How Do I Register My Car Bought From A Private Seller

"It's important to learn about a vehicle before you spend money for its buy. The information in this publication may help you choose the vehicle that best meets your needs."

Buying from a Dealer

In New York Country, every automotive dealer must register with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A registered dealer must obey sure state and federal laws that protect your buy of a new or used car, truck, or other motor vehicle, including one sold as "salvage." New vehicles are as well protected by manufacturer'due south warranty. You lot can search for registered Automotive Dealers by using the "Discover a DMV-regulated Business concern" service.

When you buy a used vehicle, the dealer must certify, in writing, that information technology is "in condition and repair to return, under normal employ, satisfactory and adequate service upon the public highway at the fourth dimension of commitment." The dealer certification covers the entire vehicle except items that would be obvious to the customer before the sale, such as torn upholstery, missing hubcaps, etc. The vehicle likewise must accept all safety equipment and emissions controls required by state and federal laws for the vehicle's model twelvemonth.

A dealer as well must:

have the vehicle inspected before selling it to a retail client, even if the vehicle is new. The inspection must exist washed within 30 days of the date of sale and earlier you lot take delivery. The dealer may charge you the inspection fee.
provide service or repairs under the manufacturer's warranty if the dealer is franchised by that manufacturer. Warranty service too may exist bachelor from other dealers franchised by the manufacturer.
indicate, in writing, on the pecker of sale whether a vehicle sold to a retail buyer is new, used, reconstructed, rebuilt salvage, or originally non manufactured to U.S. standards (run across Title Branding).
provide the heir-apparent completed odometer and damage disclosure statements:
- For motor vehicles manufactured in or after the 2011 model twelvemonth that are 20 model years old or newer, the seller must complete the odometer disclosure argument on the back of the title certificate. For vehicles manufactured in or before model yr 2010 or a motor vehicle manufactured in or subsequently the 2011 model year that is older than 20 model years, odometer disclosure is not required.
- The impairment disclosure statement on the dorsum of the title certificate must be completed regardless of the vehicle's historic period.

Annotation: The DMV will not register or grant title to a salvaged vehicle without a completed relieve disclosure argument. In improver, the DMV must examine each vehicle branded or identified by the seller as "Rebuilt Salvage" for stolen parts before the vehicle can be registered or titled.

complete and sign an odometer disclosure statement if the vehicle was manufactured in or after the 2011 model year and is 20 model years old or newer. This statement 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 passenger machine had been used primarily as a police car, taxicab, driver education or rental automobile.

If a lien is existence recorded or the dealer issued number plates, the dealer MUST handle the registration for y'all. The dealer may accuse you upwardly to $175 for this service, plus the actual fees for the vehicle'due south Certificate of Title (MV-999), registration, and license plates. Equally a customer courtesy, a registered dealer may submit your completed Vehicle Registration/Championship Awarding (MV-82) to the DMV. The dealer likewise may provide a temporary document of registration and, if needed, new license plates.

Ownership From a Individual Seller

One advantage of ownership a vehicle from a private seller is the possibility of lower cost compared to buying from a dealer. Yet, there are disadvantages.

A private seller does non have to follow of import regulations that a dealer must obey. In addition, a private seller rarely offers a warranty. If you lot have a complaint about the vehicle or buy, you are on your own to resolve the problem with the seller, or in taking legal action. You lot cannot file a complaint with the DMV or other consumer assistance agencies if you buy a defective vehicle in a private sale.
If you purchase a vehicle 8 model years old or newer, the DMV will Non register or consequence you lot a new championship certificate unless the seller has completed, and you have signed, the damage disclosure statement on the contrary of the vehicle'due south Certificate of Title (MV-999) or have attached a completed damage disclosure on an Odometer and Damage Disclosure Statement (MV-103). This statement indicates whether or not the vehicle's new title document should be branded "Rebuilt Salvage" (see Title Branding). An Odometer and Damage Disclosure Argument (pdf) (MV-103) is available at whatever motor vehicle role.
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 argument on the back of the title certificate. For vehicles manufactured in or before model year 2010 or a motor vehicle manufactured in or after the 2011 model year that is older than 20 model years, odometer disclosure is not required.
The damage disclosure statement on the back of the title certificate must be completed regardless of the vehicle's age.

Of import: THE DMV MUST EXAMINE EVERY VEHICLE IDENTIFIED Equally "REBUILT SALVAGE" FOR STOLEN PARTS Earlier THE VEHICLE CAN Exist REGISTERED OR TITLED.

Title Branding

If a vehicle has been rebuilt, originally non manufactured to U.S. standards, or reconstructed, a branding notice must exist printed in capital letter letters on the front end of the New York Land 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 detect placed on the dealer'southward pecker of sale or handed to the customer.

You lot can also find a printed notice on the forepart of the title document if a vehicle previously had been returned to the manufacturer, its agent, or dealer because it did non arrange to warranty. It likewise volition be printed on the title afterwards a terminal decision of a court finding or settlement under the state's Lemon Law. This notice will read:

"Important: THIS VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE MANUFACTURER OR DEALER Because It DID Non CONFORM TO ITS WARRANTY."

The brands below may exist 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 after beingness wrecked, destroyed or damaged in excess of 75 pct of its retail value at the fourth dimension of loss, or originally had entered New York Country nether a branded out-of-state title. Previous branding includes Salvage, Rebuilt Salvage, Salvage Restored, Junk, Parts Only, H2o Damage, or other description. The Rebuilt Salvage branding will remain on the championship for as long equally the vehicle exists, no thing how many improvements are fabricated to the vehicle.

NON-The states-STD

A vehicle with this label was not originally manufactured in compliance with United States emissions or rubber standards, or both.

RECONSTRUCTED

A vehicle with this label has been repaired or constructed with a glider kit, but not 1 manufactured in two or more stages. A glider kit includes all components of a vehicle except the power train. Information technology is generally used to rebuild heavy trucks or tractors that have been extensively damaged. Passenger cars built from custom kits are not considered reconstructed vehicles.

Reported Mileage

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 are exempt from mileage disclosure.

For all other titled vehicles, the odometer mileage reported during the vehicle's most recent transfer of ownership is printed on the front of its New York Land Certificate of Championship (MV-999). If the odometer had passed its maximum reading at the fourth dimension of sale, the description "EXCEEDS MECHANICAL LIMITS" will be printed below the reported mileage. If the actual mileage is unknown considering the odometer is broken, or has been repaired or replaced, the front of the championship will be printed with "Non Bodily MILEAGE, WARNING ODOMETER DISCREPANCY."

Choosing a Vehicle

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

Vehicle cost is not controlled by any government agency. Take fourth dimension to choose a vehicle that meets your needs and budget. Before y'all buy a vehicle, compare prices past checking newspaper ads and visit a number of dealers and/or private sellers. And then have it for a test bulldoze. If y'all are knowledgeable, examine the engine, manual, drive axles, steering and suspension, brakes and electric system. If you lot exercise not know what to look for, it may exist wise to pay a professional automotive technician to examine the vehicle.

Before you buy from a dealer, find out about 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 carefully at the trunk for signs of collision impairment or rust. Check the paint and vinyl pinnacle, sides, or trim for signs of wear or damage. Check all lights, lenses and mirrors for cracks or other damage.
Look within the vehicle for signs of article of clothing or damage that may reduce its value, such equally splits or holes in the upholstery. Make sure all seat belts are in place, and in good working condition. Look under the rugs or mats for dampness or h2o harm, which could mean there are body leaks.
Open up the torso or rear hatch and check for leaks. Examine the spare tire, taking it out if necessary. Brand sure the jack and lug wrench are there.
Examine the engine compartment for signs of rusted metal effectually fenders, oil leaks, or excessive dirt on the engine. These tin exist signs of high mileage. Await at and feel condom parts such equally fan belts and radiator hoses. If they are hard, cracked or besides soft, they should be replaced.
Make sure the exhaust emissions command systems are intact and working.
Get-go the vehicle when the engine is cold and heed to make sure it runs smoothly when cold. While the engine warms, cheque the dash gauges and all inside and exterior lights. Make certain the heater, defrosters, air conditioner, windshield washer and wipers work properly.
If the vehicle is properly registered, you may choose to take information technology for a test drive. The engine should advance smoothly, and the manual should shift without hesitation, roughness or loud noises. Drive the vehicle on a straight, flat surface, and allow get of the steering bicycle for a moment to encounter if the forepart wheels follow a straight track without pulling to either side. When braking, in that location should be no unusual noise, vibration, or pulling to either side.
Your test bulldoze should include stop-and-become 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. Besides, check to see if the engine overheats.
If you lot are satisfied after the examination drive, have the vehicle raised on a lift or jacks. Examine the condition of the brakes, tires, forepart and rear suspension, exhaust arrangement and catalytic converter. Wait for oil or fluid leaks underneath.

Taking Delivery

If you lot decide the vehicle is in good condition and worth the toll, be sure the seller has the proper buying and transfer documents. Enquire the seller, and examine the title certificate, for information well-nigh unsatisfied liens (bank loans, etc.). Carefully examine all documents before you pay for the vehicle. In a private sale, accept the seller make out a neb of auction in addition to the ownership and sales tax documents.

Proofs of Vehicle Ownership

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

For a used vehicle purchased from a New York Land registered dealer - the proof of ownership is the Document of Title (MV-999), or a transferable registration for 1972 and older models, signed over to the dealer, and the dealer's Certificate of Sale (MV-50) showing ownership transfer to y'all. The dealer must consummate, and you must admit by signing, the appropriate odometer and harm 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 you. The seller must complete, and you must acknowledge by signing, the advisable odometer and damage disclosure statements.

Exist certain the private seller completes the seller's section of the course Statement of Transaction - Auction or Souvenir of Motor Vehicle, Trailer, All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), Vessel (Gunkhole), or Snowmobile (pdf) (at NY State Department of Tax and Finance) (DTF-802), bachelor at motor vehicle offices or at the DMV spider web site. This form certifies the purchase price and determines the sales tax you must pay when registering the vehicle. If the class is not filled out by the seller, you lot will be charged sales taxation based on the vehicle'due south electric current fair market value.
Before you take the championship document from the seller, cheque the front of the championship for the names and addresses of lien holders. A lien indicates the current possessor owes money on a loan for the vehicle. If a lien is listed on the title, inquire the seller to give you the proof the lien has been paid - in most cases, information technology volition be an official lien release from the lender. If proof is not provided, the lien holder could reclaim the vehicle from you lot.

A motor vehicle part will not accept a title document if the appropriate odometer or damage disclosure statement is not completed, or if any information on the championship is altered, erased, or crossed out, including whatsoever name or signature.

If you lot take a concern or question about the title, registration, sales tax or proof of ownership, contact the DMV Call Center or any motor vehicle office earlier you buy the vehicle.

Trading In or Selling Your Vehicle

Before you trade in or sell your former vehicle, be sure to remove the license plates and the windshield registration sticker, which shows your plate number. This will assistance forestall you lot from being charged with parking tickets that do not belong to you lot.

Turn in the plates to a motor vehicle role unless yous are transferring them to a replacement vehicle. Always turn in your plates before you cancel liability insurance or earlier the insurance lapses. If you practise non, your registration volition be suspended, and your driver license could be suspended too.

When transferring the vehicle's championship certificate to a new possessor, you must fill up out the advisable odometer and damage disclosure statements, and sign your name at "Seller'due south Signature." Then enter the seller'south data on the sales tax form Statement of Transaction - Sale or Souvenir of Motor Vehicle, Trailer, All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), Vessel (Boat), or Snowmobile (pdf) (at NY State Department of Tax and Finance) (DTF-802), available at any motor vehicle office and the DMV net site.

Department of Motor Vehicles Consumer Aid

If you have a complaint well-nigh your vehicle, bring it to the attention of the dealership management right away. Keep a record of all contacts with the dealer virtually the vehicle and any repairs or adjustments fabricated. Keep copies of all work orders and invoices as proof of your attempts to resolve the trouble.

If yous cannot resolve the problem with the dealer, write to: Agency of Consumer and Facility Services, PO Box 2700-ESP, Albany, NY 12220-0700, or telephone (518) 474-8943 betwixt 8:30 a.m. and 4:fifteen p.m. weekdays.

If your complaint concerns a repair, y'all must file information technology with the Department of Motor Vehicles within ninety days or three,000 miles of the repair, whichever comes first. If your complaint does not fall within its jurisdiction, DMV will refer you lot to the proper agency.

Lemon Laws

New York State'south new and used car lemon laws provide legal remedies for consumers who buy or lease cars. If a motorcar does non live up to the written warranty and cannot be repaired - or if information technology has not been repaired correctly later on a reasonable number of attempts - the consumer could receive a refund or replacement car.

For information and assist concerning the Lemon Laws, contact:

Role of the Attorney Full general
Albany, NY 12224
Telephone: 1-800-771-7755 or 1-518-474-5481
or any regional office of the Attorney Full general.

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

DMV Telephone call Eye Telephone NUMBERS

NEW YORK STATE Section OF MOTOR VEHICLES
Marking J. F. Schroeder, Commissioner

C-18 (i/21)Edited for the Net 1/21

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