How To Transfer a Car Title in New York

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Chris Cho

Chris Cho

Chris is Head of Content for FindTheBestCarPrice and is based out of Philadelphia, PA. As a seasoned automotive industry analyst and car enthusiast, he ensures the highest level of quality across all our content and curates our picks for the best deals each month.
Chris studied information systems and marketing at Drexel University and writes about a wide range of topics ranging from car buying tips to troubleshooting common mechanical issues.

When he’s not thinking about cars, he likes to stay in with his dog and make an “attempt” to finish a crossword puzzle (he’s not quite at the Saturday/Sunday level…yet). As a former cheesemonger, Chris still has a “sharp” passion for all things cheese, and his fridge is always loaded with it!

Chris also has a passion for things that go fast, and drones are no exception. He spends some of his time writing for Dronesourced.

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In New York, transferring a car title is not only limited to the buying and selling of a car. You need to transfer a car title in New York when you buy or sell a car, receive a vehicle as a gift, or when the vehicle is obtained as a form of inheritance.

Car title transfer proves that there is a change of ownership between the buyer and seller, giver and receiver. So, how do you transfer car titles in New York?

To transfer a car title in New York, you will need to

• present proof of ownership
• apply and register for title transfer
• provide the necessary documents
• pay the necessary fees and taxes

Read on to find out more about car title transfer in New York.

Key Takeaways

• You must transfer a car title in New York to provide proof of ownership.
• Both the seller and buyer must sign the transfer section of the proof of ownership form, which may require notarization depending on the state from which the certificate of title originates.
• You must also complete a bill of sale and an odometer disclosure statement.
• Finalizing the title transfer process in New York requires paying the necessary fees, including a title fee of $50,

Can You Transfer a Car Title Online in NY?

No. You cannot transfer a car title online in NYC. You will need to visit a DMV office near you. However, there are options for you to start the registration for a title in New York via mail.

What Forms Do I Need To Transfer a Title in NY?

Here are the important documents to transfer your car title to New York.

• Certificate of Title
• Bill of Sale
• Odometer Disclosure Statement
• Statement of Transaction
• Proof of Insurance
• Proof of Identification

To complete your car title transfer in New York, you will need to pay the fees, which include tax and claim of sales.

While the requirements are almost the same, the process differs depending on the occasion and reason why you are transferring a car title.

Reasons Why to Transfer a Car Title in New York

• Purchased a vehicle from a dealer or an individual
• Vehicle gifted or received as a gift
• Vehicle from a deceased owner
• Vehicles to a revocable living trust

How To Transfer Car Title in New York

1. Proof of Ownership

The first step is to provide proof of ownership.

You must provide the original copy of the certificate of title. But if the proof of ownership is from another state, then a title document can serve as an electronic or printed copy.

2. Signing and Documentation

Upon confirmation and provision of the documents offered, the seller must record the buyer's name and sign the transfer section provided on the proof of ownership form.

Both parties must notarize the transfer section, especially if the proof of ownership is a certificate of title from:

• Arizona
• Washington
• Nevada
• Alaska
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• Puerto Rico
• Wyoming

3. Bill of Sale

The seller must sign the bill of sale according to the method of vehicle acquisition.

Suppose the vehicle was gotten as a gift. In that case, the seller must sign section 6 on the second page of the “Statement of Transaction-Sale or Gift of Motor Vehicle, Trailer, All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), Vessel (boat), or snowmobile” form.

On the form, the seller must:

• specify the type of vehicle
• write the name of the new owner
• include the name of the previous owner
• classifies the sale as a gift (if applicable) as there was no sales tax collected during the transaction

4. Odometer Disclosure Statement

The seller must complete and submit an odometer disclosure statement if the vehicle was manufactured within or after 2011.

The disclosure statement must be completed at the back of the title certificate. A damage disclosure statement is also necessary.

All parties involved in the signing and completion of the form must ensure that there are no alterations, erases, or changes.

5. Paying the necessary fees

To finalize the process, pay the necessary fees. New York has a title fee of $50, but this doesn’t cover registration fees, license plates, tax, and lots more.

A seller cannot transfer a title if he got it from another buyer; the seller will need to apply for a title with the “Title Certificate only” form. This will grant them access to a new title.

This process applies to vehicles with the model year 1973 or newer and the same with model 1972 or older. However, with a 1972 model car or older, you need to confirm that the registration document is clearly marked “transferable” in front.

How Do I Transfer Title on a Car in NY (Dealers)?

1. Proof of Ownership

Proof of ownership for a new vehicle from a licensed dealer in New York includes:

• Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO)
• Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) and completed form MV-50 (Retail Certificate of Sale)

Proof of ownership for a used vehicle from a licensed dealer in New York includes:

• Title certificate that the previous owner signed to transfer the ownership to the dealer
• Retail Certificate of Sale (MV-50). The dealer will need to sign this to transfer ownership to you (out-of-state dealers will use a different bill of sale form)

If the dealer won't provide proof of ownership after multiple attempts, then you can file a complaint with the Department of motor vehicles, New York.

2. Application and Fees

Some dealers make it easier for their customers by helping them file all applications related to registration and title. They will likely charge $175 for this.

In most situations, the application process might include the provision of the dealer’s bill of sale, which covers:

• the contact and personal details of the dealer
• contact and personal details of the buyer
• vehicle identification number
• model name of vehicle
• year and make
• the number of wheels on the car (especially if it is an All-Terrain Vehicle)

How Do I Transfer Title on a Vehicle Received as a Gift in New York?

1. Proof of Ownership

The new owner (recipient of the gift) must ensure they get proof of ownership. This must also come with a bill of sale, which the seller and the buyer must complete.

Because the vehicle is a gift, the purchase price on the bill of sale is pegged at $0.

The “Statement of Transaction- Sale or Gift of Motor Vehicle, Trailer, All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), Vessel (Boat), or Snowmobile” will be completed and filled at the NY State Department of Tax and Finance will also indicate that the vehicle is a gift.

2. Bill of Sale

With the inclusion of proof of ownership, a bill of sale must be provided.

The bill of sale must include the following information:

• Date of the sale of the Vehicle
• Year and make of the vehicle
• Vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Purchase price of the vehicle
• Names and signatures of the buyer and the seller

Both parties (buyer and seller) can make copies of the bill of sale for future reference.

3. Visit a DMV office and complete the application and transfer of title

As the buyer and new vehicle owner, you will need to visit any DMV office near you with the bill of sale and proof of ownership. Finalize all payments to complete the title transfer.

How Do I Transfer Title on a Vehicle From a Deceased Owner in New York?

Transfer of title on a vehicle from a deceased owner in New York will work if the following conditions are satisfied:

• The owner of one vehicle with a value of $25,000 or less automatically has the vehicle transferred to the surviving spouse
• The owner of one vehicle with a value of $25,000 or less automatically has the vehicle transferred to the surviving children under the age of 21 if no surviving spouse or spouses were disqualified.

Here's how it works:

Surviving Spouse: The surviving spouse will have to print the decedent’s name on the seller’s name on the back of the title. This must be printed in full and the name signed in the signer’s signature section, with the words “surviving spouse” boldly written.

Children Under 21: For surviving children below the age of 21, the spouse or the guardian of the children will sign the title certificate, indicating the relationship of a deceased owner. They must write “guardian of”, with the name and relationship of the child clearly stated. For instance, (“Dean Barry, Guardian of Charles Arnold, Son”).

The affidavit for transfer of motor vehicle must be completed and notarized. The spouse or guardian should give the new owner a copy of the deceased's death certificate. The DMV will accept a copy of the death certificate and the completed transfer of motor vehicle form.

Conclusion

Transferring a car title in New York can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Yes, there are forms to fill out, fees to pay, and rules to follow, but you can get through it with some patience and determination.

Looking to transfer a car title in a different state? Check out our car title transfer guides for each state!