New York Vehicle Bill of Sale Overview
In New York, a vehicle bill of sale is a required document for private party vehicle transactions. The NY DMV provides its own form — the MV-912 (Vehicle Bill of Sale) — though any bill of sale containing the required information is accepted. The bill of sale serves as the official record of the purchase price, which the DMV uses to calculate the applicable sales tax.
New York's vehicle transfer process involves several steps, including notarization of the title assignment, a mandatory vehicle inspection, and registration at a DMV office. The New York Department of Motor Vehicles oversees all vehicle titling and registration through its offices across the state. Sales tax varies significantly by location — from 7% in some upstate counties to 8.875% in New York City, which has the highest combined rate in the state.
New York also enforces a statewide emissions and safety inspection program. Vehicles must pass inspection within 10 days of registration, and the annual inspection covers both emissions compliance and safety items. If you purchase a vehicle from out of state, be aware that New York charges a use tax at the same rate as your local sales tax, with credit given for taxes paid in the originating state.
4%+
State tax + local
10 Days
Registration deadline
Yes
Notarization (title)
Yes
Emissions statewide
NY DMV Requirements
New York's DMV has specific requirements for private party vehicle transfers. Here's what you need to know for a successful transaction:
Important: 10-Day Registration & Inspection Rule
New York requires the buyer to register the vehicle within 10 days of the purchase date. The vehicle must also pass a New York State inspection within 10 days of registration. Plan ahead — the date on your bill of sale starts both clocks, and driving without registration and insurance is illegal.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed & Notarized Title: The seller must sign the title and have the signature notarized. The buyer's name, sale date, sale price, and odometer reading must be filled in
- Bill of Sale (MV-912 or equivalent): A completed bill of sale with all required fields including buyer/seller info, vehicle details, VIN, price, date, and signatures
- Odometer Disclosure: Federal requirement — mileage and accuracy statement on the title or a separate disclosure form
- Lien Release: If the vehicle had a loan, a lien release from the lender is required before the title can be transferred
What the Buyer Must Bring to the DMV
- Notarized Title: With seller's notarized signature and all fields completed
- Bill of Sale: Signed by both parties
- Proof of Identity: Valid photo ID (NY driver's license, passport, etc.)
- Proof of Insurance: NY insurance card (FS-20 form) showing coverage on the vehicle
- Completed MV-82: Vehicle Registration/Title Application form
- Payment: Title fee ($50), registration ($26-$140 for 2 years based on weight), and sales tax (4% state + local)
How to Fill Out a New York Vehicle Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your New York vehicle bill of sale. Our template covers every field required by the NY DMV, equivalent to the official MV-912 form.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name exactly as it appears on the vehicle title, current New York mailing address, and phone number. If the title lists multiple owners, check whether the title reads "and" (both must sign) or "or" (either can sign). The name must match the title precisely for the DMV to accept the transfer.
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name as it should appear on the new title, current New York address, and phone number. The buyer's county of residence determines the local sales tax rate that applies — this can range from 3% to 4.875% on top of the 4% state rate.
Describe the Vehicle
Enter the year, make, model, body type, and exterior color. Record the full 17-character VIN from the dashboard or door jamb. Verify the VIN matches the title exactly — the DMV will reject any application with a VIN discrepancy. Include the current license plate number if applicable.
Record the Odometer Reading
Document the current odometer mileage at the time of sale and check whether the reading is accurate, has exceeded mechanical limits, or is not the actual mileage. This is a federal requirement under NHTSA regulations. Vehicles 20 years old or older and those with a GVWR over 16,000 lbs may be exempt.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. The DMV uses this figure to calculate the sales tax. If the vehicle is a gift, write "$0 — Gift" and note the relationship between buyer and seller. New York may assess tax on fair market value if the stated price is significantly below NADA book value for the vehicle.
Sign and Date
Both the buyer and seller must sign and date the bill of sale. Print two copies — one for each party. Remember that the title assignment must be notarized separately before submitting to the DMV. Take all documents to any NY DMV office within 10 days to complete registration.
New York Title Transfer Process
After completing the bill of sale and having the title notarized, the buyer must visit a NY DMV office to finalize the transfer. New York processes all title and registration transactions at DMV offices throughout the state.
Complete the Sale
Sign the bill of sale, have the title notarized, exchange payment and keys
Get Insurance
Obtain New York auto insurance and get an FS-20 insurance card before visiting the DMV
Visit a NY DMV Office
Bring the notarized title, bill of sale, completed MV-82, photo ID, and insurance card
Pay Fees and Taxes
Title fee ($50), registration ($26-$140 for 2 years), and sales tax (4% state + local)
Get Vehicle Inspected
Take the vehicle to a licensed inspection station within 10 days of registration for emissions and safety check
New York Vehicle Sales Tax & Fees
New York charges a 4% state sales tax plus local taxes that vary significantly by location. NYC has the highest combined rate at 8.875%. Here's a breakdown of costs to expect:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 4% of sale price |
| Local Tax (varies by county) | 3-4.875% additional (NYC: 4.875%) |
| Title Transfer Fee | $50 |
| Registration Fee (2 years) | $26 - $140 (based on vehicle weight) |
| License Plates | $25 (new plates) |
| Vehicle Inspection | $10 - $37 (varies by station) |
| Use Tax (out-of-state purchase) | Same rate as local sales tax (credit for tax paid elsewhere) |
| Duplicate Title | $50 (if title is lost) |
Sample New York Vehicle Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our New York-specific vehicle bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required by the NY DMV, equivalent to the official MV-912 form.
STATE OF NEW YORK
VEHICLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Motor Vehicle Transfer
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [New York Address]
County: [County]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [New York Address]
County: [County]
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN: [17-digit VIN]
Odometer: [Miles] miles
Sale Price: $[Amount]
New York Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about New York vehicle bills of sale, title transfers, and DMV requirements.
Official New York Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify requirements, find your nearest DMV office, and access government forms for your New York vehicle transaction.
New York DMV
Title transfers, registration, and vehicle services
NY DMV — Vehicle Registration Guide
Complete guide to registering and titling a vehicle
Form MV-912 — Official Bill of Sale
Download the NY DMV's official vehicle bill of sale form
NHTSA — Odometer Fraud Prevention
Federal odometer disclosure requirements and fraud reporting
NICB VINCheck — Free Vehicle History
Check if a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged
NHTSA VIN Decoder
Decode any VIN to verify year, make, model, and specifications
Other New York Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for New York? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
New York Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
New York Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
New York Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
New York Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
New York General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
New York ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
New York Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
New York Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your New York Vehicle Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and download your NY DMV-compliant document in minutes. Equivalent to form MV-912, accepted at every DMV office statewide.
No account required. Free to create and preview.