How Do I Register My Car With The Manufacturer

"Information technology'southward important to learn about a vehicle earlier yous spend money for its purchase. The data in this publication may help you cull the vehicle that best meets your needs."

Ownership from a Dealer

In New York State, every automotive dealer must annals with the Section of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A registered dealer must obey certain state and federal laws that protect your purchase of a new or used automobile, truck, or other motor vehicle, including one sold as "salvage." New vehicles are also protected by manufacturer's warranty. You lot can search for registered Automotive Dealers past using the "Find a DMV-regulated Concern" service.

When you purchase a used vehicle, the dealer must certify, in writing, that it is "in status and repair to render, under normal utilise, satisfactory and adequate service upon the public highway at the time of delivery." The dealer certification covers the entire vehicle except items that would be obvious to the customer before the auction, such as torn upholstery, missing hubcaps, etc. The vehicle also must have all safety equipment and emissions controls required by country and federal laws for the vehicle'due south model year.

A dealer also must:

have the vehicle inspected before selling it to a retail client, even if the vehicle is new. The inspection must be done within 30 days of the date of sale and earlier you lot have delivery. The dealer may charge y'all the inspection fee.
provide service or repairs under the manufacturer'south warranty if the dealer is franchised by that manufacturer. Warranty service likewise may exist available from other dealers franchised by the manufacturer.
point, in writing, on the bill of sale whether a vehicle sold to a retail buyer is new, used, reconstructed, rebuilt salvage, or originally not manufactured to U.S. standards (encounter Championship Branding).
provide the buyer completed odometer and damage disclosure statements:
- For motor vehicles manufactured in or after the 2011 model year that are xx model years quondam or newer, the seller must consummate the odometer disclosure statement on the dorsum of the championship document. For vehicles manufactured in or before model year 2010 or a motor vehicle manufactured in or after the 2011 model yr that is older than 20 model years, odometer disclosure is not required.
- The damage disclosure argument on the back of the title document must be completed regardless of the vehicle's age.

Note: The DMV will not register or grant championship to a salvaged vehicle without a completed salvage disclosure statement. In addition, the DMV must examine each vehicle branded or identified past the seller equally "Rebuilt Salvage" for stolen parts before the vehicle can be registered or titled.

complete and sign an odometer disclosure argument if the vehicle was manufactured in or after the 2011 model year and is 20 model years old or newer. This argument is on the Retail Certificate of Sale (MV-50). The heir-apparent also must acknowledge and sign the odometer statement.
indicate on the sales contract when a rider car had been used primarily every bit a police car, taxicab, commuter instruction or rental automobile.

If a lien is existence recorded or the dealer issued number plates, the dealer MUST handle the registration for you. The dealer may charge you upwardly to $175 for this service, plus the actual fees for the vehicle'due south Certificate of Championship (MV-999), registration, and license plates. As a client courtesy, a registered dealer may submit your completed Vehicle Registration/Championship Application (MV-82) to the DMV. The dealer also may provide a temporary certificate of registration and, if needed, new license plates.

Ownership From a Individual Seller

1 advantage of buying a vehicle from a private seller is the possibility of lower toll compared to buying from a dealer. Even so, there are disadvantages.

A private seller does not have to follow of import regulations that a dealer must obey. In addition, a private seller rarely offers a warranty. If you accept a complaint near the vehicle or purchase, you are on your own to resolve the trouble with the seller, or in taking legal activity. You cannot file a complaint with the DMV or other consumer help agencies if yous purchase a defective vehicle in a individual sale.
If yous buy a vehicle 8 model years old or newer, the DMV volition Not register or event you lot a new title certificate unless the seller has completed, and you have signed, the damage disclosure argument on the opposite of the vehicle'south Certificate of Title (MV-999) or have fastened a completed impairment disclosure on an Odometer and Damage Disclosure Argument (MV-103). This statement indicates whether or not the vehicle'due south new title certificate should be branded "Rebuilt Salvage" (see Title Branding). An Odometer and Damage Disclosure Statement (pdf) (MV-103) is available at whatsoever motor vehicle part.
For motor vehicles manufactured in or after the 2011 model year that are 20 model years old or newer, the seller must complete the odometer disclosure statement on the dorsum of the title document. For vehicles manufactured in or earlier model year 2010 or a motor vehicle manufactured in or afterwards the 2011 model year that is older than 20 model years, odometer disclosure is non required.
The impairment disclosure argument on the back of the title document must be completed regardless of the vehicle'southward age.

Of import: THE DMV MUST EXAMINE EVERY VEHICLE IDENTIFIED AS "REBUILT SALVAGE" FOR STOLEN PARTS Before THE VEHICLE CAN Be REGISTERED OR TITLED.

Title Branding

If a vehicle has been rebuilt, originally not manufactured to U.South. standards, or reconstructed, a branding detect must be printed in majuscule letters on the front end of the New York State title certificate. A dealer must inform a customer, in writing, if a branded vehicle is being shown or sold to a retail customer. This may be a notice placed on the dealer's bill of auction or handed to the customer.

You tin can also notice a printed notice on the front end of the title document if a vehicle previously had been returned to the manufacturer, its agent, or dealer because it did not conform to warranty. It also will be printed on the championship after a final conclusion of a courtroom finding or settlement under the land's Lemon Law. This notice will read:

"IMPORTANT: THIS VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE MANUFACTURER OR DEALER BECAUSE It DID NOT CONFORM TO ITS WARRANTY."

The brands below may be printed on a New York State Certificate of Title (MV-999) for 1973 and newer vehicles:

REBUILT SALVAGE/NY

A vehicle with this label has been rebuilt afterwards existence wrecked, destroyed or damaged in excess of 75 percent of its retail value at the fourth dimension of loss, or originally had entered New York State under a branded out-of-country title. Previous branding includes Salvage, Rebuilt Salvage, Relieve Restored, Junk, Parts Only, Water Damage, or other description. The Rebuilt Salvage branding will remain on the title for as long as the vehicle exists, no matter how many improvements are made to the vehicle.

Non-U.s.a.-STD

A vehicle with this label was not originally manufactured in compliance with U.s.a. emissions or safety standards, or both.

RECONSTRUCTED

A vehicle with this label has been repaired or synthetic with a glider kit, but not one manufactured in two or more stages. A glider kit includes all components of a vehicle except the power train. It is generally used to rebuild heavy trucks or tractors that accept been extensively damaged. Passenger cars congenital from custom kits are not considered reconstructed vehicles.

Reported Mileage

Vehicles manufactured in or before model yr 2010 or a motor vehicle manufactured in or afterward the 2011 model twelvemonth that is older than 20 model years are exempt from mileage disclosure.

For all other titled vehicles, the odometer mileage reported during the vehicle'southward well-nigh recent transfer of ownership is printed on the front of its New York State Certificate of Title (MV-999). If the odometer had passed its maximum reading at the time of sale, the clarification "EXCEEDS MECHANICAL LIMITS" volition be printed below the reported mileage. If the bodily mileage is unknown considering the odometer is cleaved, or has been repaired or replaced, the front of the championship will be printed with "Not Actual MILEAGE, WARNING ODOMETER DISCREPANCY."

Choosing a Vehicle

National Motor Vehicle Championship Information System (NMVTIS) Vehicle History For Consumers at YouTube

Vehicle price is not controlled by whatever authorities agency. Take time to cull a vehicle that meets your needs and budget. Before you buy a vehicle, compare prices past checking newspaper ads and visit a number of dealers and/or private sellers. So have information technology for a test drive. If you are knowledgeable, examine the engine, transmission, bulldoze axles, steering and suspension, brakes and electrical arrangement. If you practice not know what to look for, information technology may be wise to pay a professional automotive technician to examine the vehicle.

Before yous buy from a dealer, notice out virtually dealer or manufacturer warranties, what they embrace, and for how long. Ask if the dealer performs service or subcontracts to a repair shop. Be sure all agreements, guarantees and warranties are in writing.

What to look for

Examine the vehicle in bright daylight. Look advisedly at the body for signs of collision damage or rust. Cheque the paint and vinyl top, sides, or trim for signs of wear or damage. Check all lights, lenses and mirrors for cracks or other impairment.
Look inside the vehicle for signs of wear or damage that may reduce its value, such every bit splits or holes in the upholstery. Brand sure all seat belts are in place, and in skilful working condition. Await under the rugs or mats for dampness or h2o harm, which could mean there are body leaks.
Open up the body or rear hatch and cheque for leaks. Examine the spare tire, taking information technology out if necessary. Brand certain the jack and lug wrench are in that location.
Examine the engine compartment for signs of rusted metal effectually fenders, oil leaks, or excessive dirt on the engine. These can be signs of high mileage. Wait at and feel rubber parts such every bit fan belts and radiator hoses. If they are difficult, cracked or likewise soft, they should be replaced.
Brand sure the frazzle emissions control systems are intact and working.
Start the vehicle when the engine is cold and listen to make certain information technology runs smoothly when cold. While the engine warms, check the dash gauges and all inside and outside lights. Brand sure the heater, defrosters, air conditioner, windshield washer and wipers piece of work properly.
If the vehicle is properly registered, you may choose to accept it for a test drive. The engine should accelerate smoothly, and the transmission should shift without hesitation, roughness or loud noises. Bulldoze the vehicle on a straight, apartment surface, and permit get of the steering bike for a moment to see if the front end wheels follow a straight track without pulling to either side. When braking, in that location should be no unusual dissonance, vibration, or pulling to either side.
Your exam drive should include end-and-go driving on local streets and driving at highway speeds, over a variety of surfaces and several hills. Note how well the vehicle runs and handles. Also, cheque to run across if the engine overheats.
If you are satisfied after the test bulldoze, accept the vehicle raised on a lift or jacks. Examine the status of the brakes, tires, front and rear break, exhaust system and catalytic converter. Expect for oil or fluid leaks underneath.

Taking Delivery

If yous decide the vehicle is in good condition and worth the price, be sure the seller has the proper ownership and transfer documents. Ask the seller, and examine the championship certificate, for data nigh unsatisfied liens (bank loans, etc.). Advisedly examine all documents earlier you pay for the vehicle. In a individual sale, have the seller make out a bill of sale in addition to the ownership and sales revenue enhancement documents.

Proofs of Vehicle Ownership

For a new vehicle purchased from a New York Country registered dealer - the proof of ownership is a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) and the dealer's "Certificate of Auction" (MV-50).

For a used vehicle purchased from a New York State registered dealer - the proof of ownership is the Document of Championship (MV-999), or a transferable registration for 1972 and older models, signed over to the dealer, and the dealer's Certificate of Sale (MV-l) showing ownership transfer to yous. The dealer must consummate, and you must acknowledge by signing, the appropriate odometer and impairment disclosure statements.

For a used vehicle bought from a private seller - the proof of ownership is the Certificate of Title (MV-999), or a transferable registration for 1972 or older models, signed over to y'all. The seller must complete, and yous must acknowledge by signing, the advisable odometer and damage disclosure statements.

Be sure the private seller completes the seller's section of the form Statement of Transaction - Auction or Souvenir of Motor Vehicle, Trailer, All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), Vessel (Boat), or Snowmobile (pdf) (at NY Country Department of Tax and Finance) (DTF-802), available at motor vehicle offices or at the DMV web site. This form certifies the purchase toll and determines the sales taxation yous must pay when registering the vehicle. If the form is non filled out by the seller, y'all will exist charged sales revenue enhancement based on the vehicle's current fair market place value.
Before you accept the title document from the seller, check the front of the title for the names and addresses of lien holders. A lien indicates the electric current owner owes coin on a loan for the vehicle. If a lien is listed on the title, enquire the seller to requite you the proof the lien has been paid - in most cases, it will be an official lien release from the lender. If proof is non provided, the lien holder could repossess the vehicle from yous.

A motor vehicle office volition non accept a title certificate if the appropriate odometer or damage disclosure argument is not completed, or if any information on the title is contradistinct, erased, or crossed out, including whatever proper noun or signature.

If you have a business organization or question near the title, registration, sales tax or proof of ownership, contact the DMV Call Center or any motor vehicle part before you purchase the vehicle.

Trading In or Selling Your Vehicle

Before you trade in or sell your onetime vehicle, be sure to remove the license plates and the windshield registration sticker, which shows your plate number. This will help prevent you lot from existence charged with parking tickets that do non belong to you.

Turn in the plates to a motor vehicle part unless you lot are transferring them to a replacement vehicle. E'er turn in your plates earlier you cancel liability insurance or before the insurance lapses. If yous practice non, your registration will exist suspended, and your driver license could exist suspended likewise.

When transferring the vehicle's title certificate to a new possessor, you must fill out the appropriate odometer and impairment disclosure statements, and sign your name at "Seller's Signature." Then enter the seller'south information on the sales taxation course Argument of Transaction - Auction or Souvenir of Motor Vehicle, Trailer, All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), Vessel (Boat), or Snowmobile (pdf) (at NY Country Section of Taxation and Finance) (DTF-802), available at whatever motor vehicle function and the DMV internet site.

Department of Motor Vehicles Consumer Aid

If yous have a complaint nigh your vehicle, bring it to the attention of the dealership management right away. Keep a record of all contacts with the dealer about the vehicle and whatsoever repairs or adjustments made. Keep copies of all work orders and invoices as proof of your attempts to resolve the problem.

If yous cannot resolve the problem with the dealer, write to: Bureau of Consumer and Facility Services, PO Box 2700-ESP, Albany, NY 12220-0700, or phone (518) 474-8943 between eight:30 a.chiliad. and four:15 p.m. weekdays.

If your complaint concerns a repair, you must file information technology with the Section of Motor Vehicles within 90 days or 3,000 miles of the repair, whichever comes first. If your complaint does non fall inside its jurisdiction, DMV volition refer you to the proper agency.

Lemon Laws

New York State'due south new and used machine lemon laws provide legal remedies for consumers who buy or charter cars. If a machine does non live up to the written warranty and cannot be repaired - or if it has non been repaired correctly after a reasonable number of attempts - the consumer could receive a refund or replacement machine.

For information and assist concerning the Lemon Laws, contact:

Office of the Chaser General
Albany, NY 12224
Phone: 1-800-771-7755 or one-518-474-5481
or any regional office of the Chaser Full general.

You may also contact:
Department of State, Division of Consumer Protection
Consumer Assistance Unit
99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231-0001
Telephone: 1-800-697-1220 or 1-518-474-8583.

DMV Phone call Centre TELEPHONE NUMBERS

NEW YORK State DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
Mark J. F. Schroeder, Commissioner

C-18 (1/21)Edited for the Internet one/21

Return to DMV Publications