provide the buyer with a damage disclosure statement on the back of the title certificate or attach the Odometer and Damage Disclosure Statement(MV-103). This gives the buyer essential information about the vehicle's odometer reading and damage history.

Completing a salvage disclosure statement is mandatory for the registration or titling of salvaged vehicles. The NY DMV will not proceed with either process without this statement. Vehicles classified as "Rebuilt Salvage" will undergo additional examination for stolen parts before registration or titling is permitted.

Disclose Prior Use

N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 417-A mandates that dealers disclose in writing the nature of the principal prior use of any second-hand passenger motor vehicle if the dealer knows or has reason to know that such use was as a taxi, rental vehicle, police vehicle, or lemon law buyback.

Buyers are encouraged to review the Consumer Guide to Buying a Used Car for further information and guidance on purchasing a vehicle in New York.

Sales Tax

The New York State sales tax for motor vehicles consists of a state rate of 4% and a local rate that varies depending on the buyer's county of residence. For instance, New York City imposes an additional Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD) tax rate of 0.375%.

To determine the exact sales tax for a specific location, buyers can consult the Department of Taxation and Finance's Jurisdiction/Rate Lookup by Address portal.

Title and Registration Fees

Upon purchasing a vehicle, the buyer must register it with the NYS DMV. This process involves paying a title fee of $50 and a registration fee that varies depending on the type of vehicle and the number of cylinders.

For new vehicle registration, the buyer should consider the registration fee, county use tax, plate fees ($25), title certificate fee ($50), and sales tax, which depends on the purchase price and locality.

To estimate the registration fee, the buyer can utilize the registration fee calculator provided by the NYS DMV.