Register an out-of-state vehicle (2024)

Do I need to register my vehicle in New York State?

It depends

if you aren’t a resident of New York, the registration from your state of residence is valid here
if you move to New York and become a resident, you must register your vehicle here within 30 days of becoming a resident (moving)
if you are a resident of New York and you get a vehicle from another state which you will be driving on New York State roadways, you must register the vehicle here within 30 days

What do I need to bring to the DMV?

Before visiting a DMV office to register your vehicle, please complete the Document Guide to make sure you bring the correct documents with you.The requirements to register an out-of-state vehicle are generally the same as to register and title vehicle in New York. However, there are exceptions. See the questions below.

Can I register if I am currently out of New York?

Yes. See instructions to register a vehicle when you are out of state.

The out-of-state title is not in my name. How can I provide proof of ownership?

It depends whether the vehicle was purchased new or used from a dealer, or from a private owner.

For a new vehicle purchased from an out-of-state dealer, provide

the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO)
the dealer's bill of sale

For used vehicle purchased from an out-of-state dealer, provide

an out-of-state title certificate or transferrable registration transferred to the dealer
the dealer’s bill of sale that transfers ownership to you

For a vehicle from a private owner, provide

the bill of sale
either the title certificate or transferable registration that was transferred to you from the previous owner

There is a lien on my out-of state title certificate. Is that OK?

Yes. If there is a lien on your out-of-state title certificate, the NYS DMV records the lien on your NYS title record and on your NYS title certificate. To remove the lien, you must provide proof that the lien has been satisfied (you paid your vehicle loan off). For more information, see remove or adda lienholder from a title.

The out-of-state title is held by my lienholder. How do I register in New York?

To register in New York, you must provide the following documents

a copy of the title certificate with your name on it from the lienholder
certification from the lienholder that title certificate is a copy of the original certificate -the copy of the title certificate and the certification of the lienholder must be on the same piece of paper
astatement with the following information on the letterhead of the lienholder

the owner, year, make, and VIN
that the lienholder holds the original title and knows the owner will use the documents to register in New York State
no request to notify the lienholder when the vehicle is registered in New York, as the New York DMV will ignore this request

My vehicle does not meet "California emissions standards." What can I do?

Read the information about California emissions standardsto determine if there is an exemption for your vehicle.