What you need to do to transfer a car title in New York

To transfer a car title in New York, you submit form MV-912 (Application for Vehicle Registration) along with the signed title, proof of ownership, and a completed bill of sale to the DMV. The process takes about two weeks by mail or same-day in person at a DMV office. You'll pay a title transfer fee (currently $75 for most passenger vehicles) plus registration fees based on the vehicle's weight and use. The exact steps depend on whether you're buying from a private seller, a dealer, or inheriting the vehicle — and whether the title is already in your name or needs to be transferred from someone else.

The seller must sign the back of the title certificate itself, and both you and the seller must sign form MV-912. If the vehicle has a lien (the seller still owes money on it), the lender must release it before you can register the vehicle in your name. This is the most common reason transfers get delayed.

Key Takeaways

  • Form MV-912 is the main document you file with the DMV to transfer title; it must be signed by both the seller and buyer.
  • The seller must sign the back of the title certificate itself, and you'll need a bill of sale showing the sale price and date.
  • You can transfer title by mail (two weeks) or in person at a DMV office (same day), but in-person is faster if you need the registration immediately.
  • Title transfer fees are $75 for most vehicles, but registration fees vary based on vehicle weight and whether it's for personal or commercial use.
  • If the title has a lien (the seller still owes money on the vehicle), the lender must sign off before the title can be transferred to you.

Gather the documents the seller must provide

The seller needs to give you the original title certificate with their signature on the back. New York titles are multi-part forms; the seller signs the assignment section (usually the back or a designated area). If the title is lost or damaged, the seller can request a duplicate from the DMV before the sale, but this adds time.

You also need a bill of sale, which is a simple document showing the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and the names and addresses of both buyer and seller. New York does not have a required bill of sale form — you can write one yourself or use a template — but the DMV will ask for it, and it protects both of you by creating a record of the transaction.

If the vehicle has a lien (the seller is still paying off a loan), the lender's name and address will appear on the title. The lender must sign a release or provide a lien release letter before you can register the vehicle in your name. This is the seller's responsibility to arrange, but confirm it's done before you hand over money.

Complete form MV-912 and submit to the DMV

Form MV-912 is the official New York application for vehicle registration and title transfer. You can download it from the DMV website or pick it up at a DMV office. Both you (the buyer) and the seller must sign the form. The form asks for the VIN, the current owner's name and address, your name and address, the vehicle's make and model, the sale price, and the odometer reading.

You have two options for submission. By mail, send the completed MV-912, the signed title, the bill of sale, and a check or money order for the title transfer fee ($75) and registration fees to the DMV address listed on the form. Processing takes about two weeks. In person, bring the same documents to any DMV office; you can pay by cash, check, or card, and you'll receive your new registration and title on the spot or within a few days.

If you're buying from a dealer, the dealer often handles the paperwork and submits it on your behalf, but you still need to sign the MV-912. Always ask the dealer which documents you need to provide and which they will file.

Pay the title transfer and registration fees

The title transfer fee in New York is $75 for most passenger vehicles. Registration fees are separate and depend on the vehicle's gross weight rating (GWR) and its use (personal, commercial, or other). A personal-use sedan typically costs $45 to $70 per year for registration, while a heavier vehicle or commercial use costs more. The DMV website has a fee calculator where you enter the vehicle type and weight to see the exact amount.

If you're transferring the title and registering the vehicle at the same time — which you almost always are — you pay both fees together. Some vehicles are exempt from registration fees (for example, vehicles owned by certain nonprofits or government agencies), but this is rare for private buyers. Payment methods vary by submission method: by mail, send a check or money order; in person at a DMV office, you can pay by cash, check, or debit/credit card. Do not send cash by mail.

Handle special situations: inherited vehicles, out-of-state titles, and liens

If you inherited the vehicle, you'll need the title plus a copy of the death certificate and proof that you're the legal heir (usually the will or a court document). The process is the same as a regular transfer, but the DMV may ask for additional paperwork to confirm your right to the vehicle.

If the vehicle was registered out of state, you cannot simply transfer an out-of-state title in New York. Instead, you must first register the vehicle in New York using form MV-912, and the out-of-state title will be surrendered to the DMV. Bring the out-of-state title, proof of ownership, and a bill of sale to a DMV office or submit them by mail with the MV-912.

If there is a lien on the title, the lienholder (usually a bank or credit union) must release it before the title can be transferred. The seller should contact their lender and request a lien release letter or a duplicate title with the lien removed. Some lenders will mail the release directly to the DMV. Do not complete the purchase until the lien is released — you cannot legally own the vehicle until the title is clear.

What to do if the title is missing or damaged

If the seller has lost the title, they can request a duplicate from the DMV using form MV-902 (Application for Duplicate Title). This takes about two weeks by mail. If the title is damaged but readable, you can still use it to transfer ownership, but the DMV may issue you a new one as part of the registration process.

If you discover after the purchase that the title is missing and the seller is unreachable, you can file for a duplicate title yourself using form MV-902, but you'll need to prove ownership. This is why it's important to get the title in hand before you pay for the vehicle. Keep a copy of the bill of sale and any communication with the seller as proof of your purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get the new title after I submit the paperwork?

By mail, allow two to three weeks. In person at a DMV office, you'll receive your registration the same day, though the title certificate may arrive by mail a few days later. If you need the registration immediately (for insurance or to drive the vehicle), go in person.

Do I need an inspection before I transfer the title?

No, a vehicle inspection is not required to transfer title. However, you will need a safety and emissions inspection to register the vehicle for the first time in New York. This is separate from the title transfer and must be done at an authorized inspection station.

What if the seller and I have different names on the bill of sale than on the title?

The names on the title must match the seller's legal name. If there's a discrepancy, the seller should contact the DMV to correct the title before the sale. Mismatched names can delay or block the transfer.

Can I transfer the title if the seller still owes money on the vehicle?

Only if the lender releases the lien. The lender's name appears on the title, and they have a legal claim to the vehicle until the loan is paid off. The seller must contact their lender and request a release or a duplicate title with the lien removed before you can complete the purchase.

What if I buy a vehicle from a private seller and they refuse to sign the title?

You cannot transfer the title without the seller's signature. If the seller refuses to sign after you've paid, you have no legal ownership of the vehicle. Always get the signed title before you hand over money, and consider meeting at a DMV office or having a notary present to witness the signatures.