License Plate Transfer Process
When you buy a used car in New York, you have 10 days to register it in your name. During this time, you can purchase an 30 day transit permit from your local NY DMV Office. The cost for this permit is $12.50 plus title and taxes due for registration. Your seller will be responsible for removing their license plates once the sale has completed.
If you choose to transfer your previous license plates, you'll need to bring the following documents to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office:
- A completed Vehicle Registration/Title Application (Form MV-82)
- The car's title (if the car is less than 10 years old, the title must be the current version)
- Proof of insurance
- Your driver's license
You'll also need to pay a transfer fee, which is $10 as of 2023.
If you're selling a car in New York, you'll need to remove the license plates before handing over the vehicle to the new owner. You’ll also need to notify NY DMV that you’ve sold the vehicle. The new owner will need to get new license plates for the car when they register it in their name.
License Plate Fees and Taxes
In addition to the transfer fee, there are other fees associated with license plates in New York. Here are some common ones:
- Vehicle registration fee: The fee to register a car in New York ranges from $26 to $140, depending on the weight of the vehicle.
- License plate fee: The fee for a standard license plate in New York is $25 as of 2023. Specialty plates, such as personalized plates or plates supporting a specific cause or organization, may have additional fees.
- Replacement plate fee: If you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license plate, the fee is $25 as of 2023.
- Sales and use taxes will also be calculated and applied to the transaction by the DMV
It's important to note that fees in New York can change, so be sure to check the DMV's website for the most up-to-date information.
Conclusion
Transferring license plates in a private car sale in New York, it's important to make sure you have all the necessary documents and fees. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure a smooth transfer and get on the road with your newly acquired vehicle. For more information, please view the NY State Government Vehicle webpage.
This article was written by Armando Martinez. Armando Martinez is among the nation’s experts on automotive titling, registration, DMV services and document operations. With nearly two decades of experience across a broad range of financial services functions and some of the largest names in auto, from Wells Fargo to Uber, Armando combines vision and ingenuity with a wealth of information so auto shoppers and sellers can learn from his experience.
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