How to Fill Out a Car Title in New York
A New York vehicle title must be completed accurately in ballpoint pen — any correction fluid or cross-outs invalidate the title and require applying for a replacement. Here is exactly what the seller and buyer each fill in.
Use ballpoint pen only. No correction fluid, no correction tape, no cross-outs. If you make a mistake, stop — apply for a replacement title before completing the transfer.
New York Title Layout
New York titles have a distinctive layout with vehicle and owner information on the front and the transfer assignment section on the back. New York titles are unique in that plates do NOT transfer with the vehicle.
What the Seller Fills In
The seller signs the back of the New York title in the "Seller's Certification" section. The seller's name must match exactly how it appears on the front of the title. Sellers must remove their license plates before handing over the vehicle.
What the Buyer Fills In
Enter the buyer's name exactly as they want it on the new title. Note: in New York, the buyer does NOT get the seller's plates — the buyer must obtain new registration and plates at the DMV.
Odometer Disclosure in New York
New York requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 model years old. Enter the actual mileage. The seller certifies the reading is accurate. Both parties sign the odometer disclosure.
New York does not require notarization for standard private party vehicle title transfers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in New York
Seller forgetting to remove plates from vehicle before handover
Buyer expecting to keep seller's plates (New York plates stay with seller)
Odometer section incomplete
Signature not matching front of title exactly
Using correction fluid — New York DMV rejects altered titles
If You Make a Mistake on the Title
New York titles with errors require a replacement title (Form MV-902, $20). New York has a relatively low replacement title fee — don't try to correct errors with fluid or tape.
The most common New York title transfer mistake is plate confusion. New York plates stay with the SELLER — never with the vehicle. The buyer must register the vehicle and get new plates at the DMV. Sellers should remove plates before handing over the keys. Buyers should not drive the vehicle until they have new registration.
New York Car Title Completion FAQ
How does the seller fill out a car title in New York?
The seller completes: Seller's signature, Seller's printed name, Date of sale, Odometer reading, Sale price, Seller's address. The seller signs the back of the New York title in the "Seller's Certification" section. The seller's name must match exactly how it appears on the front of the title. Sellers must remove their license plates before handing over the vehicle.
How does the buyer fill out a car title in New York?
The buyer completes: Buyer's full name, Buyer's address, Buyer's date of birth (in some sections), Buyer's driver's license number (in some sections). Enter the buyer's name exactly as they want it on the new title. Note: in New York, the buyer does NOT get the seller's plates — the buyer must obtain new registration and plates at the DMV.
Is the odometer disclosure required on a New York car title?
Required for vehicles under 10 model years old. New York requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 model years old. Enter the actual mileage. The seller certifies the reading is accurate. Both parties sign the odometer disclosure.
What are the most common mistakes when filling out a New York car title?
Seller forgetting to remove plates from vehicle before handover | Buyer expecting to keep seller's plates (New York plates stay with seller) | Odometer section incomplete
What do I do if I make a mistake filling out a car title in New York?
New York titles with errors require a replacement title (Form MV-902, $20). New York has a relatively low replacement title fee — don't try to correct errors with fluid or tape.
Does New York require notarization when filling out a car title?
No. New York does not require notarization for standard private party vehicle title transfers.