Car Registration Requirements for New New York Residents

Individuals relocating to New York with a vehicle registered in another state must complete the transfer process to obtain New York registration and title.

Timeline for New York Residents

New residents must register their out-of-state vehicle within 30 days of moving to the state. The 30-day requirement applies once residency is established through employment, property ownership, or other legal indicators. No specific monetary penalty for late registration is published, but operation of an unregistered vehicle on public highways violates Section 401 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law and subjects the owner to enforcement action.

Establishing New York Residency

Residency is established when an individual makes New York their principal place of physical presence. Indicators include securing employment within the state, enrolling dependents in schools, registering to vote, filing state taxes, or maintaining a permanent residence. An individual cannot simultaneously hold valid driver's licenses in multiple states under state policy.

Required Documentation for Car Registration in New York

New residents must submit documentation including proof of ownership, insurance coverage, identity verification, and payment of applicable fees.

Essential Documents:

• Out-of-state certificate of title or transferable registration with proper assignment to the new owner.
• Completed Vehicle Registration/Title Application (Form MV-82).
• Proof of New York State automobile liability insurance meeting minimum coverage requirements.
• Proof of identity and age (photocopies acceptable for mail applications; originals required in person).
• Odometer disclosure statement if applicable to vehicle age.
• Payment for registration fees, title certificate fee, vehicle use tax, sales tax, and plate fees.

Additional Requirements:

• If a lienholder holds the title, provide a certified copy of the title certificate, certification from the lienholder on the same document, and a statement on lienholder letterhead confirming ownership details and knowledge of New York registration intent.
• Out-of-state bill of sale for vehicles purchased from dealers or private sellers.
• Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) for new vehicles purchased from out-of-state dealers.

Insurance coverage must be issued by a company licensed and certified in New York State; out-of-state policies are not accepted. The insurance identification card and electronic notice of coverage filed by the insurer together verify compliance. Registration must occur within 180 days of the insurance's effective date.

Application Submission Methods

New residents may submit registration applications in person at DMV offices throughout the state, with appointments recommended to reduce wait times.

Alternatively, residents may apply by mail if relocating from outside New York by sending the completed Form MV-82, original proof of ownership, proof of insurance, photocopies of identity documents, and payment to the local DMV office serving the county of residence. Mail applications require approximately six weeks for processing; registrants receive plates, registration documents, and a 10-day inspection extension sticker in one package, with the title certificate mailed separately within 90 days.

New York Vehicle Inspection Requirements

All vehicles registered in New York State must obtain both safety and emissions inspections annually. New registrants receive a 10-day inspection extension from the date of registration; inspection must be completed before the extension expires at a DMV-licensed inspection station.

New residents whose vehicles display valid inspection stickers from their previous state may continue using those stickers temporarily. The out-of-state inspection remains valid until it expires or for one year after the New York registration date, whichever occurs first. Once the out-of-state inspection expires, the vehicle must receive a New York State inspection.

Exemptions:

• Motorcycles.
• Vehicles less than two model years old.
• Vehicles more than 25 model years old.
• Diesel-powered vehicles except those model year 1997 or newer with GVWR under 8,501 pounds.
• Electric-powered vehicles.
• Vehicles with historical plates.

Diesel vehicles with GVWR exceeding 8,500 pounds registered in New York City (Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond) or Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, or Westchester counties undergo smoke opacity testing.

Registration Fees and Costs in New York

Registration costs depend on vehicle weight, class, county of residence, and membership in the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD). All original registrations include base registration fees, title certificate fees, vehicle plate fees, county use taxes, sales taxes, and MCTD supplemental fees where applicable.

Standard Fees:

• Title certificate: $50.00
• Vehicle plates: $25.00 for two years
• Registration fee for passenger vehicles: $26.00 to $140.00 (two-year period), based on weight; minimum two-year fee of $32.50 for vehicles with six or more cylinders or electric vehicles.

County Use Taxes (two-year period):

• Most counties: $10.00 (vehicles ≤3,500 lbs) or $20.00 (vehicles >3,500 lbs)
• New York City (all five boroughs): $30.00 (all weights)
• Nassau County: $30.00 (all weights)
• Suffolk County: $30.00 (≤3,500 lbs) or $60.00 (>3,500 lbs)
• Westchester County: $30.00 (≤3,500 lbs) or $60.00 (>3,500 lbs)

MCTD Supplemental Fee:

Residents of the 12 MCTD counties (Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond, Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, Westchester) pay an additional supplemental fee of $50.00 for two years.

Sales tax applies based on the vehicle purchase price or fair market value, calculated by county tax authorities. Registration fees are issued for two-year periods.

Contact Information

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
6 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12228
Phone: (518) 486-9786
New York DMV