Vehicle Registration and Renewal in New York

Whether you’re planning a move to New York State, are a New Yorker who just bought a new car, or are simply wondering how to renew your New York registration, there’s a few steps that you’ll need to take care of. Luckily, the state of New York makes registering your car a fairly easy process; the answers to just about every question you may have about New York vehicle registration can be found on the New York DMV webpage. Here’s a few things you’ll need to be mindful of.

First Time New York Vehicle Registration

Buying a new or used car from a New York dealer? It’s fairly common for new car dealers to roll the price of your new registration into the overall price of the car (or simply add it to your loan, if you’re financing). For many people, this is the easiest and most convenient way to take care of registering and titling your new car. If you’re buying a car from a private party – not from a dealer – the state makes it easy for you, with the aptly named E-ZVisit Registration Page. On that page, you’ll complete your registration application and print out a barcoded copy, which you’ll bring to the DMV along with the following:

• Your NYS Driver License, non-driver ID or permit
• Your NYS Certificate of Title
• Proof of New York State automobile liability insurance
• Payment of fees
• Proof of incorporation (if you’re registering the vehicle for a business or organization)

If you purchased the vehicle from a New York dealer, but are opting to take care of the registration yourself, you’ll also need to download and complete a New York Vehicle Registration / Title Application form (form MV-82)

Moving to New York from out of state? The process is basically the same as it would be if you were registering a newly purchased vehicle. There are a few alternate documents you’ll need to provide.

For a new vehicle purchased from an out-of-state dealer, you’ll need to provide the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO), and the dealer’s bill of sale.

For a used vehicle purchased from an out-of-state dealer, you’ll need to provide an out-of-state title certificate or transferrable registration transferred to the dealer, and the dealer’s bill of sale that transfers ownership to you.

For a vehicle from a private owner, you’ll need to provide a bill of sale, and either the title certificate or transferable registration that was transferred to you from the previous owner.

All vehicles registered in New York must comply with California emissions standards. If you’re unsure if your vehicle does, check the NY DMV’s Emissions Standards page for detailed information.

Renewing Your New York Car Registration

Fortunately, renewing your existing New York registration is a whole lot simpler. Most New York drivers will receive a renewal notice, and will be able to renew their registration online. To do that, simply visit the New York DMV Renew Registration page. If your registration has been suspended or revoked, has been expired for over a year, or your vehicle has not been inspected in the past 12 months, you’ll need to apply for a new registration.