How to Register a Car in New York
If you buy a car in New York State from a licensed dealer, the dealer may charge an additional fee to handle its registration. You can register a new or used car yourself at a New York Department of Motor Vehicles office. If you're out of state, you can register a car by mail. New York law requires new residents who drive or own vehicles to switch to a New York license and registration within 30 days of becoming a permanent resident. You must be at least 16 years old to register a car in New York.
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Instructions
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Go to a New York DMV office or the DMV website to get Form MV-82, "Vehicle Registration/Title Application," and MV-82.1, which provides instructions for filling out the form. Also pick up or download a copy of ID-82, which lists the requirements to prove your identity. The DMV offers MV-82.1 and ID-82 in English or Spanish.
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Gather documents required to prove your identity. If you don't have a New York license, learner's permit or non-driver ID card that is current or expired within two years, you need to present a combination of proofs, such as a U.S. passport and an out-of-state driver's license. From ID-82 assigns point values to acceptable IDs. You need documents that add up to a point value of 6, including at least one acceptable proof of your date of birth. All documents must show the same name. The DMV will look at the documents when you register your car and return them to you.
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Print and fill out Form MV-82. Gather the documentation that New York requires to register the car. This includes proof of ownership, proof of inspection, a New York insurance card to show that you have New York car insurance and proof if you've already paid sales tax or have a sales tax exemption. The required documents and forms vary, depending on whether you bought the car from a New York dealer or private party, whether you bought the car in another state, whether it is a leased vehicle or has a lien on it and other factors. Form MV-82.1 describes the requirements for specific circumstances.
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Visit a DMV office with the filled-out forms and all required documentation to register the car in New York. Bring a major credit card, personal check, cash or a money order to pay the registration fees as well as the sales tax if you owe New York sales tax on the car.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have a New York license or non-driver ID and you are registering a car you bought from a private party, you can use the DMV's EZ-Visit service to fill out a simplified application online. You still need to visit the DMV to complete the registration.
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Resources
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