How to Sell a Car Privately in New York
Selling your car yourself in New York comes down to a signed title, the right paperwork, and a few steps people often miss. This guide summarizes what the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and state law say, so you and the buyer can finish the transfer cleanly.
Transferring the title
- The seller fills in the Transfer by Owner section on the back of the title (names, addresses, date) and signs as seller; ownership passes to the buyer on signing. dmv.ny.gov
- The DMV rejects titles with cross-outs, alterations or erasures, and a voided title needs a duplicate before sale. dmv.ny.gov
- The buyer registers and titles the car in person at a DMV office using form MV-82. dmv.ny.gov
- The buyer cannot legally drive the vehicle until it has plates and registration, so register promptly. dmv.ny.gov
Bill of sale
- DMV directs the seller and buyer to sign a Vehicle Bill of Sale (MV-912), including for gifts. dmv.ny.gov
- For model year 1973 or newer vehicles the seller signs the title transfer and an MV-912. dmv.ny.gov
- The bill of sale must show year, make, VIN, date, price and both parties' names and signatures; the buyer gives the original to DMV. dmv.ny.gov
Notarization
- A NY title transfer does not need a notary, except when the title comes from certain other states (including Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Washington, Wyoming or Puerto Rico). dmv.ny.gov
Odometer disclosure
- If the title has no odometer entry, the seller gives a completed Odometer and Damage Disclosure Statement (MV-103). dmv.ny.gov
License plates
- The seller removes the plates and registration sticker before the sale; the plates do not go with the car. dmv.ny.gov
- The seller turns the plates in at a DMV office or by mail (form PD-7) unless moving them to another vehicle. dmv.ny.gov
- The seller should surrender the plates and get a receipt (FS-6T) before cancelling insurance, or the registration and possibly license can be suspended. dmv.ny.gov
Taxes and fees the buyer pays
- The buyer pays sales tax (or proves exemption) at the DMV office when registering, based on the price certified on the Statement of Transaction (DTF-802). dmv.ny.gov
- The seller normally completes their part of the DTF-802 so the buyer can prove the price, and if not the buyer may be taxed on fair market value. dmv.ny.gov
- Registration also involves title, plate/transfer, registration fees and county use tax in most counties. dmv.ny.gov
- Gifts and sales to some family members may be exempt, claimed on the DTF-802. dmv.ny.gov
Loans and liens
- If the title lists a lienholder, the seller must give the buyer the original signed lien release along with the title; photocopies are not accepted. dmv.ny.gov
- A buyer without the release could face repossession by the lienholder. dmv.ny.gov
- When a state issues no paper title because of a lien, a DMV electronic title printout is acceptable. dmv.ny.gov
Easy-to-miss rules in this state
- Sellers must complete the Damage Disclosure Statement on the back of the title; for vehicles 8 model years old or newer the DMV will not title the car without it. dmv.ny.gov
- A seller who did not get the title in their own name must first obtain a title in their name before transferring it. dmv.ny.gov
- Vehicles from model year 1972 or older use a signed transferable registration instead of a title. dmv.ny.gov
- NY DMV will not take complaints about defects in private-party sales. dmv.ny.gov
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a notary to sell a car in New York?
A NY title transfer does not need a notary, except when the title comes from certain other states (including Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Washington, Wyoming or Puerto Rico).
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in New York?
DMV directs the seller and buyer to sign a Vehicle Bill of Sale (MV-912), including for gifts. For model year 1973 or newer vehicles the seller signs the title transfer and an MV-912.
Is an odometer disclosure required when selling a car in New York?
If the title has no odometer entry, the seller gives a completed Odometer and Damage Disclosure Statement (MV-103).
What happens to the license plates when I sell my car in New York?
The seller removes the plates and registration sticker before the sale; the plates do not go with the car. The seller turns the plates in at a DMV office or by mail (form PD-7) unless moving them to another vehicle.
Official New York resources
- Buy, Sell, or Transfer Vehicle Ownership (NY DMV)
- Certificate of Title
- Vehicle Bill of Sale MV-912
- Acceptable Proofs of Ownership
- Surrender plates
- Sales Tax Information
- Register and Title a Vehicle
- Let the Buyer Be Aware
Next steps
Once you know the rules, create a free listing and print a QR code sign for the car window. For the general process, see our step-by-step private sale guide, the paperwork checklist, and how to get paid safely. Need paperwork? Use our free bill of sale generator.