How to Transfer a Trailer Title in New York

Seller's guide: which sections to complete, what to keep, and how to release liability after a private trailer sale in New York.

✓ No Notary Required in New York

Step-by-Step: Transferring the Trailer Title as the Seller

Complete the seller's sections on the New York title

New York uses the MV-999 Certificate of Title. Detach the bottom "transfer" portion and give it to the buyer. Keep the top portion (your receipt). Sign the transfer section with: (1) Seller signature. (2) Print name. (3) Date. (4) Sale price. (5) Odometer reading.

Provide odometer disclosure

Federal law requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old and under 16,000 lbs GVWR. Record the current mileage in the odometer section of the title assignment. New York does not require notarization for a private title transfer.

Hand the title to the buyer and keep your copy

Keep the top portion of the MV-999 (the pink slip receipt). This is your legal proof that the title was transferred.

Notify the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYSDMV) of the sale

Submit Form MV-28 (Transfer and Release of Liability) to the NYSDMV. The buyer must title the vehicle within 30 days. New York insurance automatically terminates — notify your insurer immediately.

Cancel insurance and plates

After the title is signed and handed over, contact your insurer to cancel or transfer your trailer insurance. Submit MV-28 to the DMV or notify via the online transfer portal. NY insurance liability can continue if the DMV is not notified.

Most Common Title Transfer Errors (and How to Avoid Them)

✗ Error: Using white-out or correction fluid

✓ Fix: Apply for a duplicate title before the sale. DMVs reject corrected titles in all 50 states.

✗ Error: Leaving the odometer field blank

✓ Fix: Federal law requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old and under 16,000 lbs. Always fill it in.

✗ Error: Signing in the wrong section

✓ Fix: The seller signs the "Assignment" section — not the buyer section. Read the title carefully before signing.

✗ Error: Forgetting to notify the DMV after the sale

✓ Fix: File the release of liability/notice of transfer within the state deadline. Until you do, you remain liable.

✗ Error: Handing over the title without a bill of sale

✓ Fix: Always create a bill of sale alongside the title transfer. It's your dated, signed proof of sale price and condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the seller or buyer fill out the New York title?

Both parties complete different sections. As the seller, you complete the assignment section: your signature, printed name, date, sale price, and odometer reading. The buyer completes the buyer information section (name, address) when they apply for their new title at the DMV.

Does New York require a notary to transfer a trailer title?

No — New York does not require notarization for a private trailer title transfer. The seller simply signs and prints their name in the assignment section.

What does a seller need to include in the New York title assignment?

Most states require: (1) Seller's signature. (2) Seller's printed name. (3) Date of sale. (4) Sale price (or "gift" if applicable). (5) Odometer reading. New York may have additional requirements. New York uses the MV-999 Certificate of Title. Detach the bottom "transfer" portion and give it to the buyer. Keep the top portion (your receipt). Sign the transfer section with: (1) Seller signature. (2) Print name. (3) Date. (4) Sale price. (5) Odometer reading. Do NOT fill in a buyer name — the buyer handles that portion when applying for their new title.

How does a seller release liability after transferring a trailer title in New York?

Submit MV-28 to the DMV or notify via the online transfer portal. NY insurance liability can continue if the DMV is not notified.

How long does the buyer have to transfer the title in New York?

Submit Form MV-28 (Transfer and Release of Liability) to the NYSDMV. The buyer must title the vehicle within 30 days. New York insurance automatically terminates — notify your insurer immediately.

What happens if a seller makes an error on the New York title?

Do not use white-out or correction fluid on any section of a vehicle title — this voids the document and the DMV will reject it. If you make an error, apply for a duplicate title before the sale. A duplicate title typically costs $10–$75 and takes 1–3 weeks in most states. Never try to correct an error with any type of fluid or marker.

Generate a New York Trailer Bill of Sale

The title transfer and bill of sale work together — create your New York-compliant bill of sale to complete the sale.

Create New York Trailer Bill of Sale