Register an imported vehicle
How to register
To register an imported vehicle in New York, the vehicle must
- clear the U.S. Customs and Border Protection 1
- comply with NYS safety and emissions standards 2
You must provide the DMV:
- acceptable U.S. Customs and Border Protection documents
- acceptable proof of ownership of an imported vehicle
- all other documents needed to register and title a vehicle
Notes:
You must provide a certified English translation of any document printed in any language except English.
KEI-Class vehicles cannot be registered or titled in New York State. (Authority: Section 400-a of NYS VTL)
Acceptable U.S. Customs and Border Protection documents
The DMV accepts the following U.S. Customs and Border Protection documents
- CPB Form 368 - Collection Receipt or Informal Entry
- CPB Form 7523 - Entry and Manifest of Merchandise Free of Duty, Carrier's Certificate of Release
- CPB Form 3299 - Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles
- CPB Form 3311 - Declaration for Free Entry of Returned American Products
- CPB Form - 7501 Entry Summary
- CPB Form - 6059B Customs Declaration
Acceptable proof of ownership documents
The DMV accepts the following documents as proof of ownership of an imported vehicle
- Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) for a new vehicle manufactured for export to the US.
- New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS) for a new vehicle manufactured in Canada and never registered.
- Manufacturer's Invoice (copy) for a new vehicle not manufactured for export to the US and never registered.
- Certificate of Title or equivalent document for a used vehicle or a new vehicle registered before in another country. The DMV can also require a statement from the motor vehicle authorities in that country that the document is equivalent to a title certificate
- Military Registration and Certificate of Title of Motor Vehicle (DD-430) for a vehicle with a registration and title certificate issued by the US Armed Forces. Only form DD-430 is accepted to issue a NYS title certificate. Other US Armed Forces documents are accepted to issue a NYS registration only. You must provide us with acceptable proof of ownership to receive a NYS title certificate or transferable registration.
- 1. Contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the nearest Port of Entry, or visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website (http://www.cbp.gov/) for information about (A) vehicles imported by US residents, and (B) vehicles imported by non-residents and returning members of the US government or the US Armed Forces.
- 2.
The DMV can require your vehicle to comply with the minimum NYS safety and emissions standards even if your vehicle meets or is exempt from federal safety and emissions standards.