How To Register a Car In New York

If you just purchased a new vehicle or recently moved to New York, you’ll have to register your car at the DMV. After that, you can typically renew your registration online.
Written by Jacqulyn Graber
Reviewed by Brenna Swanston
After establishing residency in the state of
New York
, you must transfer your vehicle's title and have the vehicle registered within 30 days—but you’ll need to provide
proof of insurance
and
get your vehicle inspected
first. 
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How to register a car in New York

To register your vehicle in New York, you’ll need to get your car insured and inspected, and you must pay the appropriate fees. Here’s the rundown of the exact process.

If you just moved to New York

If you just moved to the Empire State, you’ve got 30 days to transfer your title and have your vehicle registered. 
To successfully
transfer a vehicle’s title in New York
, you need to:
  • Visit your local New York DMV office
  • Provide the completed and signed vehicle title by the seller
  • Provide proof of a valid New York car insurance policy and identification
  • Complete a Vehicle Registration/Title Application (Form MV-82)
  • Complete a Statement of Transaction (Form DTF-802)
  • Pay the $50 vehicle title and registration fees, and taxes
Registration fees vary by location and weight of vehicle, but first-time registration fees generally include:
  • Vehicle plate fee
    or registration transfer fee
  • Title certificate fee
  • (In most counties) a vehicle use tax
  • Either a one- or two-year registration fee, depending on the type of registration
At the DMV, you will be given your vehicle plates, a registration window sticker, a registration document, and a 10-day inspection extension sticker. If for any reason the DMV is not able to give you these documents in person, you will be mailed them within one to two weeks. You’ll also be sent a new title certificate within 90 days.
Once registered, you have 10 days to get your vehicle inspected so you can place a valid inspection sticker on your windshield. You can have this done at any DMV-licensed inspection station. 
Keep in mind that if you move to New York state and become a resident, you must also get a New York state driver's license within 30 days—a process you can complete at the DMV at the same time you go to register your vehicle. 

If you just bought a car

If you purchase your vehicle from a dealership in New York state, they will assist you in the registration process. 
The dealer must have the vehicle inspected within 30 days of the date of sale and before delivery. They’ll likely ask you for proof of insurance and to complete the registration process so you drive off the lot with valid plates.
If you purchase a car from a private seller, you will have to follow the above steps to transfer your title and register your vehicle for the first time. 

How much insurance coverage do you need in New York? 

To register your vehicle in New York state, you need to provide the DMV with proof of a valid car insurance policy that includes at least: 
You’ll also have the option to purchase additional coverage, such as extra liability,
collision insurance
, and
comprehensive coverage

How to renew your New York vehicle registration 

You’ll need to renew your New York vehicle registration once every two years, but doing so can be done conveniently online or by mail.
It is recommended to renew your registration early before it expires, so you do not risk getting a ticket from law enforcement. Rest assured that this will not change the expiration date for your new registration.
Keep in mind that you cannot renew your registration if:
  • It has been suspended or revoked
  • It has been expired for more than one year (you will need to re-register this vehicle at a DMV office)
  • your vehicle has not been inspected in the past 12 months
If you’re eligible to renew, you can do so easily
online
. You’ll just need your license plate number, your registration class, the name of the person on your registration, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. 
You may also renew by mail. If you received a renewal notice, simply mail the bottom part of your registration renewal notice (MV-3 or OP-3) to the address listed on it. Include a personal check or money order payable to the "Commissioner of Motor Vehicles" for the fee.
If you did not receive a renewal notice by mail, fill out the
Vehicle Registration/Title Application (MV-82)
. If you do not know the correct amount to renew, send a check payable to "The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles", but do not write the amount. Then, Mail the MV-82 and your payment to the New York state Department of Motor Vehicles at the Utica Processing Center, P.O. Box 359, Utica, NY 13503. 

How to save on auto insurance in New York

As we mentioned, securing a valid
car insurance
policy is an essential step you must complete before registering your vehicle in New York. 
Fortunately, Jerry makes
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FAQs

To register a vehicle in New York, you’ll need to complete the title/registration application (Form MV-82), provide proof of identity and insurance, and pay the applicable fees.
The fees depend on the weight of the vehicle and where you live. When you register a vehicle for the first time, the total fees normally include the sales tax, a vehicle plate fee or registration transfer fee, a title certificate fee, a vehicle use tax (in most counties), and either a one- or two-year registration fee, depending on the type of registration.
No one is exempt from registering their vehicle in New York, but nonprofit organizations, such as religious, charitable, or educational organizations do not need to pay the associated tax.
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