Title Transfer in New York with MV-82 and DTF-802

In a New York private car sale, the seller hands over the signed title and the MV-912 bill of sale, and the buyer is the one who completes the title transfer and registration at a NY DMV office. The key forms the buyer files are:

• MV-82 — Vehicle Registration / Title Application.
• DTF-802 — Statement of Transaction (sales tax or gift).
• MV-912 — the signed bill of sale from the seller.
• The signed Certificate of Title (MV-999) with the odometer section completed.
• Proof of New York auto insurance (NY ID card).
• Proof of identity (driver's license or NY Photo ID).

Step-by-step for the buyer

• Get NY auto insurance from a NY-licensed insurer before going to DMV. You cannot register without it.
• Fill out the MV-82 with your information and the vehicle's information from the title.
• Fill out the DTF-802 to declare the purchase price (or that it is a gift) so the DMV can calculate sales tax.
• Bring all documents and your payment (sales tax + title fee + registration fee + license plate fee if applicable) to a NY DMV office within 30 days of the sale.
• Receive a temporary registration and plates. The new permanent title arrives by mail.

Vehicles model year 1972 or older

New York issues Certificates of Title (MV-999) only for vehicles model year 1973 and newer. For 1972 and older vehicles, the seller transfers ownership using the Transferable Registration instead of a title. The buyer still files MV-82 + DTF-802 + the MV-912 bill of sale at the DMV.