New York Title Transfer Guide: Step-by-Step

New York Title Transfer
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You will need to do a title transfer to prove ownership whenever a car is sold or bought in the state of New York. The title transfer process happens automatically when buying through a dealership. Private sales require a little extra legwork (which we explain in this post).

You’ll do this (in a nutshell):

  • Visit a NY DMV
  • File the title
  • Show ID/Insurance
  • Submit an MV-82
  • Submit a DTF-802
  • Pay the fees

Need to transfer a title in New York? Keep reading and learn what’s needed.

How to Transfer a Title in New York State

What brought you to this page is a private title transfer – more than likely – since dealerships handle this process on their own (more on that later).

There shouldn’t be problems when transferring the title between sellers, friends, or family members. Request a duplicate title if you have trouble finding the original.

You must get the car registered else you cannot legally drive it in the state of New York.

New York State needs:

  1. Get the Certificate of Title
    1. (Seller) Sale price
    2. (Seller) Odometer disclosure
  2. File the Vehicle Registration/Title Application (MV-82)
  3. Declare applicable taxes and fees:
    1. File the Statement of Transaction (DTF-802)
    2. Paid sales tax
    3. Lien release (MV-900)
  4. Complete the vehicle inspection*
  5. Show your personal documents:
    1. Proof of ID
    2. Proof of insurance (New York State Insurance Identification Card (FS-20))
  6. Pay the vehicle transfer taxes and fees

*A 10-day extension sticker may be available, giving you time to get the vehicle inspected.

Congratulations! You’re good to hit the roads!

That selling will largely follow this process placing the burden of registration on the buyer. Always file a bill of sale for tax/legal reasons.

The NY DMV recommends both parties complete this process on-location so forms/fees are paid at the time of the transaction.

New York Title Fees and Taxes

Title transfers and their associated fees and taxes are expected.

Fees can include:

  • Plate Fee: $26 – $140 (by weight)
  • Title Certificate Fee: $50
  • (Applicable 2-year fee) Electric/6-cylinder+ vehicles: $32.50

You will also pay New York county sales tax when purchasing a vehicle. Refer to the NY registrations fees page for exact details for your vehicle type and county fees.

Dealerships, Out-of-State, Inherited, and Gifted Vehicles

You should try to begin the title transfer process as soon as you can. Luckily, this process is about the same as private registration – with a few exceptions.

Buying from Dealerships

Dealerships will process your title – often free, but sometimes with a cost.

You may choose to submit paperwork (Certificate of Origin, Bill of Sale, Proof of Payment) and the MV-82, FS-20 forms. You’ll show your ID and make payments, too.

Out-of-state Vehicles

Got the vehicle’s title? You’ll need to bring these when transferring to NY State:

  • New York State Insurance Identification Card (FS-20)
  • Vehicle Registration/Title Application (MV-82)
  • Claim for Sales and Use Tax Exemption – Title Registration (DTF-803)
  • Out-of-state title/registration

Pay the title registration fees and any extras (see our registration guide) and you’re good to go!

Gifted/Donated Vehicles

This process is largely the same following a title transfer and registration fees.

A gifted vehicle should a proof of ownership and “GIFT” on the DTF-802 form. Then, follow the same process as you would with private title transfer steps (mentioned above). You may need to file a DTF-803 if the vehicle wasn’t originally bought in NY.

Inherited vehicles pass to the spouse or children after a death certificate copy is presented. The individual will sign the title and pay the title fee when it transfers. The new owner may transfer it to another family member with a notarized MV-349.1 form.