Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn in my damaged car title?
Yes, you are required to turn in your damaged car title, and the issuance of a duplicate car title will make the damaged one invalid. Take the damaged title to the NY DMV office so they can issue another one for you and destroy the one you currently have.

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

How do I file a police report if my car title was stolen?
The only way to file a police report is to visit your local police station to notify authorities that your car title was stolen. Make sure to leave with a police report. Then go to the DMV in person, provide the police report and the car title replacement fee will be waived.

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

How do I obtain a duplicate car title?
If you lost your NY car title, then you will need to obtain a duplicate car title before you can transfer your vehicle to a new owner. You can do so either online, by mail or in person at your nearby NYS DMV office.

For a replacement online, venture over to the NYS DMV Replace a Title Certificate page to get started. However, be aware that you will be unable to request a duplicate title online if:

  • You need to use a power of attorney.
  • A lien is removed.
  • It’s in the place of a deceased owner.
  • To title a boat.

To make your request by mail, send an Application for Duplicate Title (Form MV-902), copy of your drivers license and payment for a $20 fee to the address below:

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Title Bureau P.O. Box 2750 Albany, NY 12220

You can also request a duplicate title in person by providing all of the aforementioned documents during your visit.

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

How do I obtain a salvaged car title?
If your vehicle is damaged beyond repair (whereby repairs would cost more than 75 percent of its retail value), then you will need to obtain a salvaged car title. You can do so by first indicating on your car title that your vehicle is damaged or destroyed. A damaged disclosure statement on the back of your car title will allow you to input this information. Thereafter you will need to bring this document, as well as proof of sales tax paid or purchase price, to any nearby DMV office.

The NYS Department of Motor Vehicles will have to conduct a vehicle examination before they can issue you a new title. For them to be able to fulfill your request, make sure you fill out the Application for Salvage Vehicle Examination, as well as submit an Vehicle Registration/Car Title Application (Form MV-82).

For more information: Title Transfers or Obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New York

How do I transfer my car title between states?
If you are a new resident of New York, you will need to bring your out-of-state title to a local DMV office for a car title transfer. Make sure to present proof of New York car insurance prior to your visit as the state will not accept out-of-state insurance. Once you have gathered these two documents, you will be asked to fill out the following:

To complete the process, you will need to pay any necessary fees.

If there is a lien on your vehicle, then you will be required to present a certified copy of your title from the lienholder, as well as a statement that verifies you as the vehicle owner and includes any key details about the vehicle.

For more information: Title Transfers or Obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New York

How do I transfer my car title if I lost the original?
If you lost a NY title for car certification, then you will need to obtain a duplicate car title before you can transfer your vehicle to a new owner. You can do so either online, by mail or in person at your nearby NYS DMV office.

For a replacement online, venture over to the NYS DMV Replace a Title Certificate page to get started. However, be aware that you will be unable to request a duplicate online if you need to use a power of attorney, if a lien is removed, in the place of a deceased owner or to title a boat.

To make your request by mail, send an Application for Duplicate Title (Form MV-902), copy of your drivers license and payment for a $20 fee to the address below:

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Title Bureau P.O. Box 2750 Albany, NY 12220

You can also request a duplicate title in person by providing all of the aforementioned documents during your visit.

For more information: Title Transfers or Obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New York

How do I transfer my car title?
To properly transfer title for car, you will need to first have the original Certificate of Title in your possession. As the current owner of your vehicle, you will need to fill out any necessary information on the bottom portion of the car title before handing it over to the new owner. Make sure to also provide the new owner with a Bill of Sale, which should include details such as the vehicles odometer mileage disclosure, model of the car, year of the car, selling price and more.

It is advisable that you accompany the new owner to a local DMV office as to avoid any questions or issues that could potentially arise. Keep in mind that a photocopy of your car title will not be accepted.

If you are a driver who is in the process of buying a new vehicle, the dealer will be able to take care of the entire titling process for you.

For more information: Title Transfers or Obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New York

How do I transfer the title of my RV?
To transfer title documentation for your RV, you will need to follow the same procedure as you would for a standard vehicle. For example, you will have to fill out any necessary information on the bottom portion of the title before handing it over to the new owner. Make sure to also provide the new owner with a Bill of Sale, which should include details such as odometer mileage disclosure and sales price.

If you are the driver purchasing the RV, keep in mind that your name must appear on the title certificate as the buyer.

For more information: Title Transfers or Obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New York

How long does it take to receive my replacement car title after ordering online?
If you requested a NY car title replacement online, it may take up to three business days for your new title to be mailed out. This all depends on what day you placed your order and during what time. If you would like to know the status of your order, you can contact the Title Service Bureau phone number at 518-486-4714.

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

If a family member dies and leaves his or her car to me, how do I switch over the title?
The transfer of title process for the vehicle of a deceased owner depends on whether or not you are the surviving spouse, the surviving child or an individual not related to the family.

Children or the surviving spouse must complete the Affidavit for Transfer of Motor Vehicles MV3491 form.

If there are no children or surviving minor children, complete the Transfer of Vehicle Registered in Name of Deceased Person MV349 form. This form also applies when there is not a will or a Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration have not and will not be secured.

You will also need to present a Death Certificate and the Certificate of Title. For more specific details, visit the NYS website. You can also contact a nearby DMV office for further clarification pertaining to your individual case.

For more information: Title Transfers or Obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New York

What are some reasons that may require me to transfer my car title?
You may need to transfer title documentation for one of a few reasons:
  • You are in the process of selling your vehicle.
  • You are in the process of buying a vehicle.
  • You want to transfer your car as a gift to someone else.
  • You want to donate your car to a charity or another worthy cause.

For more information: Title Transfers or Obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New York

What are the required fees to get a replacement car title?
To replace lost car title documents, the fee is $20. The NY DMV accepts cash, personal checks, money order, credit and debit cards.

Keep in mind that fees may vary.

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

What documents do I need to present for a replacement car title?
If you are requesting a New York car title replacement in person or by mail, you will need to submit a completed Application for Duplicate Title (Form MV-902), proof of identity such as your drivers license and a payment fee.

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

What documents do I need to transfer my car title?
In order to transfer your NY car title, you will mainly need your Certificate of Title, along with a Bill of Sale to provide the new owner with. It is important that you make a copy of the Bill of Sale for your own records as well. You may also want to write down the Odometer Disclosure Statement on the back of the title certificate.

For more information: Title Transfers or Obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New York

What forms must I fill out for a duplicate car title?
To get a duplicate car title, the DMV agent will give an Application for Duplicate Title (Form MV-902). You also have the option to download the form here, type directly on it, then print it out to submit in person.

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

What if the original is located after my car title replacement has been issued?
Your original NY car title will be deemed invalid if you have already requested a car title replacement. It is highly recommended that you contact the DMV to verify what you should do with the original in the event that it has been you.

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

What is the process to get a title for a scooter or motorcycle?
In order to obtain a car title for your scooter or motorcycle, you will need to visit your local NYS DMV office with the following documentation:

You can get the aforementioned application in person if you feel more comfortable doing so. Be prepared to make payment for any applicable fees as well.

For more information: Title Transfers or Obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New York

When should I complete a Bill of Sale?
The Bill of Sale is a form drivers can use whenever they are buying or selling used cars. This form can be used by the seller and the buyer and includes information like the color, model, year and sale price. In addition, the addresses of both buyers and sellers. In New York, a bill of sale is not required in a private sale. Instead, it is required to fill out a Statement of Transaction Claim for Credit of Sales Tax Paid to Another State for Motor Vehicle, Trailer, All‑Terrain Vehicle (ATV), Vessel, or Snowmobile (Form DT-804) to validate the purchase of a used vehicle in private sale.

For more information, visit the following pages:

For more information: Title Transfers or Obtaining a New Certificate of Title in New York

Where can I mail my request for a replacement title?
There are two different mailing addresses you can use for your request, depending on whether youd like to receive your NY car title copy by regular mail or an expedited service.

If you would like regular mailing service, send your request to this address:

Title Bureau NYS DMV PO Box 2750 Albany, NY 12220-0750

For expedited service, your request should be sent to the following instead:

Duplicate Title Certificates NYS DMV 6 Empire State Plaza Albany, NY 12228

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

Will I need to present proof of insurance to get a car title replacement?
No, proof of insurance will not be necessary to replace car title. However, you will be asked to present proof of identity, such as your valid New York drivers license.

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