How to Register a Vehicle

Once you have completed the vehicle sale, the next step will be to have it properly titled and registered. If you have relocated to New York, keep in mind you will need to register your vehicle within the first 30 days of residency. Before preparing the required filings, you want to get the automobile legally insured in New York. To continue the process, you have the opportunity to make a reservation at your closest New York DMV facility or show up in person with the following documentation:

• A filled-out New York Registration and Title Application (Form MV-82).
• An authorized title to the vehicle was signed over to the recipient.
• A bill of sale, complete with all necessary information and signatures.
• Sufficient proof of in-state vehicle insurance with a New York State insurance identification card.
• New York State-issued driver’s license, ID card, or an acceptable alternative.
• Payment for all fees and taxes associated with the titling and registration of the vehicle.
• If the transaction of the vehicle was in the form of a private party sale, you will also need to furnish a New York Statement of Transaction (DTF-802).
• If the tax on the vehicle was paid in a previous state, you may want to complete The Claim for Sales and Tax Use Exemption (Form DTF-803).

How to Register a Boat

In New York, vessel registrations remain valid for a 3-year period. To obtain a registration, appear in person with the following documents to a DMV office that is suitable for you (you may also send the requirements via mail):

• Acceptable proof of ownership, such as:
  • Bill of sale
  • The vessel’s title signed and dated by the preceding owner.
  • Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin
  • The New York DMV also provides a list of all acceptable forms of proof.

• A legal ID stating your name and DOB (driver’s license, state-issued ID, passport, etc.)
• An executed Boat Registration/Title Application (Form MV-82B).
• If the vessel has a lien, you must provide a completed New York Notice of Lien (Form MV-900).
• For sales tax purposes, you will need to complete a Statement of Transaction for Sale or Gift of a Motor Vehicle, Trailer, All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), Vessel (Boat), or Snowmobile (Form DTF-802).
• Payment for the registration process and taxes. Acceptable forms of payment include:
  • Credit or Debit Card
  • Cash
  • Money Order
  • Check