New York State Car Registration: Requirements and Process

Younis ShuaibUpdated August 30th, 2025

Share

• 
• 
• 

Registering your vehicle in the state where you live is a legal requirement for driving on public roads. It’s also how you establish that you are the current owner with the authorities, so you cannot skip this step.

If you’re a New York state resident, you need to follow the New York state vehicle registration process. Luckily, you can complete your New York automobile registration in just a few simple steps. This guide will walk you through the steps involved in registering a vehicle in New York, including the required documents, fees, and minimum insurance requirements.

How To Register a Vehicle in New York State

The steps for DMV vehicle registration in New York depend on how you purchased your vehicle, so make sure you follow the right process.

Steps for Registering a Car Purchased from a Dealer

If you buy a vehicle through a car dealer, you don’t need to register your vehicle at a Department of Motor Vehicles office. Instead, the dealer will often register and title the vehicle for you and issue your new license plates. Keep in mind that the dealer will charge a fee for these services.

Steps for Private Sales or Out-of-State Vehicles

If you buy a vehicle through private sale or from an out-of-state seller, follow these steps for your motor vehicle NY registration.

1. Obtain insurance that meets New York car insurance requirements.
2. Gather the required documents and estimate the registration fees you’ll need to pay.
3. Make an appointment at a DMV office in your county and register the vehicle at the office.

The DMV will either provide your new documents in the office or mail them to you, including your New York license plates, registration window sticker, and registration document.

Finally, have your vehicle inspected within 10 days of the registration date, as the previous owner’s inspection is no longer valid.

Documents You Need to Register a Car in New York

You’ll need some documents to register a car in NY. To avoid delays at the DMV, make sure you have all the required forms accurately completed ahead of time and gather any other necessary information.

Required DMV Forms and Where To Get Them

The primary form required to register a car in New York is the Vehicle Registration/Title Application, also known as Form MV-82. It’s available to download on the New York State government website or in person in DMV offices.

Proof of Ownership and Identity Requirements

You also need proof that you own the vehicle, such as a New York State Certificate of Title or proof of ownership from another state. Make sure you bring the original or a certified copy, not a regular photocopy.

To prove your identity and age, bring either:

• A New York State license or non-driver ID that is current or expired less than two years ago
• A license from another state and a US Social Security Card
• A US Passport and a US Social Security Card

If your license has been expired for more than two years, complete a New York license renewal and replacement to use it as your proof of identity.

Proof of Insurance: What’s Required

New York requires drivers to have liability insurance that meets the following minimums:

• $10,000 for property damage
• $25,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for the death of a single person
• $50,000 for bodily injury and $100,000 for the death of two or more people in an accident.

Your insurance provider will send an electronic notice to the DMV about your insurance coverage. You also need to show barcoded NYS Insurance ID Cards that your insurance company gives you as proof of insurance.

Registration Fees and Costs To Expect

Part of the New York registration requirements is paying registration fees and other related costs, including:

• Title certificate fee
• 1 or 2-year registration fee
• Registration transfer fee or vehicle plate fee
• Vehicle use tax (in most NY counties)
• Sales tax

If you have already paid the sales tax on your vehicle purchase, you can provide proof of sales tax payment instead during your New York application for title and registration.

How Long Does Registration Take and When You’ll Get Plates

You’ll get your front and rear plates in the mail within one to two weeks of registering your vehicle. The DMV will also provide your registration document, window sticker, and 10-day inspection extension sticker either in the mail or at your appointment.

When and How To Renew Your New York Car Registration

You’ll get a renewal notice in the mail before your registration is going to expire. You can either renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Have your registration number, registration class, and a payment method available to complete the renewal.

Replacing Lost or Damaged Registration Documents or Plates

You can replace your registration documents online with just your vehicle registration number, registration class, ZIP code, and a payment method. To replace your plates with the same number, fill out Application for Replacement Plates - Keep Same Plate Number (PP-7). Mail the completed form in with a $20 check or money order and a photograph of the damaged plates. Your new plates will arrive in the mail in four to six weeks.

Compare Car Insurance Rates Before You Register

Before you register your vehicle, you need car insurance. But don’t just settle for the first policy you find. The best way to find your ideal auto coverage at the lowest prices is to compare custom options.

Get your free custom insurance comparison today from EverQuote.

FAQs