A New York certificate of title is issued by the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to car owners. In general, this document serves as proof of ownership over a particular vehicle. Thus, it is important for motorists to obtain a NY car title upon purchasing a new or used vehicle. Oftentimes, this titling procedure is performed simultaneously with the registration of a car.

How to Get a New Car Title in New York

A New York car title provides proof of vehicle ownership. The car title and vehicle registration processes are handled simultaneously on one application form. Motorists should obtain an auto title and vehicle registration as soon as possible after taking possession of a new vehicle.

The process for getting car title documents involves completing the application, providing supporting information and paying the fees set by the NY DMV. For more information on how to get car title certificates in New York and how the registration process works, read the sections below.

Where to Apply for a Car Title in New York

Getting your NY car title documents begins with a visit to your nearest DMV office, because you must file the initial title and registration application in person for any vehicle you own or lease. If you need a certificate of title but require help finding the nearest DMV location, utilize the interactive map online or call the DMV at the number provided below.

Residents cannot obtain a pink slip registration document online or through the mail, although many other DMV services are now available online through the MyDMV portal. All New York DMV car title processing locations accept cash and credit or debit card payments, including American Express, Discover/Novus, MasterCard and Visa.

When getting your vehicle title and registration, you may also pay with a check or money order made payable to “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.”

The New York Auto Title Application

To get a car title in New York, you will first need to obtain adequate auto insurance on your new vehicle, whether you purchased it used or new. You have 180 days to get car title and registration documents after the effective date printed on your insurance card.

Vehicle titles and registrations are applied for simultaneously when you file Form MV-82, Vehicle Registration/Title Application. The NY DMV also provides a helpful new car title instruction document, Form MV-82.1, that clearly details what is expected in each section of the application.

All vehicles getting a car title in New York must undergo a safety inspection at a DMV-licensed location every 12 months or whenever the ownership of a vehicle is transferred to another driver. Most new or used car title applicants will need to have an emissions inspection, which can be done at the same time as the safety inspection.

The NY vehicle title and registration form includes sections for personal information, including your full name, driver license number, date of birth and current mailing address. In New York, the car title owner does not have to be the same person whose name appears on the registration, so the form includes a place to list more than one person’s information.

The auto title process requires you to include the complete vehicle identification number (VIN) as well as the vehicle’s year, make, body type, color and type of fuel. If any vehicle changes have happened since the last motor vehicle title was issued, such as a change in color, note that in the space provided.

After completing the application and paying the associated NY DMV car title and registration fees, you will receive your documents from the DMV. In some cases, you may leave the DMV appointment with your new registration document, window sticker and license plates.

In other cases, the DMV will mail these within one to two weeks of the car title and registration application date. New York car title certificates take longer to process and your new title will be delivered by mail within 90 days of applying for it.

Documents You Must Provide When Applying for a New Car Title in New York

When getting a New York title for car ownership, applicants must bring certain documents to the DMV to accurately file Form MV-82. DMV car title and registration documents include:

• An original vehicle title or other proof of ownership, such as an out-of-state title.
• A current NY auto liability insurance ID card.
• The bill of sale and tax sales payment receipt or copy of the sales tax form.
• Your current New York State driver license, driver permit, non-driver ID card or other proof of identity accepted by the NY DMV.
• Payment for car title and registration taxes and fees or proof of exemption status.

What is a New York Car Registration?

A New York car registration is the document that provides proof that the vehicle meets all state-mandated safety, emissions and tax payment requirements. It is vital to have both vehicle registration and car title documents on all vehicles driven on New York’s roadways.

To get car registration in NY, you must show proof of having adequate auto liability coverage. New car registration includes the license plates needed to drive your car legally in New York.

What is the Difference Between a Car Title and a Vehicle Registration in New York?

Although a NY car title and motor vehicle registration are obtained through filing one document, they are two separate documents. Your car registration may even have a different name than the one listed on the title.

A car title serves to prove vehicle ownership while a NY DMV car registration provides proof that you can legally drive your car or truck on state roadways. A car title is issued to a driver once, upon taking ownership of the vehicle, while a car registration expires and must be renewed annually.

Note: Get help locating a DMV office or ask general auto registration questions by contacting the NY DMV call center at (518) 486-9786.

Car Title Costs in New York

A title certificate in New York costs $50. Applicants must also pay the sales tax for the car that they purchased based on the purchase price in the place that you purchased it. Additionally, owners of electric cars or cars with six cylinders or more will be required to pay a $32.50 fee every two years.

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