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There are currently road test cancellations or DMV offices closed for in-person services. See our “Cancellations, Closings and Delays” page for more information.

DEADLINE:

Any change of party enrollment completed through this DMV site must be done by 2/13 to be effective for this year’s primaries. Voters may still use the Board of Elections’ Online Voter Registration Portal to update their party by the 2/14 deadline.

Register a Vehicle

Register and title a passenger or commercial car, truck, motorcycle, or SUV.
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About

After you purchase a vehicle in a private sale, you (or your business) must register and title the vehicle. The title for a vehicle must be in the name of the owner(s), but it can be registered to another person or people. 

If you purchase a new vehicle through an auto dealership, you do not need to register the vehicle at a DMV office. The dealer can register and title the vehicle, and issue plates (and charge a fee for this).

 

Step 1: Insure Your Vehicle

You must register your vehicle at the DMV within 180 days of the effective date on your insurance ID card.

Learn more about New York State Insurance Requirements.

Step 2: Prepare Proofs and Fees

Submit Your Registration Application and Needed Documents for Pre-Screening

Use the Registration Pre-Screening tool to start your registration online. The tool will help you to:

  • Determine the documents you need and upload them for review prior to coming into the DMV office.
  • Complete a MV-82: Vehicle Registration/ Title Application (PDF).
  • If you are a resident of New York City, Long Island, Onondaga, Rockland, Westchester, or Albany County, you will also have the option to:
    • Pay your registration fee online and
    • Schedule a reservation to visit the DMV office to hand in your ownership document, if required, and pick up your vehicle registration and plates. We will have them waiting so you will be in and out quickly. 

You will need to create a NY.gov ID as part of the pre-screening process if you do not have one already.

 

Start Registration Application Online

 

Notice: This application is not for use by Dealers or Private Service Bureaus (PSBs). Use of this application by Dealers or PSBs could result in the suspension and/or revocation of their DMV-issued business license. 

Alternatively, you can use the DMV Registration Guide to determine what documents you need to apply and then find office and reservation information.

 

Estimate Fees 

The fees depend on the vehicle's weight, the vehicle's class, and where you live. First-time registration fees normally include

  • the sales tax
  • a vehicle plate fee or registration transfer fee
  • a title certificate fee
  • a vehicle use tax (in most counties)
  • either a 1 or 2-year registration fee, depending on the type of registration

You can estimate the registration fees you will need to pay

Step 3: Register and Title Your Vehicle at a DMV Office

Follow the instructions for how to register a vehicle in the county you live in.

See DMV office locations and how to make an appointment

 

Payment

DMV accepts

  • cash
  • most credit, pinless debit, or prepaid cards (American Express, Discover Card/Novus, MasterCard, or VISA)
  • a personal check or money order payable to "Commissioner of Motor Vehicles"

You can split your payment between cash and check.

 

Get Your Documents

We will give (or mail within 1-2 weeks) you these documents when you register:

  • 1 or 2 vehicle plates (unless you transfer a registration from another vehicle registered in New York)
  • Registration window sticker
  • Registration document
  • 10-day inspection extension sticker

If applicable, we will also send you a new title certificate (within 90 days). If you do not receive your title certificate by mail within 90 days, contact a DMV Contact Center. Your registration receipt can help verify your vehicle's plate number, make, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN).

When you receive your title, check to see if the information it contains about your vehicle is correct and agrees with the information on the vehicle registration document. If the title is incorrect, contact the DMV Contact Center and ask about getting an amended title. If both the registration and title are incorrect, bring them to a motor vehicle office.

Step 4: Get Your Vehicle Inspected

When you register a vehicle you will receive an inspection extension that will last 10 days from the date of the registration. You must get your vehicle inspected before the extension expires. An inspection issued to the previous registrant is not valid.

Learn more about inspection requirements.

Special Registration Conditions

Transfer the Registration From Another Vehicle You Own

After you sell or give away a vehicle, you can transfer the registration and vehicle plates to another vehicle you own. You must bring all of the documents required to register a vehicle, along with a completed Statement of Transaction (if this is a vehicle you have just purchased and do not currently have the title or transferable registration in your name), to a DMV office. The registration you're trying to transfer must also still have time left on it to be transferred—it cannot be expired.

 

If You Do Not Have the Title

Under most circumstances, when you first register and title a vehicle that you bought in New York State, you must provide DMV either a title or transferable registration signed over to you as proof of ownership. There are certain situations, however, where you might not have the title to a vehicle. For more information, please see the information linked below.  

 

If You Are Seeking a Clean Pass Vehicle (CPV) Sticker

This program is only available to those with qualifying vehicles (plug-in electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) that also drive on the Long Island Expressway. View more information about applying for the Clean Pass Vehicle Program.