How to Transfer Ownership of a Car in New York

In New York, ownership of a car shows who owns it. As ownership of a vehicle changes, whether bought or sold, given as a gift, or as part of an inheritance, ownership must be updated. Transferring ownership of a car in New York ensures that the current owner's name is included in the title and the previous owner's name is removed. The process is relatively simple, but there are a few things that need to be done right.

If you buy a car in New York

If you are buying a car in New York from a private seller, there are a few specific steps you need to follow. Please note that if you are buying from a dealer, this does not apply to you. The dealer will take care of everything.

• Make sure the seller has correctly completed all fields on the back of the title, including the damage statement and odometer reading. The seller's signature must also be present.

• Get a bill of sale from the seller.

• Get a release from the seller.

• Insure your car and present your insurance card.

• Fill out an application for vehicle registration/ownership.

• Provide proof of identity and date of birth.

• Fill out an Application for a deal - sale or gift of a car, trailer, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), vessel (boat) or snowmobile.

• Bring all of this information along with the transfer of ownership and registration fee to the DMV. The title fee will be a minimum of $50, but there are many other fees that may apply depending on where you live in the state.

Common Mistakes

• Incorrect filling of the reverse side of the header

If you are selling a car in New York

Sellers have to follow many steps. This includes:

• Carefully fill in the back of the title and provide it to the buyer. Be sure to sign the title.

• Grant the buyer a release from the bond.

• Provide the buyer with a sales receipt.

• Fill out the form "Deal - sale or donation of a car" with the buyer.

• Remove the license plates from the vehicle. You can put them on a new car or turn them into DMVs.

Inheriting or donating a car in New York

The process of donating a car (or receiving it as a gift) is the same as described above, including filling out the Deal - Car Sale form. In addition, the recipient of the gift must have the original name, as well as a bond release.

Inheritance rules in New York are complex and include the following:

• If the car is worth $25,000 or less, it will go to the surviving spouse. If there is no spouse, then it goes to the children. The title transfer fee must be paid.

• A car can be transferred from an heir/spouse to another person with an Affidavit of Car Transfer.

• A vehicle can be inherited if it is worth more than $25,000.

• Any vehicle valued over $25,000 MUST pass ownership before it can be passed on to a spouse or child.

For more information on how to transfer ownership of a car in New York, visit the State DMV website.