Short answer. The seller completes and signs the transfer section of the title and signs a bill of sale (MV-912); the DMV page has no notary step. The buyer has 30 days to title the car. Plates stay with the seller.
At a glance
- Seller's signature
- The seller completes and signs the transfer section of the title and signs a bill of sale (MV-912); the DMV page has no notary step.
- Buyer's signature
- The buyer signs the bill of sale (MV-912), completes the title's transfer section with the seller, and titles and registers at a DMV office; the DMV page has no notary step.
- Bill of sale
- The seller signs a Vehicle Bill of Sale (MV-912), even for a gift, or gives other acceptable proof of ownership.
- Odometer
- The seller completes the odometer disclosure on the back of the title; model year 2010 and older are exempt.
- Buyer's deadline
- The new owner applies within 30 days of the transfer (VTL §2113(b)).
- Plates
- Before the sale, the seller takes the plates off and turns them in at a DMV office as soon as possible.
- Title fee
- $50 title certificate fee.
- Agency
- New York State DMV
If you're selling
- Find the title and clear any lien. Have the original title in hand. If a lender is listed, get the lien release or the lender's sign-off before the sale; the buyer can't title the car over an open lien.
- Sign the title over. The seller completes and signs the transfer section of the title and signs a bill of sale (MV-912); the DMV page has no notary step. Don't sign until the buyer is ready, and write in the buyer's name and the sale date exactly.
- Write down the mileage. The seller completes the odometer disclosure on the back of the title; model year 2010 and older are exempt.
- Give the buyer a bill of sale. The seller signs a Vehicle Bill of Sale (MV-912), even for a gift, or gives other acceptable proof of ownership.
- Deal with the plates. Before the sale, the seller takes the plates off and turns them in at a DMV office as soon as possible.
- Cancel insurance and keep copies. Once the car is gone and the plates are off, call your insurer. Keep a photo of the signed title, the bill of sale and any sale report.
If you're buying
- Check the title against the car and the seller. The VIN on the title should match the car, and the seller's ID should match the owner's name on the title. Ask about any lien listed on it.
- Watch the title get signed. Seller: The seller completes and signs the transfer section of the title and signs a bill of sale (MV-912); the DMV page has no notary step. Buyer: The buyer signs the bill of sale (MV-912), completes the title's transfer section with the seller, and titles and registers at a DMV office; the DMV page has no notary step.
- Get a bill of sale. The seller signs a Vehicle Bill of Sale (MV-912), even for a gift, or gives other acceptable proof of ownership.
- Check the mileage entry. The seller completes the odometer disclosure on the back of the title; model year 2010 and older are exempt.
- Insure the car before you drive it. Most states require insurance to register. Arrange it before driving away.
- Title it in your name in time. The new owner applies within 30 days of the transfer (VTL §2113(b)).
- Plates and fees. Before the sale, the seller takes the plates off and turns them in at a DMV office as soon as possible. Title fee: $50 title certificate fee.
Sold on the first of a month? See the due date for a December 1, 2026 sale.
Your own checklist, marked step by step: seller · buyer.
In the agency's words
Seller
"complete and sign the transfer ownership section of the title certificate"
Buyer
"The buyer must sign the Vehicle Bill of Sale (MV-912) (even if it is a gift)"
Bill of sale
"sign a Vehicle Bill of Sale (PDF) (MV-912) (even if it is a gift)"
Deadline
"within thirty days after transfer to him of the vehicle"
Plates
"Before you complete the sale, take your license plates off the vehicle and remove your registration sticker from the windshield."
Official sources
- NY DMV: Buy, Sell, or Transfer Vehicle Ownership (checked November 2026)
- NY DMV: Information and Instructions About Your Certificate of Title (checked November 2026)
- NY Vehicle and Traffic Law §2113: Transfer by owner (checked November 2026)
- NY DMV: Certificate of title (checked November 2026)
General information, not legal advice; we are not lawyers. Checked November 2026 against the official pages listed above. Forms, fees and deadlines change, a county office can add its own steps, and gifts, estates, liens and out-of-state titles follow other rules; the agency or an attorney can tell you how a rule applies to your sale. MCC Solutions is not affiliated with any motor vehicle agency.
Common questions
Does the seller's signature on a New York title need a notary?
The seller completes and signs the transfer section of the title and signs a bill of sale (MV-912); the DMV page has no notary step. The agency's page: "complete and sign the transfer ownership section of the title certificate."
Does the buyer sign in front of a notary in New York?
The buyer signs the bill of sale (MV-912), completes the title's transfer section with the seller, and titles and registers at a DMV office; the DMV page has no notary step.
How long does a buyer have to title a car in New York?
30 days. The new owner applies within 30 days of the transfer (VTL §2113(b)).
Is a bill of sale required in New York?
The seller signs a Vehicle Bill of Sale (MV-912), even for a gift, or gives other acceptable proof of ownership.
Do the plates go with the car in New York?
Before the sale, the seller takes the plates off and turns them in at a DMV office as soon as possible.
What is the title fee in New York?
$50 title certificate fee.
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