New York

Title Fee

$50.00

Who must title a vehicle in New York?

All motor vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, motorboats (1987+ or 14+ ft), and manufactured homes (except 1994 or earlier) must be titled unless exempt.
Exempt: Vehicles 1972 or older, trailers <1,000 lbs. unladen, US government vehicles (unless NY-registered), implements of husbandry, special commercial vehicles, pole trailers, vessels ≤1986, USCG documented vessels, vessels <14 ft, snowmobiles, ATVs, off-highway motorcycles, mopeds, mobile/manufactured homes 1994 or earlier, and some others.

Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYSDMV).
Application: MV-82 (regular), MV-82DEAL (dealer sales), MV-82TON (title only), MV-82B (boats), presented at any DMV office; some must be mailed to the Title Bureau.
Fee: $50.00 + $5.00 per lien; $125.00 for manufactured homes.

What documents are needed as proof of ownership?

New vehicles: MCO or MSO.
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title.
Non-title states: Transferable registration.
Government surplus: SF97-1, bill of sale(s) for continuity.
Foreign vehicles: CBP docs (e.g., 7501), manufacturer’s invoice (if new), Canadian statement, country-of-origin title equivalent, and certified English translation if needed.
NY dealer sales: eMV-50 (electronic), bill of sale; out-of-state dealer: bill of sale (MV-912).

How are special titles or brands handled?

Bonded Title: If DMV not satisfied with ownership, bond = 1.5x retail value, valid 3 years.
Brands: Duplicate, Lemon Law Buyback, Stolen Vehicle, Odometer (Exceeds Mechanical Limits, Not Actual Mileage, etc.), Reconstructed, Non-USA-Std, Rebuilt Salvage/XX, Non-Complying Emissions, and more. Out-of-state brands carried forward.
Salvage: Required for insurer-acquired vehicles with significant damage, 8 model years or newer with repair costs >75% of pre-damage value, or salvage title from another state. Insurer files Salvage Certificate (MV-907A).
Rebuilt: Salvage vehicles must pass NYS salvage inspection (MV-83SAL), submit bills of sale for parts, proof of sales tax, and pass safety/emissions inspection. Fee: $200–$205. Title is branded “Rebuilt Salvage: NY.”
Junk: Dismantlers submit MV-907M; vehicle cannot be retitled.
Non-transferable registration issued if proof of ownership is insufficient.

How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?

Duplicate: MV-902, $20.00 fee; may be ordered online.
Amended: MV-82 with current title and proof of change; no fee unless registration class/weight changes.

Other notes:

Odometer disclosure required for all transfers (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs.).
VIN inspection required for rebuilt, custom, or salvage vehicles; NY-assigned VIN may be required.

Are electronic signatures accepted?

No; facsimile/stamped/computer-generated signatures are accepted on lien releases.

What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?

Sales/Use Tax: 4.0% state + local (based on buyer’s residence); due at titling; proof required.Trade-in credit allowed for dealer sales.
Credit for taxes paid to another state (DTF-804).
Exemptions: Nonresidents (DTF-820), new residents (if purchased 30+ days before moving), gifts, family, exempt organizations, commercial fishing vessels, and more.
Boats: Tax capped at $230,000 sale price.
Manufactured homes: Tax on 70% of price (new); used are exempt.
Vehicle Use Tax: Required in NYC and some counties; $10–$60 per 2-year period, varies by county/vehicle.
Highway Use Tax (HUT): On trucks >18,000 lbs.
Commercial Motor Vehicle Tax (CMVT): On certain vehicles in NYC.
- Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Proof required for vehicles ≥55,000 lbs.

How are liens recorded and perfected?

Dealer: MV-82DEAL or MV-82B; others: Notice of Lien (MV-900).
Lien fee: $5.00 per lien, paid by lienholder.
Perfected if delivered within 10 days of creation; up to four lienholders per title.
ELT program available (electronic lien data, not title).

How are liens released or assigned?

Lienholder executes release on MV-901 or letter; must be mailed/delivered to owner.
Assignment: MV-901 to new lienholder; new title issued.
Open liens carry forward on new owner’s title if vehicle is sold.

How does repossession work in NY?

Secured party may repossess if peaceful; must notify local police immediately.
Owner notified in person/mail within 24 hours.
Within 11 days, Notice of Repossession (MV-327) and plates must be sent to DMV.
Sale: Purchaser gets Affirmation of Repossession and Bill of Sale (MV-950) and title; MV-950 accepted if format is correct.
NY repossession title may be required for out-of-state sales.

Other notes:

Garageperson’s liens require 30 days unclaimed, notice, publication, and sale; forms MV-901A/B required.

Enforcement Agency:

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles6 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12228
518.486.9786 | NYSDMV

Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:

Key Regulations:

Insurance required: $25,000/$50,000 BI, $50,000/$100,000 death, $10,000 PD, $50,000 no-fault, UM coverage.
Proof of insurance required at registration and must be carried.
Annual safety inspection required; emissions required annually for most light vehicles.
Two plates for most vehicles; one for motorcycles/trailers. Plates must be removed at sale/transfer.
- Title records retained 7–10 years depending on type; registration records 2–3 years.