How To Register A Car In NY – Short Guide

Want to know how to register a car in NY? As a standard practice, all automobiles must be duly registered with the Department of Motor Services of each state. Before they can operate on the public road. This is essential to ensure proper documentation and identification of legal owners of the vehicles. However, the process and requirements of registering a car vary. According to the laws of the State the vehicle owner resides.

If you are living in New York or planning to move into the city to purchase a new car; or bring in your existing vehicle; this step-by-step guide will come in handy. We will help you to get your vehicle registered without a hassle. 

How To Register A Car In NY?

Registering a car in New York is quite an easy process. This includes proper conduction of emission tests and submission of necessary required documents. In most cases, cars purchased from dealerships are already duly registered with the registration fees. Together with the overall cost of the vehicle. On the other hand, however, buying a car from a private seller requires a compulsory registration process. Which you can do by following the steps below.

How To Register A Car In NY
Source: TUV

Step 1: Car Insurance

This is the first step to starting a vehicle registration process in New York. It is a necessity to get your car insured with an insurance company. With certification from the financial service department of the New York state. As a rule, your vehicle must be registered at the Department of Motor Vehicles; within 180 days your insurance ID became effective.

Step 2: Submit The Required Documents

After getting the vehicle insurance. Submit essential documents and proof of certain payments as a next step. Additionally, you must duly submit the application for the vehicle registration. These are the documents the New York Department Of State Vehicles needs to review. All for a successful car registrations. You must be submit them in person. Below is the list of the documents to submit.

  • Your New York State Car Title
  • Your New York State driver’s License, Non-driver ID, or another permit
  • Proof of New York State automotive liability insurance or insurance ID card
  • Proof of Taxes and fees payment or proof of exemption 
  • Tax payment on sales

In cases whereby the car is being registered for Business purposes, proof of incorporation is necessary. Also, you need a complete vehicle application form if you purchased the car from a dealer. And intend to register the vehicle by yourself. 

Step 3: Collect The Necessary Documents

After an effective submission of all documents, the Department of State Vehicles will give you the document to certify a successful registration of your car. This includes one or two vehicle plates, registration documents, registration window sticker, and a 10-day inspection extension sticker. Additionally, a new car title will be issued to you within 90 days if required. However, there are a few exceptions. In case the there’s a registration transfer, you will not receive vehicle plates. That is from your registered vehicle. Furthermore, you will also not get the 10-day inspection extension sticker. If you didn’t purchase your car from an auto dealer in New York State.

Step 4: Inspecting A Car

A safety inspection is necessary on all vehicles in New York state. The safety inspection station will be taking care of them. Duly certified and licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles annually. At anytime there is a transfer of the vehicle ownership.

Final words

With the steps highlighted and discussed above, you can get your car registered in New York without issues. It is the same process to register a new and existing car. As long as you provide all the documents you need.