Register a vehicle in New York

Online or in person

No, at a DMV officeAfter a private sale, you or your business must register and title the vehicle at a DMV office. After a private sale, you or your business must register and title the vehicle at a DMV office, in the county where you live. Reservations are strongly encouraged but not available at every office.

Cost

Varies by vehicle and countyA first registration of a passenger vehicle includes a $25.00 plate fee, a $50.00 title certificate fee, sales tax, and a 2-year registration fee of $26.00 to $140.00 by weight. Most counties add a vehicle use tax: $30 for 2 years in New York City, and $10 to $60 for 2 years in the counties that charge it. New York City and the commuter district counties also add a $50 supplemental fee for 2 years.

You leave with

Plates and registration; title by mailOne or two plates (unless you transfer an existing New York registration), a registration window sticker, the registration document and a 10-day inspection extension sticker, given at the visit or mailed within 1-2 weeks. The title is mailed within 90 days.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Vehicle Registration/Title Application (MV-82) · all that apply
     Instructions are in form MV-82.1. The DMV Registration Guide shows which documents you need.
   • Proof of ownership
     The title must be in the owner's name; it can be registered to another person.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • New York title or transferable registration signed over to you
   • Proof of New York State automobile liability insurance · all that apply
     Out-of-state policies are not accepted. Your insurer must also send DMV an electronic notice of coverage. The names on the application and the Insurance ID Card must match exactly.
   • Sales tax payment, proof of payment or exemption
     You must get a sales tax receipt from the DMV even if the transaction is exempt. If you bought from a New York dealer, the DMV does not collect sales tax.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • DTF-802 for private sales and for gifts or purchases from family members
     • DTF-804 to claim credit for sales tax paid to another state (New York residents who bought out of state)
     • DTF-803 for other exemption claims

2. Get New York insurance

   You must register your vehicle at the DMV within 180 days of the effective date on your Insurance ID Card.

   Insurance requirements on dmv.ny.gov ↗

3. Apply at a DMV office

   Register in the county where you live, following that county's instructions. The DMV strongly encourages a reservation; if an office has long waits, only people with a reservation are admitted.

   Office locations and reservations ↗

4. Pay the fees

   Fees depend on the vehicle's weight, class and your home county. The DMV's Estimate Registration Fees service works them out, and its fee page has the weight and county use tax charts. Payment is accepted by cash, most credit, pinless debit or prepaid cards, and personal check or money order payable to "Commissioner of Motor Vehicles".

   Estimate registration fees on dmv.ny.gov ↗

5. Get the vehicle inspected

   Registration includes a 10-day inspection extension sticker. Get the vehicle inspected before it expires. An inspection issued to the previous owner is not valid.

6. Check your title and registration

   The title certificate is mailed, within 90 days. If it doesn't arrive, contact a DMV Contact Center. Check the title and registration for accuracy.

   Certificate of Title ↗