Completing the New York car title transfer procedure is necessary whenever the ownership of a vehicle is passed from the owner on record to a new title holder. Note that when completing title transfers for cars through the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), motorists can also obtain a new car registration at the same time.

However, if you prefer to complete the NY auto title transfer process only, without applying for a car registration, the state DMV provides for this eventuality. Review the standard NY title transfer requirements and learn how to fill out transfer of title documents by reading the following sections.

What is a car title transfer in New York?

Before transferring a vehicle title in New York, vehicle owners are encouraged to learn more about the transfer of car title process and why their title certificates are used for this purpose. The NY vehicle title transfer is a common procedure that leads to the transfer of ownership of a given vehicle from one individual to another.

The principal document used to pass ownership of a vehicle is the certificate of title, which is an official document issued by the state DMV that identifies a certain driver as the rightful vehicle owner. New vehicle owners who fail to transfer a car title will be unable to obtain a registration card and operate their motor vehicle.

When is a vehicle title transfer required in New York?

Auto owners must apply for title transfers for cars in New York under several different situations. For instance, in addition to transferring your vehicle title after obtaining it in a private sale, you will also have to complete a title transfer if the vehicle ownership is passed by means of inheritance or donation.

You will also need to apply for an NY title transfer for cars if you have received your vehicle as a gift.

Information and Documents Necessary to Transfer a Title in New York

Meeting the New York title transfer requirements is a mandatory step when transferring an auto title of a newly purchased vehicle. The standard criteria to transfer your car title in NY include submitting certain documents and paying the applicable titling and registration costs.

However, the information and paperwork necessary for the transfer of a car title may differ depending on the nature of the ownership transfer. For instance, the document and information requirements to complete the NY vehicle title transfer and register the vehicle after a private car sale are outlined below:

• A properly assigned title certificate containing the seller’s and the buyer’s personal information and signatures, the date of transfer and the odometer and the damage disclosure statements.
• A separate odometer statement, if this information cannot be provided on the title certificate.
• A signed bill of sale and a lien release form, if required.
• The DMV transaction statement.
• Proof of a valid car insurance coverage.
• A DMV-issued identification document, such as a driver’s license.
• A completed title application.

Note: In the event of a lost or damaged title certificate, the seller must obtain a replacement title certificate in order to transfer the vehicle ownership to the buyer.

The standard documents necessary to transfer a car title in NY after buying or selling a motor vehicle must be supplemented with additional paperwork under certain unique circumstances. For example, if you are transferring an auto title after the death of the original owner, you may also need the a particular transfer application or affidavit.

Steps for Performing a Transfer of Title in New York

If you are wondering, “How do you transfer a title on a car in New York?” it is important to note you cannot complete a title transfer online, so you will need to submit the necessary items through a nearby DMV site. Before making an office visit to complete the transfer of vehicle title, you can make a reservation through the department’s website.

Your DMV agent will process your NY car title transfer request as soon as he or she verifies the submitted documentation and fee payments.

Note that while your license plates, registration card and registration tab are issued immediately, your title will be mailed to your address on file within 90 days. If you choose to transfer your car title without paying your registration costs, you will be able to do so by submitting the title-only application with the supporting documents in person or by mail to the DMV Title Bureau section in Albany.

Note: After selling the vehicle, the seller can transfer his or her license plates from the sold vehicle to another motor vehicle.

Getting a New Car Title Versus Title Transfers in New York

Prior to getting a new car title in New York, vehicle owners need to learn the difference between applying for a new vehicle title and transferring a car title from one entity to another. To order a new car title in New York, motorists need to title and register their new vehicles.

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues new car title certificates to vehicle owners who have just purchased a motor vehicle or who have just moved to NY from another state. A new car title is an official proof of ownership that drivers must obtain in order to register their vehicle in the state.

On the other hand, the title transfer process must be performed when motorists want to transfer the ownership of a motor vehicle from one person to another. For example, transferring a title will be required in a situation where drivers are purchasing or selling a motor vehicle. Moreover, motorists may also need to transfer their car titles when they inherit a motor vehicle or when they receive it as a gift or donation.

Car Title Transfer Fees in New York

An important step when transferring a car title in New York is arranging payment for the applicable registration and titling fees. The main cost of the auto title transfer process includes a titling fee of $50 and the corresponding sales tax payment, which varies based on the vehicle value.

However, since both the NY title transfer and the registration procedure are often completed simultaneously, you will also be required to pay the corresponding registration fee and the costs for your license plates.

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