How to Sell a Car in New York (Private Party)
New York requires the seller to sign the title with a notarized signature, and the buyer must transfer the title within 10 days. A bill of sale and MV-912 form are recommended for liability protection.
Required Documents
- New York Certificate of Title — seller's signature must be notarized on the title assignment
- Odometer disclosure statement — included on the NY title or on a separate Form MV-103
- Bill of sale — highly recommended to document the sale price for tax purposes
- Form MV-912 (Record of Transaction) — used to release seller liability; available at ny.gov/dmv
- Valid government-issued ID
Title Transfer Process
- Seller signs the back of the title and has the signature notarized — this is a New York requirement
- Buyer submits the notarized title to any NY DMV office within 10 days
- Seller should keep a copy of the notarized title and bill of sale
- If the vehicle has a lien, request a lien release letter from the lienholder before sale
Taxes and Fees
- 4% New York State sales tax on the purchase price
- County and city taxes vary: New York City total is 8.875% (4% state + 4.5% city + 0.375% MCTD)
- Most upstate counties add 3%–4.5%, bringing combined rates to 7%–8.5%
- $50 title certificate fee paid by the buyer at DMV
- Taxes are paid by the buyer when registering the vehicle
Timeline
- Buyer must transfer title within 10 days of the sale date
- Notarization can be arranged at many banks, UPS Stores, or AAA offices — typically free or $2–$5
- NY DMV processing is typically same-day at a branch office
Seller Tips
- Do not hand over the vehicle until you have the notarized title ready to sign
- Submit Form MV-912 to notify NY DMV of the sale and release your liability
- License plates stay with the seller in New York — surrender or transfer them separately
- Cancel or transfer your insurance after confirming the title has been transferred
How to create a bill of sale
- Complete the assignment of title on the back of the NY title, including the odometer reading and buyer's name.
- Have your signature notarized at a bank, UPS Store, or DMV office.
- Complete a bill of sale with VIN, sale price, sale date, and both parties' signatures.
- Hand the notarized title and bill of sale to the buyer.
- Submit Form MV-912 to NY DMV to release your liability.
- Remove your license plates — in New York, plates belong to the seller.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a notary to sell a car in New York?
Yes. New York State requires the seller's signature on the title assignment to be notarized. You can find notaries at banks, UPS Stores, AAA offices, and NY DMV offices.
How long does the buyer have to transfer the title in New York?
The buyer has 10 days from the date of purchase to submit the title to NY DMV and complete the transfer.
What is Form MV-912 in New York?
MV-912 is the Record of Transaction form that notifies NY DMV you have sold the vehicle. Filing it protects you from liability for the vehicle after the sale.
How much is sales tax on a private car sale in New York?
New York State tax is 4%, plus county/city tax. In New York City the combined rate is 8.875%. Upstate counties typically add 3%–4.5% for a combined rate of 7%–8.5%.
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