How To Get a Car Title in New York 2026
New York law mandates that owners obtain a certificate of title for most motor vehicles of model year 1973 or newer, motorboats model year 1987 or newer measuring 14 feet or longer, and manufactured homes meeting specified size criteria, as codified in the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Title 10, Article 46. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, operating under the supervision of the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, serves as the government entity responsible for issuing certificates of title and maintaining vehicle ownership records throughout the state.
Where to Apply for a New York Certificate of Title
New York residents must submit title applications through designated processing locations administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Authorized submission centers include:
- County DMV Offices – Local motor vehicle offices operating in all 62 New York counties, managed by county clerks who handle title and registration transactions
- DMV Vehicle Services Centers – State-operated facilities located in major metropolitan areas providing comprehensive title services
- Licensed Dealerships – Authorized motor vehicle dealers may complete title applications when handling vehicle sales, issuing temporary registrations to purchasers
- Mail Processing – Title-only applications, excluding lease buyouts and International Registration Program vehicles, must be mailed to the DMV Title Bureau in Albany
Required Documents for Title Application in New York
Individuals pursuing a New York certificate of title must furnish specific documentation to verify ownership and satisfy department regulations.
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Registration/Title Application (Form MV-82) | Completed application signed by owner or authorized representative | Form MV-82TON acceptable for title-only transactions; available at DMV offices or online |
| Proof of Ownership | Valid ownership documentation matching transaction type | Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin for new vehicles; prior title for used vehicles; dealer Certificate of Sale (MV-50) for dealer transactions |
| Proof of Identity and Date of Birth | Current government-issued identification | New York driver's license, learner permit, or non-driver ID card; must be current or expired less than two years |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Certain transaction circumstances necessitate supplementary materials beyond standard documentation:
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Statement of Transaction (Form DTF-802) | Documents sale price or gift transfer for tax purposes | Completed by both seller and buyer; required when sales tax not collected at time of purchase |
| Sales Tax Payment Receipt (Form FS-6T) | Confirms payment of applicable sales tax | Required for title-only applications; attach to title application; do not mail tax payments to Title Bureau |
| Lien Release Documentation | Proves satisfaction of outstanding security interest | Original Notice of Recorded Lien (MV-901) marked by lender or letter on institutional letterhead; photocopies not accepted |
| Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form MV-103) | Records accurate mileage for vehicles 2011 model year or newer under 20 years old | Federal law requires disclosure; may be completed on title certificate back or separate form |
| Damage Disclosure Statement | Indicates vehicle damage status for vehicles 8 model years old or newer | Mandatory for all transactions involving newer vehicles; prevents registration if repairs exceed 75% of retail value |
| Salvage Examination Application (Form MV-83SAL) | Required for rebuilt salvage vehicles | Fee of $200.00; vehicle must pass DMV examination before title issuance |
New York Title Fees and Costs
The New York Department of Motor Vehicles establishes uniform fee schedules for title services, with registration fees varying by vehicle weight and class.
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Title (MV-999) | $50.00 |
| Manufactured Home Title | $125.00 |
| Duplicate Title Certificate | $20.00 |
| Title Amendment or Correction | $20.00 |
| Lien Release with New Title | $20.00 |
Additional Processing Fees
Vehicle owners should anticipate supplementary charges beyond basic title fees:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Plate Fee | $25.00 | One-time charge when obtaining new plates; transfer eliminates this fee |
| Registration Fee (Passenger Vehicle) | $26.00 - $140.00 for 2 years | New York requires 2-year registration only (no 1-year option available). Fees vary based on vehicle weight class; a minimum fee of $32.50 applies to vehicles with 6 or more cylinders or electric vehicles |
| Sales Tax | 4% state rate plus local | Combined state and local rates vary by county; paid at time of title application |
| Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District Fee | $50.00 or $25.00 | Applies in 12 counties: Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond, Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, Westchester |
| County Use Tax | 0.25% to 0.75% | Varies by county; separate from sales tax |
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Obtain and Verify Ownership Documentation
Secure the appropriate proof of ownership based on your transaction type. For new vehicle purchases from New York dealers, obtain the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin and dealer's Certificate of Sale (Form MV-50). For used vehicle purchases, obtain the prior owner's Certificate of Title (MV-999) with the Transfer by Owner section completed on the reverse side. Verify the vehicle identification number on the title matches the VIN displayed on the vehicle dashboard. For vehicles 8 model years old or newer, ensure the seller completes the damage disclosure statement. Do not accept titles with alterations, cross-outs, or erasures, as the DMV will reject them.
Step 2: Complete Required Forms
Download or obtain Form MV-82 (Vehicle Registration/Title Application) from any motor vehicle office or the DMV website. Complete all sections accurately, including vehicle information, owner information, and transaction details. For vehicles manufactured in or after model year 2011 that are under 20 model years old, ensure the odometer disclosure statement is completed showing accurate mileage. If sales tax was not collected at purchase, complete Statement of Transaction Form DTF-802 with both seller and buyer signatures and date.
Step 3: Pay Sales Tax at DMV Office
Visit your local DMV office to pay applicable sales tax if not previously collected by the dealer. Bring your completed Statement of Transaction (DTF-802) and proof of purchase price. The DMV will calculate sales tax based on the vehicle's purchase price or fair market value. Obtain receipt Form FS-6T confirming sales tax payment. For title-only transactions, you must pay sales tax at a motor vehicle office before submitting your title application. Do not attempt to mail sales tax payments directly to the Title Bureau.
Step 4: Submit Application Materials
For standard title and registration transactions, bring all completed forms, ownership documents, proof of identity, sales tax payment receipt, and applicable fees to your local DMV office. Schedule an appointment online when possible to reduce wait times. Present materials to the DMV representative, who will review documentation for completeness and accuracy. For title-only transactions excluding lease buyouts, mail the application, ownership proof, sales tax receipt (FS-6T), and $50.00 fee by check or money order payable to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to: NYS Department of Motor Vehicles, Title Bureau, 6 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12228-0322.
Step 5: Receive Temporary Registration and Await Title
Upon approval at the DMV office, you will receive your permanent registration document and license plates if applicable. However, New York State title certificates are not issued over the counter. State law requires the DMV to mail title certificates to owners after carefully examining and verifying proof of ownership submitted with applications. The title application process typically requires several weeks to complete. If you do not receive your title certificate within 90 days after applying, contact a DMV Contact Center at (518) 486-9786 with your registration receipt to verify your application status.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
New York statutes exempt certain vehicle categories from certificate of title mandates:
- Motor vehicles manufactured in model year 1972 or older, for which transferable registrations serve as proof of ownership
- Motorboats model year 1986 or older measuring less than 14 feet in length
- Travel or utility trailers with unladen weight under 1,000 pounds
- Limited-use motorcycles, including mopeds, registered for restricted operation
- Manufactured homes model year 1994 or older, not meeting minimum size requirements
Contact Information
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Title Services Bureau
6 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12228
Phone: (518) 486-4714
Official Website: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
