by Armando Martinez
If you're planning on buying a car from a private owner in New York, it's important to understand the steps needed to register it with the state. Registering a car bought in a private owner car sale in New York is a simple process, but it does require that you visit the NY DMV in person and that you complete some paperwork and pay fees. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps needed to register your car in New York.
Step 1: Obtain a Bill of Sale and Sales Tax Statement of Transaction
The first thing you'll need to do is obtain a bill of sale from the seller. If you do not have one, you may obtain a NY Bill of Sale (Form MV-912) online. This document should include information such as the car's make, model, year, and VIN, as well as the purchase price and the names and addresses of both the buyer and seller. Make sure the bill of sale is signed by both parties. In NY, you and the seller must complete and sign a Statement of Transaction (Form DTF-803). Both the completed and signed original Bill of Sale and Statement of Transaction forms must be brought to the NY DMV when you register your car. The DMV calculates and collects the sales tax, and issues you a sales tax receipt along with your new registration and title.
Step 2: Obtain the Car Title
Next, you'll need to obtain the car title from the seller. Make sure that the title is signed over to you and that all fields are properly filled out. If there are any liens on the car, make sure they are paid off before completing the sale.
Step 3: Obtain Insurance
Before you can register your car in New York, you'll need to obtain insurance in New York. Your insurance company gives you 2 barcoded NYS Insurance ID Cards and will send an electronic notice of coverage to the NY DMV. The Insurance Cards and the electronic notice together verify your coverage. NY DMV will need both. The state requires a minimum amount of liability coverage, which includes $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $10,000 for property damage per accident. If you have a co-owner both names must appear on the insurance cards. To learn more about NY insurance requirements visit https://dmv.ny.gov/insurance/insurance-requirements.
Step 4: Complete the Registration Application and Other Required Documents
Depending on the type of vehicle you are going to register, you may need to bring different documents. Many DMV PDF forms can be filled in online and then printed out. Once you have the completed bill of sale, signed-off title, and proof of insurance, you'll need to complete the Registration and Title Application (Form MV-82). The application will ask for information such as the car's make, model, year, and VIN, as well as your (and your co-buyer, if any) personal information and insurance details.
You will also need to provide proof of your identity and date of birth, and that of your co-owner if you have one. To find a list of documents accepted by the NY DMV for this purpose visit: https://dmv.ny.gov/registration/proofs-identity-and-date-birth-nys-vehicle-registrations-or-title-certificates. If you are unsure if you have all the documents you will need, you may use the NY DMV's interactive DMV document guide to assist you by visiting https://dmv.ny.gov/more-info/dmv-document-guide .
Step 5: Make Your Reservation at the DMV
All first time vehicle registrations must be done in person at a local NYDMV office. If you live in NYC, Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, Onondaga or Albany Counties, you will need to make a reservation for an appointment online by visiting https://dmv.ny.gov/offices/county-offices
Step 6: Submit Your Documents and Fees
Once you have completed the registration application, you'll need to submit your documents and fees to the DMV. You can do this in person at your local DMV office or by mail. If you choose to mail in your application, make sure to include all required documents and fees.
Along with your registration application and other documents, you'll need to pay certain fees. These fees include a title fee, registration fee, and sales tax. The exact fees will vary depending on the age and value of the car, the weight of the car and where you live. When you register your car for the first time in NY the total fees you may owe typically include sales tax, vehicle plated fee, title certificate fee, local county use tax, and either a 1-or 2-year registration fee depending upon what you choose, so make sure to check with the DMV to determine the total amount due or you can use this online tool to estimate your fees by visiting https://process.dmv.ny.gov/regfeecalc/. NYDMV accepts cash, credit cards, personal Check, and Money orders that are made payable to the “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.”
Step 7: Receive Your License Plate and Registration
At your appointment, your application for registration and title will be processed and if all of your documents are in order and you pay the fees, NY DMV will either give you (or mail you within 1-2 weeks) your vehicle license plate(s), a registration window sticker, a registration certificate, and a 10-day inspection extension sticker. Your new title will be mailed to you within 90 days. Make sure to keep these documents in a safe place and place your stickers in the appropriate locations on your car as you will need them to prove that your car is registered and legally allowed to be driven on New York roads.
Step 8: Get Your Car Inspected
All vehicles registered in New York State must get a safety inspection at a DMV-licensed inspection station within 10 days after your car is registered and every 12 months thereafter. The criteria for each inspection is dependent upon your car’s model year and type. To see what your vehicle needs to be considered safe for operation on the roads, visit https://dmv.ny.gov/brochure/new-york-state-vehicle-safetyemissions-inspection-program. Most vehicles must also get an emissions inspection at the same time. To see if your car will require an emissions inspection visit https://dmv.ny.gov/inspection/new-york-vehicle-inspection-program-nyvip. If your vehicle passes these inspections, you will be issued a valid inspection sticker that must be displayed on your car. All DMV-licensed inspection stations display a yellow and black sign that reads “Official Inspection Station.” To locate an inspection station near you visit https://process.dmv.ny.gov/FacilityLookup/. There is a fee for this inspection. To determine the fee you will pay at the time of your inspection visit https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/vs77.pdf
Conclusion
Registering a car bought in a private owner car sale in New York is an easy process, but it does require some paperwork, fees, and in person visits . By following these steps, you can ensure that your car is properly registered and legally allowed to be driven in the state. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact your local DMV office for assistance. For a list of NY DMV phone numbers visit https://dmv.ny.gov/contact-us/dmv-phone-numbers.
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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