DMV Commissioner's Regulations require the DMV to mark or "brand" a title certificate if:

• a vehicle is eight model years old or newer, and
• the owner indicated that the vehicle was destroyed or received damage of 75% or more of the retail value of the vehicle at the time the damage occurred.
• The owner must mark the box next to the statement on the back of the title certificate to certify the damage.

If you fail to disclose damage, you can pay a maximum fine of $2000, and any additional penalties according to the NYS Penal Law.

If the title certificate indicates that the vehicle was not destroyed or damaged, the DMV office processes the transaction normally.

If the title certificate indicates that the vehicle was destroyed or damaged, the DMV office cannot complete the transaction. To apply for a new title certificate only, the new owner must bring the title certificate and proof of sales tax payment or purchase price to a DMV office. The new owner must pay the sales tax and get a sales tax receipt (FS-6T). The new owner must send all of the following to the Title Services Bureau at the address below:

• The title certificate (and form MV-103 if the title certificate does not include the disclosure statement).
• The sales tax receipt (FS-6T).
• A completed form MV-82 (Application for Vehicle Registration / Title).
• Form MV-899 (Application for Salvage Vehicle Examination).
• A personal check made out to "Commissioner of Motor Vehicles" in the amount of $105.

The DMV must examine the vehicle. If the DMV issues a title certificate, the certificate receives a brand that displays: "REBUILT SALVAGE:NY". Get more information about the Salvage Vehicle Examination Program.

When form MV-907A (Salvage Certificate) is the proof of ownership for a vehicle, the applicant must apply for a title certificate only (see above). The title certificate will display "REBUILT SALVAGE:NY".

Important Information for New York State Registered Automobile Dealers

The Commissioner's Regulations require automobile dealers to receive a salvage disclosure statement from a vehicle owner when the vehicle is assigned to the dealer. This statement must be on the title certificate. The DMV will not register a vehicle or issue a title certificate for a vehicle if there is no salvage disclosure statement.

Automobile dealers must inform any vehicle buyer if:

• the vehicle was damaged before the first sale of the vehicle, or
• the title certificate has a brand that displays "REBUILT SALVAGE:NY", or
• the previous retail owner supplied a salvage disclosure statement as described above.

The dealer must confirm on the bill of sale that the buyer was notified that the vehicle was damaged. To protect yourself, ask the buyer to write their initials next to your statement on the bill of sale.