How long do I have to transfer a car title in New York?

New York requires the title transfer to be completed within 10 days of the sale date. Late transfers may result in penalty fees.

How much does a car title transfer cost in New York?

The base title transfer fee in New York is $50. $50 title fee; sales tax (4% state + local) and registration fees are separate. Additional fees such as registration and sales tax are paid separately.

Does New York require notarization for a car title transfer?

No, New York does not require notarization for a standard private-party title transfer. New York does not require notarization for title transfers between private parties.

What if the car has a lien on the title?

If a lien is listed on the title, the lienholder must release the lien before the title can be transferred. Lender must send a MV-901 lien release or sign the back of the title. Contact your lender to initiate a payoff and lien release.

Can I transfer a car title online?

New York does not currently offer fully online title transfers. New York title transfers require an in-person visit to a DMV office.

What documents are needed to transfer a car title?

You will need: (1) the original signed vehicle title, (2) a bill of sale showing sale price and date, (3) completed odometer disclosure, (4) valid photo ID for both parties, and (5) proof of insurance. New York requires a signed bill of sale (form MV-912) in addition to the title.

How to Transfer a Car Title in New York

Step-by-step guide to completing a car title transfer in New York — required documents, fees, deadlines, and what to do if the title has a lien or is lost.

Requirement	New York Rule
Transfer Deadline	10 days from sale date
Title Fee	$50
Notarization Required	✗ No
Odometer Disclosure	✓ Required
Online Transfer	✗ In-person required
Agency	New York DMV

New York Note

New York requires a signed bill of sale (form MV-912) in addition to the title.

Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process

1
Gather required documents
Collect the signed vehicle title, a completed bill of sale, odometer disclosure statement, valid photo ID, and proof of insurance. New York requires the buyer and seller both have valid identification at the time of transfer.
2
Seller signs and releases the title
The seller must sign the back of the title in the exact name shown on the front. Fill in the odometer reading, sale price, and date of sale. If a lien is listed, the lender must sign the release section first: Lender must send a MV-901 lien release or sign the back of the title.
3
Buyer completes the title assignment
The buyer fills in their full legal name, address, and purchase price on the title assignment section. Do not leave any fields blank — incomplete titles are rejected by New York DMV.
4
Visit New York DMV
Both buyer and seller visit New York DMV with all documents. Pay the $50 title fee. $50 title fee; sales tax (4% state + local) and registration fees are separate.
5
Receive new title
New York will issue a new title in the buyer's name. The deadline to complete the transfer is 10 days from the sale date — act promptly to avoid penalties.

Transferring a Title With a Lien

You cannot transfer a title with an active lien without the lender's involvement.

Lender must send a MV-901 lien release or sign the back of the title.

Steps: (1) Contact your lender and request a payoff quote. (2) Pay off the loan. (3) Obtain a lien release document or wait for the ELT system to clear. (4) Proceed with the normal title transfer process.

Required Documents

✓Original vehicle title, signed by the seller on the back
✓Bill of sale (signed by both parties, includes sale price and date)
✓Odometer disclosure statement
✓Valid government-issued photo ID (both buyer and seller)
✓Proof of insurance (buyer)
✓Lien release document (if applicable)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to transfer a car title in New York?: New York requires the title transfer to be completed within 10 days of the sale date. Late transfers may result in penalty fees.
How much does a car title transfer cost in New York?: The base title transfer fee in New York is $50. $50 title fee; sales tax (4% state + local) and registration fees are separate. Additional fees such as registration and sales tax are paid separately.
Does New York require notarization for a car title transfer?: No, New York does not require notarization for a standard private-party title transfer. New York does not require notarization for title transfers between private parties.
What if the car has a lien on the title?: If a lien is listed on the title, the lienholder must release the lien before the title can be transferred. Lender must send a MV-901 lien release or sign the back of the title. Contact your lender to initiate a payoff and lien release.
Can I transfer a car title online?: New York does not currently offer fully online title transfers. New York title transfers require an in-person visit to a DMV office.
What documents are needed to transfer a car title?: You will need: (1) the original signed vehicle title, (2) a bill of sale showing sale price and date, (3) completed odometer disclosure, (4) valid photo ID for both parties, and (5) proof of insurance. New York requires a signed bill of sale (form MV-912) in addition to the title.

Need a Bill of Sale for New York?

A signed bill of sale is required alongside the title for private-party vehicle transfers in New York.

Generate New York Bill of Sale