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Registrations
Register a Vehicle
Register and title a passenger or commercial car, truck, motorcycle, or SUV.
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After you purchase a vehicle in a private sale, you (or your business) must register and title the vehicle. The title for a vehicle must be in the name of the owner(s), but it can be registered to another person or people.
If you purchase a new vehicle through an auto dealership, you do not need to register the vehicle at a DMV office. The dealer can register and title the vehicle, and issue plates (and charge a fee for this).
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Step 1: Insure Your Vehicle
You must register your vehicle at the DMV within 180 days of the effective date on your insurance ID card.
Learn more aboutNew York State Insurance Requirements.
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Step 2: Prepare Proofs and Fees
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Submit Your Registration Application and Needed Documents for Pre-screening
Use the Registration Pre-Screening tool to start your registration application online. The tool will help you to:
- Determine the documents you need and upload them for review prior to coming into the DMV office.
- Complete a MV-82: Vehicle Registration/Title Application (PDF).
- If you are a resident of New York City, Long Island, Onondaga, Rockland, Westchester, or Albany County, you will also have the option to:
- Pay your registration fee online and
- Schedule a reservation to visit the DMV office to hand in your ownership document, if required, and pick up your vehicle registration and plates. We will have them waiting so you will be in and out quickly.
You will need to create a NY.gov ID as part of the pre-screening process if you do not have one already.
Start Registration Application Online
Notice: This application is not for use by Dealers or Private Service Bureaus (PSBs). Use of this application by Dealers or PSBs could result in the suspension and/or revocation of their DMV-issued business license.
Alternatively, you can use the DMV Registration Guide to determine what documents you need to apply and then find office and reservation information.
Estimate Fees
The fees depend on the vehicle's weight, the vehicle's class, and where you live. First-time registration fees normally include
- the sales tax
- a vehicle plate fee or registration transfer fee
- a title certificate fee
- a vehicle use tax (in most counties)
- either a 1 or 2-year registration fee, depending on the type of registration
You canestimate the registration fees you will need to pay.
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Step 3: Register and Title Your Vehicle at a DMV Office
Follow the instructions for how to register a vehicle in the county you live in.
See DMV office locations and how to make an appointment
Payment
DMV accepts
- cash
- most credit, pinless debit, or prepaid cards (American Express, Discover Card/Novus, MasterCard, or VISA)
- a personal check or money order payable to "Commissioner of Motor Vehicles"
You can split your payment between cash and check.
Get Your Documents
We will give (or mail within 1-2 weeks) you these documents when you register:
- 1 or 2 vehicle plates (unless you transfer a registration from another vehicle registered in New York)
- Registration window sticker
- Registration document
- 10-day inspection extension sticker
If applicable, we will also send you a new title certificate (within 90 days).If you do not receive your title certificate by mail within 90 days, contact a DMV Contact Center. Your registration receipt can help verify your vehicle's plate number, make, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN).
When you receive your title, check to see if the information it contains about your vehicle is correct and agrees with the information on the vehicle registration document. If the title is incorrect, contact the DMV Contact Center and ask about getting an amended title. If both the registration and title are incorrect, bring them to a motor vehicle office.
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Step 4: Get Your Vehicle Inspected
When you register a vehicle you will receive an inspection extension that will last10 daysfrom the date of the registration. You must get your vehicle inspected before the extension expires. An inspection issued to the previous registrant is not valid.
Learn more aboutinspection requirements.
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Special Registration Conditions
Transfer the Registration From Another Vehicle You Own
After you sell or give away a vehicle, you can transfer the registration and vehicle plates to another vehicle you own. You must bring all of the documents required to register a vehicle, along with a completedStatement of Transaction(if this is a vehicle you have just purchased and do not currently have the title or transferable registration in your name), to a DMV office. The registration you're trying to transfer must also still have time left on it to be transferred—it cannot be expired.
If You Do Not Have the Title
Under most circ*mstances, when you firstregister and title a vehicle that you boughtin New York State, you must provide DMV either a title or transferable registration signed over to you as proof of ownership. There are certain situations, however, whereyou might not have the title to a vehicle. For more information, please see the information linked below.
- Register a vehicle I bought at a sheriff or marshal auction
- Abandoned and unclaimed vehicles
- Register a custom or homemade trailer or vehicle
- Proof of ownership is not available
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Related Information
New York State Insurance Requirements DMV Registration Guide New York State Inspection Requirements Passenger Vehicle Registration Fees, Use Taxes and Supplemental Fees Commercial Vehicle Registration Fees, Vehicle Use Taxes and Supplemental Fees Register a Pick-up Truck as a 'Passenger' Class Vehicle Sales Tax Information Covered Farm Vehicle Sample New York State Title and Transferable Registration Documents Sample Registration Documents
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