In order to transfer ownership of a vehicle in New York, it’s important to understand how the process works in the Empire State. That’s where eTags comes in! Ready? Let’s go:
Use eTags© to Quickly Complete Your DMV Service. Renewals, Title Transfers and More, All Online!
What Is a Vehicle Title?
A vehicle title, or certificate of title, is the document that provides proof of vehicle ownership. Titles will be held for cars, motorhomes, motorcycles, trucks, and even boats.
Any time a vehicle is sold, inherited, or gifted, the title must be transferred from the previous owner to the new one. This is often referred to as “signing over” the title, as signatures are required to complete the process.
How do I Transfer a Vehicle Title in New York?
Every state has its own laws and guidelines associated with transferring a vehicle title. In the state of New York, here’s what you will need to do:
- Gather all necessary documents. You will need:
- The original, undamaged certificate of title
- A bill of sale (the document detailing the vehicle’s purchase information)
A bill of sale should contain the following elements:
- Make, model, and year of the vehicle
- Purchase price
- Date of sale
- VIN (vehicle identification number)
- Full legal names of buyer and seller
- Both the seller and buyer must fill in the sections on the back of the title that are provided for the purpose of transferring. Each person will complete the areas designated for them, remembering to finish with their signatures in the allotted space.
- The buyer (if they want to drive the vehicle legally) will need to obtain local New York auto insurance that meets the state minimum coverage requirements.
Please note that if you are transferring a certificate of title from a state other than New York, you may be required to obtain notarization of the transfer. Titles from the following locations must be notarized:
Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Washington, Wyoming, Puerto Rico
What if the vehicle is a gift?
To gift a vehicle, the process is almost identical. The main differences between a sale and a gift are:
- In the space for purchase price, mark $0
- You will need this form
What if I bought my car from a dealership?
Typically, when you buy a vehicle at a dealership, they will provide a form called a Retail Certificate of Sale (MV-50). If you misplaced this form, contact the dealership you purchased the car from to get a copy.
Can I transfer my New York title online?
Yes! With eTags online, you can transfer your New York certificate of title quickly and easily. Simply head over to our main page, select New York as your state, and then choose the service that best suits your needs. You will be guided step by step through the transaction in just minutes.
And if you find yourself looking for a bit of assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We have a team of title (and tag) experts dedicated to facilitating transfers, registrations, renewals, replacements, and more. Because as always, at eTags, we’re here to help!
14 comments
I want to sell a car registered in NYS to someone who lives in another state. What do I have to do as the seller? I am a resident of NYS.
You only need to complete and sign the title in the required seller sections on the title. It is the buyers responsibility to get all other documents together to be able to title and register in their state of residence. Since some states required a Bill of Sale either signed by the seller, notarized, or both, it would be the buyer’s responsibility to assure that they obtain that (from you) in order for them to be able to register the vehicle in their state. Lastly, even if the buyer will not need a bill of sale, it can be useful to have two completed such that each party has one. For your purposes, the bill of sale would be useful to have in case the buyer never completes the transfer in/to their state and the vehicle is flagged with infractions or other issues that you would not want to continue to be associated with you/your record. Best of luck.
I recently purchased a boat trailer in Illinois and I want to register and title it in my name in NY . What paperwork do I need I have a filled out DTF 802. A bill of Sale signed by buyer and seller as well as the Illinois title.
Hello, yes you can title and register the boat trailer through eTags online. You’ll need the title and driver’s license or 6 points’ worth of ID which you can choose from the following list. Our website will produce Form mv82, plus you’ll have access to a title and registration specialist should you have any questions.
I’m selling my 1982 boat and trailer to someone in NY. Both the boat and trailer have PA titles. Where can I take the paperwork to get notarized and do I need all of the seller’s information before I can get it notarized?
Thanks
Hey there, eTags doesnt handle boat titles in NY. Bur you can get it notarized anywhere.
Hello, I am buying a vehicle in New York State that was titled in Pennsylvania. The seller now lives in upstate NY. How does the notary process work for vehicle title transfer. Can we both have a New York State Notary notarize the Title or does it have to be done by a Pennsylvania notary office?
Hello there, can you pls resend your question with where you’d like to title and register your vehicle?
Can I (a PA resident) sell my car to a New York resident, and use your services to transfer the title? or will i need to go to a notary?
Yes, the New York resident you are planning to sell your car to can use our service to transfer the title and register the vehicle. Since you are a PA resident, we assume the title for your car is a PA title. If that is the case, make sure you complete the “seller” section on the back of the title and have it notarized. The person you are selling the car to will also have to to complete the section on the bottom front and the “purchaser” section on the back and have both sections notarized.
IN NEW YORK STATE. CAN I TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OF A 2019 CAR TO MY SON BY SIGNING THE CURRENT REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE TO HIM WITHOUT THE USE OF THE CAR TITLE PAPER?
This article from NY state DMV should help: https://dmv.ny.gov/registration/register-vehicle-more-one-owner-or-registrant#footnote1_ua2qubb
what do i do with the old plates that i just took off the trailer i sold? Does DMV have a area for returned plates, stand on the crazy line and turn them in? or with the COVID mess are they even open?
https://dmv.ny.gov/registration/how-surrender-return-or-turn-your-plates-dmv