Register a moped
What is considered a limited use motorcycle (aka ‘moped’)?
New York law defines limited use motorcycles, which are commonly called "mopeds" or "motor scooters", as "limited use vehicles with two or three wheels."
Are there any special requirements to operate a limited use motorcycle (moped) in New York?
The requirements to operate a moped are like those for motorcycles. You must have a driver license and register your moped to drive it on streets and highways. There are exceptions to these requirements listed in the table below. You can never operate a moped down a sidewalk.
The DMV classifies a moped as a Class A, Class B or Class C limited use motorcycle according to its top speed. Only a certified model of limited use motorcycle can get a registration in New York State (only the manufacturer can certify a moped).
Submit your documents, application and payment to the DMV
Follow the instructions for how to register a vehicle in the County you live in.
You can use the DMV Registration Guide to determine what documents you need to apply.
The class is determined by the range of the vehicle's top speed.
| Required? | Class A, over 30-40 mph | Class B, over 20-30 mph | Class C, 20 mph or less |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver license / permit | M/MJ 1 | any license class 2 | any license class 3 |
| Registration | required | required | required |
| Headlight on when operating | required | required | required |
| Helmet & eye protection | required | required | recommended |
| May operate on | any traffic lane | right-hand lane or shoulder only 4 | right-hand lane or shoulder only 5 |
| Insurance | required | required | recommended 6 |
| Inspection | required | recommended | recommended |
| Title | not required | not required | not required |
- 1. Learner permit restrictions apply to all permit classes. Junior operator restrictions apply to class DJ and MJ permits and driver licenses. See information about the Graduated License Law.
- 2. Learner permit restrictions apply to all permit classes. Junior operator restrictions apply to class DJ and MJ permits and driver licenses. See information about the Graduated License Law.
- 3. Learner permit restrictions apply to all permit classes. Junior operator restrictions apply to class DJ and MJ permits and driver licenses. See information about the Graduated License Law.
- 4. Except when making a left turn.
- 5. Except when making a left turn.
- 6. A Class C moped used as a rental vehicle must be insured.
Download forms
Vehicle Registration/Title Application (MV-82)For your convenience, many DMV PDF forms can be filled in online and then printed.