DMV regulations require the DMV to mark or 'brand' a title certificate if

• a vehicle is 8 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 fine of up to $2,000, 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

1. bring the title certificate and proof of sales tax payment or purchase price to a DMV office
2. pay the sales tax and get a sales tax receipt (FS-6T)
3. After completing the steps above, send all of the following items to the DMV Title Services Bureau
   • The title certificate, and Odometer and Damage Disclosure Statement (PDF) (MV-103), if the title certificate does not include the disclosure statement
   • The sales tax receipt (FS-6T)
   • A completed Salvage Examination/Title Application (PDF) (MV-83SAL) 
   • A personal check payable to "Commissioner of Motor Vehicles" in the amount of $205

When the Salvage Certificate (MV-907A) is the proof of ownership for a vehicle, the applicant must complete the salvage vehicle examination process in order to get a title. If the DMV issues a title certificate for a vehicle 8 model years or newer, the title certificate will display 'REBUILT SALVAGE: NY.' Generally, titles for vehicles older than 8 model years are not ‘branded.’