How to Register a Car in New York (2025 Guide)

Do You Need to Register Your Car in NY?

You must register a vehicle in New York if you:

• Moved to New York and brought a car from another state
• Bought a car from a private seller
• Bought a car from a dealership (NY or out-of-state)
• Leased a car and moved to NY

You must register your car within 30 days of becoming a NY resident.

What You Need to Register a Car in New York

New York has strict documentation rules. Bring the following to the DMV:

1. Proof of Ownership

• Vehicle title (out-of-state or NY title)
• Dealer bill of sale (if purchased from dealership)
• Private sale bill of sale + title signed over to you
• Lease agreement (for leased vehicles)

2. NYS Insurance Card (FS-20)

You cannot register a car in NY without NY insurance. Your insurer sends an electronic record to NY DMV automatically.

3. Odometer & Damage Disclosure (if applicable)

4. ID & Residency (same as REAL ID rules)

• Driver license or permit
• NY address verification (bank statement, lease, utility bill)

5. Completed Forms (print and bring)

• MV-82 — Vehicle Registration Form
• DTF-802 — Sales Tax Form (private sales)
• MV-82.1B — Insurance Information
• MV-95 — Odometer disclosure (if required)

No appointment = no registration. Most NY DMVs now require appointments for registration services.

How NY Car Registration Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 — Get NY State Auto Insurance

Your insurer files an electronic record with the DMV. Bring your FS-20 card as backup.

Step 2 — Gather Your Documents

Bring your title, bill of sale, ID, residency proof, and registration forms.

Step 3 — Book a DMV Appointment

Appointments are required at most NY locations including: NYC, Long Island (Nassau/Suffolk), Westchester, and Albany region. Many are booked 2–6 weeks out.

Step 4 — Visit the DMV

You’ll surrender your out-of-state title (if applicable), pay taxes, and receive temporary documents.

Step 5 — Get Your NY Plates

You receive your plates and a temporary registration immediately.

Step 6 — Complete NY State Inspection

You must complete a NY inspection within 10 days of registering your vehicle.

NY State Inspection Rules

New York requires an annual safety and emissions inspection. When you register a car from out of state, you must complete your first NY inspection within 10 days.

If your car fails inspection:

• You must repair the issue and test again
• DMV will not renew registration without a passing inspection

How Much Does It Cost to Register a Car in NY?

Typical fees include:

• Registration fee: $26–$71 (varies by weight)
• Title: $50
• Plate fee: $25
• Sales tax: varies by county
• Inspection: $10–$37 depending on county

Expect total costs of $150–$400+.

Why Registration Appointments in NY Are Backlogged

New York has seen a sharp rise in appointment demand due to:

• REAL ID deadline increasing foot traffic
• Post-pandemic staffing shortages
• More residents moving to NYC, LI, and Westchester
• Complex registration cases requiring in-person review
• Sales tax forms requiring clerk verification

Most residents report waiting 3–6 weeks for an appointment in high-population counties.

“Every location near me was booked out a month. When a cancellation popped up, it disappeared in under 30 seconds.”