How to Get a Title for an Abandoned Vehicle in New York
New York has a 10 days (suspected abandoned) → 30 days (confirmed abandoned) wait period before you can begin the title process. Here is everything a towing company, storage facility, or property owner needs to know.
Quick Reference
Wait Period & Reporting
10 days (suspected abandoned) → 30 days (confirmed abandoned) wait required. A vehicle parked on the same spot for 10 days on public property may be tagged as suspected abandoned. After 30 days of documented non-movement, law enforcement can authorize removal.
Notifying the Owner
Law enforcement notification required; DMV certified mail to last registered owner
New York process flows through law enforcement, not private parties. Private property owners must contact local police to initiate.
Lienholder Rights
NYDMV notifies lienholder. Lienholder has 30 days to respond or is deemed to have waived.
New York liens under Lien Law §201-a attach to the vehicle automatically when storage fees exceed $100.
The Title Application Process
Form/Program: Abandoned Vehicle Title via Law Enforcement — MV-78B
Private parties cannot directly apply; law enforcement submits the report to DMV. Garages and tow yards file Form MV-65 for storage liens.
Restrictions & Requirements
- Private parties cannot independently apply — law enforcement must be involved
- Salvage titles cannot be cleared through the abandoned vehicle process
- NYC has additional TLC regulations for tow trucks
New York-Specific Note
New York-Specific Facts for Abandoned Vehicle Title
New York Vehicle transfer fees and requirements
In New York, the title transfer fee is $50 and registration costs $26 - $140 for 2-year registration based on weight. Vehicle sales are subject to 4% state tax plus local taxes (total 7-8.875% in NYC). New York does not require notarization for private-party vehicle transfers. Emission testing is required in New York — verify the vehicle passes before completing the sale.
- Annual safety and emissions inspection required
- Sales tax based on county of residence, not purchase location
- Bill of sale (MV-912) required for title transfer
- Insurance and inspection must be current before registration
Official New York bill of sale form
The official New York bill of sale form is MV-912 (Vehicle Bill of Sale). BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets all New York requirements and can be used in place of the official form.
New York sales tax on vehicle purchases
New York has a 4% state sales tax rate. 4% state plus county/city taxes (total up to 8.875% in NYC). Private-party vehicle sales in New York are subject to sales tax. Sales tax based on county of residence; applies to private sales. The title transfer fee is $50.
New York bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 6,134 bill of sale documents for New York transactions, with 165 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
More New York Vehicle Guides
- Temporary Operating Permit in New York
- Trade-In Tax Credit in New York
- Vehicle Import Rules in New York
- Vehicle Impound Recovery in New York
- Service Contract vs Warranty in New York
- Vehicle Shipping Tax in New York
Each guide is written specifically for New York laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before a vehicle is considered abandoned in New York?
New York requires a 10 days (suspected abandoned) → 30 days (confirmed abandoned) wait period. A vehicle parked on the same spot for 10 days on public property may be tagged as suspected abandoned. After 30 days of documented non-movement, law enforcement can authorize removal.
How do I notify the owner of an abandoned vehicle in New York?
Law enforcement notification required; DMV certified mail to last registered owner. New York process flows through law enforcement, not private parties. Private property owners must contact local police to initiate.
How much does it cost to get an abandoned vehicle title in New York?
$50 DMV fee; storage fees regulated by county. New York City tow rates are regulated by TLC: $185 initial tow + $20/day storage. Upstate rates vary by county.
How long does the abandoned vehicle title process take in New York?
60–120 days. New York's law enforcement involvement adds time. Expect 2–4 months from abandonment to clean title.
Does New York require a surety bond for an abandoned vehicle title?
Yes. New York often requires a $1,500–$5,000 surety bond for vehicles where chain-of-title is unclear, valid for 3 years.
Selling the Vehicle After You Get Title?
Create a compliant New York bill of sale to protect yourself in the transaction.
Generate Bill of SaleSource: New York State DMV Abandoned Vehicle. Abandoned vehicle laws change frequently — verify current wait periods with your state DMV.