Gifting a Car vs. Selling it for $1 in New York

Gifting a car is better than selling it for $1 in New York. In fact, there’s a special form! Learn more here.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Brittni Brinn
background
Gifting a car
is a better option than selling it for $1 in New York. There is no gift tax in New York and the giftee can apply for a sales tax exemption along with the title transfer.

Is it better to gift a car or sell it for a dollar in New York?

In New York, the DMV has specifically designed a process to manage the gifting of free vehicles. Ultimately, it’s better to gift a car than sell it for $1 in New York.
Most people are concerned with taxes when trying to decide whether to gift or sell a car. In New York, the person being gifted the vehicle can get a sales tax exemption by filing the
Statement of Transaction Sales Tax Form
New York doesn’t have a gift tax. It’s important to use the gifting process to help New York State to properly assess the value of the car. Entering “$1” as the value is not the proper way to manage the gifting process, as that’s a false valuation of the vehicle. 
The DMV considers gifted cars to have been transferred with their full market value intact. So for record-keeping and future taxation purposes, New York asks people to use the vehicle gifting process.
New Yorkers still need a bill of sale signed by both parties to serve as legal proof that everyone agreed to the gift. On this document, it’s okay to enter “$0” in the price section.

How gifting a car works in New York

Need more information? Here’s a guide to the basics of the New York car gifting process. 

1. Pay off any outstanding loans

When you gift a car with an outstanding loan to someone, then you could be gifting them the loan, too. Don’t do that!
If you can, pay off your auto loan and get it removed before gifting a car in New York. If you can’t, then be sure to
speak with your lienholder
. Loans can complicate the title transfer process, so start the conversation with your lender early, and be prepared to negotiate.

2. Negotiate the terms of the gift

This could be a little tricky if the gift is a surprise. However, it’s very important to figure out the conditions of the gift. 
For instance, who will be responsible for ongoing fees like gas and
car insurance
? Are you certain that they are prepared to handle these costs? Will you or the giftee pay for the transfer and registration fees?
Have a conversation with the giftee to discuss specifics and write down what you decide.
Here are some numbers to keep in mind: 
  • Minimum
    liability insurance
    in New York: $2,892 per year
  • Full coverage insurance in New York: $3,153 per year
  • Vehicle maintenance costs in New York: $700 to $1,700 per year
  • Fuel costs in New York: $740 per year 
While costs vary depending on usage and vehicle type, it’s essential to make a plan for these expenses before proceeding with the gift. 
MORE: Car loan in New York 2023

3. Create a bill of sale

Anyone can create a bill of sale. This is a document that creates a legal record of this moment. You can write a bill of sale even for a gifted car where no money changed hands.
Download and print out the
New York DMV’s Bill of Sale
. Write “$0” on the price line and get both parties to sign the document. You must also include the vehicle identification number, make and model, odometer reading, license plate number, and contact information for both parties. In Section 4, tick the box associated with the type of gift transaction. Don’t forget to fill out Section 6 if you are gifting the vehicle to someone outside your family. 

4. Transfer the car title

This is the important part! You can hand over the keys to the lucky recipient, but without a proper title transfer, you will still be legally responsible for the vehicle. You have 10 days to complete this process after gifting the vehicle. 
To transfer a title in New York, get your documents in order first. Get both parties to sign the vehicle title. Print and fill out the
Registration/Title Application Form
and the
Statement of Transaction Form
. The recipient should prepare proof of New York insurance and both parties should bring a photo ID—if necessary, bring proof of car inspection and
emissions testing
.
Now, both the owner and the recipient can visit a New York DMV with all of the required documentation and a means of paying the fees. 

5. Fill out a Statement of Facts to avoid sales tax

If the vehicle was gifted to a family member, use the
Sales Tax Form
to avoid sales tax. For these purposes, New York only considers a spouse, a parent, a stepparent, a child, and a stepchild to be eligible family members
Nieces, nephews, and grandparents are not eligible for the tax exemption for gifted vehicles under New York laws.

6. Purchase insurance

All drivers must legally carry
state-mandated minimum car insurance
in New York. To register the car under their name, they must provide
proof of insurance
If the giftee already has a policy, they can contact their insurance company to ask about adding a new car. However, it’s wiser to compare rates with various companies—some companies offer better
student discounts
, for instance, whereas others will reward low-mileage drivers. A little research here could save hundreds of dollars in the long run.
MORE: Penalties for driving without insurance in New York

What to keep in mind when gifting a car in New York

Gifting a car instead of selling it for $1 in New York is easier and better for both parties. And what a gift! Before you clean out your glove compartment and transfer ownership, here are a few additional things to consider:
  • If you want to gift a new car, then it’s better to bring the family member to the dealership with you. This way, they can test drive the vehicle and participate in the car-buying process.
  • Every teenager dreams of having their own car—but
    young drivers
    pay some of the highest insurance premiums. If you’ll be footing the bill, think twice. 
  • There’s a special gifting process to follow when the
    vehicle owner is deceased
MORE: Everything you need to know about driving in Manhattan
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Nope. In New York, the giftee can apply to be exempt from sales tax with a gifted car from a private party.
A car title transfer in New York costs $50, plus other additional fees where necessary.
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