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. 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.
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:
(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:
$50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
$50,000 in uninsured motorist bodily injury liability per accident
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 shopping for car insurance
fast and easy! It’s this simple: Download the Jerry app, and in less than 45 seconds, Jerry collects all of your information from your existing insurer. Choose from competitive quotes from New York's best car insurance companies
and Jerry takes care of the rest—securing your new policy and helping you cancel your old one upon request. No long forms, no calling around, no hard work. The average Jerry user saves over $800 per year on car insurance.
“I was nervous to buy insurance for my first car because I had heard horror stories about the insurance prices in New York. After not even two minutes, I found four quotes from Jerry
under $125/month. By the end of the night, I was on the road safe and insured!” —Reuben R.
FAQs