Frequently Asked Questions

We Are Here to Help - Search Our FAQs

Navigate

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there times I won’t be allowed to renew registration?
The state of New York does not allow its drivers to renew expired car registration if any of the following applies:
  • If your car registration has been expired for more than 12 months
  • If your vehicle has not been inspected in the last 12 months
  • If your drivers license is suspended or revoked

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in New York

Can somebody else renew my registration for me?
Someone else may apply to renew car registration for you in the state of New York. To renew car registration, he or she will need to provide proof of your identity as well as his or her own identity. Acceptable proof of identity is a valid New York State:
  • Driver License.
  • Learner Permit.
  • ID Card.

The car owner must have signed the appropriate forms to renew car registration. The person who you designate to renew for you must have Power of Attorney to sign for the car owner.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in New York

Do boats need to be registered?
Yes, boats needs to be registered in the state of New York. In order to properly register your boat, you will need to bring the following documentation to an in-person visit at your local tax county collectors office:
  • Bill of Sale if your boat was purchased from a private party
  • Proof of identity such as your drivers license
  • Proof of ownership
  • Payment for any necessary fees
  • Complete a Boat Registration/Title Application

Your boat registration will be good for three years.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in New York

Do I need to file a police report if my registration was lost or stolen?
Yes, it is strongly recommended that you file a police report as soon as possible in the event that you need a NY car registration replacement. By doing so, you prevent the chances of becoming victim to identity theft or fraud.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in New York

Do I need to return my license plate if I move out of the state?
Yes, the state of New York makes it mandatory to surrender your license plate before moving to a new state. If you fail to so, your drivers license can be suspended. To make it easier for you, you have the option to surrender your license plate at a local DMV office or by mail.

If you wish to return your plates by mail, send them to the address below:

NYS DMV 6 Empire State Plaza Room B240 Albany, NY 12228

Make sure to list your current mailing address, so your records remain up to date.

To learn about how to get a personalized license plate in your new state, click on the new residential state above under the License Plate section.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in New York

Do I need to turn in my damaged registration?
The auto registration certificate must be legible at all times to verify its validity. If your vehicle registration is damaged, the NY DMV requires you to turn it in at a local DMV office at the time you replace your car registration. The DMV will invalidate the old registration certificate when a replacement car registration is issued.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in New York

Does a motorized scooter need to be registered?
Yes, the state of New York requires scooters to be fully registered. You will also need a drivers license in order to operate one. In terms of registration fees, this will vary depending on the weight.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in New York

Does my vehicle qualify for a smog inspection?
To get car registration, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles requires most vehicles in the state to complete and pass a safety and emissions inspection. This type of inspection must be done on a yearly basis. To see if your vehicle is exempt from emissions testing, you can find out more by visiting the Emissions Standards page of the NY DMV website.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in New York

How can I renew my vehicle registration?
The state of New York allows drivers to renew their vehicle registration in one of three ways: online, by mail or in person.

If you would like to complete car registration renewal online, then you need to visit the NY DMV Renew Registration page. Keep in mind that you will be unable to renew online if you have not received a registration renewal notice in the mail.

For renewing car registration by mail, you will need to send any necessary payment, along with the bottom portion of your renewal notice to this address:

NYS DMV Port Jefferson Office 3 Roads Plaza 1055 Route 112 Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776

If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can submit a Vehicle Registration/Car Title Application (Form MV-82) instead. Please note that it will take about 10 days to receive your registration renewal in the mail.

To renew in person, bring the aforementioned application and payment for any fees to a DMV office.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in New York

How can I transfer my registration to another state?
Depending on the state you need to transfer your car registration to, you will be required to at least visit a DMV office, report you moved to the new state and verify with them which documents you need to bring for your registration appointment. If you are a new resident of New York, visit the New Registration page for more details.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in New York

How do I apply for a disabled person parking placard or plates?
If you have a severe, permanent or temporary mobility impairment, then you may be qualified for a handicap permit and a handicap placard. You can apply for either a state permit or a New York City permit.

For your convenience, you have the option to apply for a state permit online by visiting this page.

If you wish to apply by mail, then you and your licensed physician will have to fill out the Application for a New York State Parking Permit for People with Disabilities and mail it to the address listed on the form. You will also need to present proof of identification along with your request.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in New York

How do I file a police report if my car registration was stolen?
The best way to file a police report is to contact your local authorities in person and explain that youve had a lost car registration or stolen car registration. You will need to ask the appropriate parties to fill out a police report, which you can then bring into a DMV office to complete the process.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in New York

How do I obtain a duplicate car registration?
The state of New York allows you to replace your car registration either by mail, online or in person.

To complete the process online, you will need to visit the NYS DMV website.

To send in your request by mail, gather a copy of your drivers license, a completed Vehicle Registration/Car Title Application (Form MV-82), along with payment for any necessary fees and send them to:

NYS DMV Port Jefferson Office 3 Roads Plaza 1055 Route 112 Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776

To obtain a replacement registration in person, simply make a visit to a local DMV office with the aforementioned documents and materials. If you have lost or stolen plates, you may only request a replacement in person.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in New York

How do I obtain car registration?
If you purchased your vehicle through a private party, then you will be required to make an in-person visit to a nearby tax county collectors office to complete your car registration. However, to save yourself some time, you can fill out an application online by visiting the E-Z Visit Registration page.

If you purchased your vehicle through a dealer, then they will take care of the step-by-step process for titling and registration and for you.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in New York

If I do not renew on time, will there be an additional fee?
Yes, you will be charged a penalty late fee if you do not renew your car registration in time. The NY DMV grants a grace period of five business days. After that point, you will receive a fine for $200. The expiration date is the last business day of the month printed on the vehicle registration.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in New York

Is there a different process I must follow if I lost personalized plates?
No, the process to replace personalized license plates is the same as replacing standard NY tags. You will be required to fill out the standard paperwork, present proof of identity and pay any necessary fees in order to get NY car registration replacement.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in New York

Should I carry the registration on me or in the car?
Yes, you must keep your DMV car registration in the vehicle at all times. If you are pulled over by law enforcement, you must provide your car registration or risk getting a ticket. You can read more about all things related to car registration in the New Registration section.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in New York

What are the most common reasons why I would need to replace my registration?
The most common reasons in which a driver would require duplicate car registration is due to the following:
  • Lost car registration
  • Stolen car registration
  • Damaged car registration

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in New York

What are the required fees for my vehicle registration?
New York car registration fees vary, depending on the weight of the vehicle. However, the NY DMV website provides an Estimate Registration Fees calculator, which allows you to have a better idea of what fees you may be required to pay. Visit it here.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in New York

What are the required fees to get replacement registration?
The fee to replace a lost car registration certificate is $3. If you need to replace a new license plate, the replacement fee is $25 for two new plates. If you need to replace just one license plate, the cost is $12.50.

Fees may vary if you have a customized license plate.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in New York

What are the required fees to renew my registration?
Whenever you receive your renewal notice in the mail, you will see mention of your required fee. If you are renewing car registration online, this fee will appear on your computer screen as you complete the process.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in New York

What documents do I need to present to get a replacement car registration?
For replacing car registration, the NYS DMV requires drivers to bring the following:

Proof of identity may be in the form of your drivers license or ID card, for example.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in New York

What documents do I need to present to get new registration?
The NY DMV requires a driver to bring the following documents in order to complete new DMV car registration:

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in New York

What documents do I need to present to renew my car registration?
If renewing in person or by mail, you will need to submit a Vehicle Registration/Car Title Application (Form MV-82) and provide proof of identity, like your valid NY driver’s license. The bottom part of your renewal notice will also be accepted.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in New York

What should I do if I have not received my registration tags or stickers?
If you have not received your registration documentation, then it is advised you contact a DMV Call Center for further assistance. Depending on where you reside, there are different phone numbers to call.

To find out more about telephone assistance, visit the NY DMV Phone Numbers page. You may also choose to inquire about your registration tags in person at a local DMV office instead.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in New York

When does my car registration expire?
The date in which your New York vehicle registration expires will be printed on your renewal notice. It is most often the last day of the registration expiration month. Keep in mind that to renew in person, you must consider the last business day of the month.

You can also choose to sign up to receive paperless reminders through the NY DMV website. Keep in mind that if you are currently in the military, then you may have the option to extend your registration renewal date. To get further details, contact your local DMV office.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in New York

Where can I find a local tax county collector office?
In New York, you can replace car registration at any DMV office. For a full listing, visit the NYS DMV website.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in New York

Will I need to fill out an application to replace my car registration?
Yes, the state of New York requires drivers to complete an Vehicle Registration/Car Title Application (Form MV-82) when getting a car registration copy. There are certain proofs of identification that will be asked for as well. Be sure to book an appointment and review the Registration Replacement page beforehand.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in New York

Will I receive a renewal registration notice in the mail?
Yes, you should receive a courtesy car registration renewal notice. If you do not, you are encouraged to contact the NY DMV for further clarification. Make sure that your current address is on file as this is the location your notice will be sent to.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in New York

Will my registration expire on my birthday or birth month?
The date in which your registration expires will be listed on the renewal notice you receive in the mail. If you have not received a notice, you are encouraged to contact the NY DMV to verify about renewing car registration documents.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in New York