Moving to New York? Transfer Your Title Online

If you’ve just moved to New York, we know you’ve probably got a lot on your plate. Between traveling, unpacking, and furnishing your new spot, there’s no shortage of things to do. And while you’re settling in, we can imagine that the last thing on your mind is transferring your out-of-state car title.

That’s where we come in: eTags makes transferring your car title to New York easier than ever. All it takes is a few minutes to request your new title online. Here, we’ll show you exactly how the process works, so you can focus on exploring your new home state.

Why You Need To Transfer Your Title After Moving to New York

Your certificate of title – the document you received when you purchased your vehicle –  is proof of your ownership of the vehicle. However, because it was issued by the state you used to live in (not New York), it is only valid there. To reestablish ownership of your vehicle locally, titling your car in New York is a must.

It’s important to note that a valid New York title is required in order to register your vehicle in New York. Without a local title and local, current registration, you could be looking at fines and fees if you are stopped by authorities for any reason. New York law requires new residents to title and register incoming vehicles within 30 days of moving.  So transferring your out-of-state title is high priority!

Documents Needed To Transfer Your Vehicle Title to New York

To transfer your title to New York, you need the following documents and information:

• Your old title: You must have your old title to exchange it for a New York version. If you lost your title document, or if it has been damaged or defaced, you must apply for a duplicate title from your former state’s DMV before you can proceed.

Depending on the state you’ve recently moved from, eTags can help replace your lost title.

If you’re still paying off your car, your lender likely has your title. To access it, you can send your bank a transfer request form requestion that they send your title to the New York DMV for an update.

• Driver’s license or state ID: You need proof of identification to perform an out-of-state title transfer in New York. And on the topic of IDs, it might be a good time to switch licenses to your new state as well.
• Current insurance: To register a car, you need an active, New York insurance policy that meets New York’s insurance coverage minimums.
• Emissions check results (if needed): New York requires any car that is less than 25 years old to pass inspection. Visit the New York State emissions testing page to see which tests your vehicle needs to pass. 
• Vehicle identification number (VIN): It’s a good idea to keep your VIN written down somewhere safe. You’ll need this number to complete title transfer forms.
• Completed NY DMV title transfer forms: Print out and complete form MV-82.  This completed form is your application for a new title, and must be filled out accurately. You should also complete form DTF-803, which will prevent you from having to pay sales tax on a vehicle you already own.

Once you have all these items in hand, you’re ready to transfer your title online.

How To Do an Out-of-State Title Transfer in New York Online

1. Gather all necessary documents: your current title, forms, and driver’s license.
2. Head to our homepage, select NY as your state, and enter your VIN to get started.
3. Enter additional information: Our system will prompt you to add personal information, such as your name, address, and vehicle type. At this point, you’ll also submit any completed title transfer forms.
4. Pay any fees: You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or bank withdrawal.
5. Await your new title to arrive in the mail: In about a week, your official document will arrive.

By completing these simple steps, you can re-title your vehicle in a matter of minutes, all without having to leave your home!