Overview
That means every buyer needs a new set of plates ($25) at the same DMV visit where they pay the title fee and sales tax. And if a seller skips the surrender step - say, they hand you the plates 'to make it easy' - their registration and even their driver's license can get suspended, because the DMV still shows them as the insured owner of a car that's no longer theirs.
01 - Official fees
New York title transfer fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title certificate fee | $50.00 | |
| Lien filing fee | $5.00 | Form MV-900, non-electronic lienholders |
| Plate fee (buyer needs new plates) | $25.00 | seller's plates never transfer to a new owner |
| Sales tax | 8.00%–8.875% | due at the same DMV visit, by buyer's county |
| Plate surrender (seller) | Free | by mail or in person, form PD-7 |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with the New York DMV - counties can add small local fees.
02 - Step by step
How to transfer a title in New York
- 1
Seller signs the title's transfer section; both signatures must match government ID exactly.
- 2
Complete Form MV-82 and Form DTF-802 (declaring the sale price for sales tax).
- 3
Buyer brings the signed title, MV-82, DTF-802, proof of NY insurance, and ID to a DMV office.
- 4
Pay the $50 title fee, sales tax, and $25 for new plates (plus $5 if there's a lien to record).
- 5
Seller separately transfers their plates to another vehicle they own, or surrenders them to the DMV - the buyer never keeps the old plates.
03 - Same state, other costs
More New York vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
New York title transfer FAQ
How much does a title transfer cost in New York?
The certificate itself is $50. Budget for the full transaction, though: sales tax on the purchase (8%–8.875% depending on your county), $25 for new plates since the seller's plates don't convey, and $5 if a lender is filing a lien.
Why do I need new license plates if I'm buying a used car?
New York plates belong to the person, not the vehicle. When someone sells a car, they're required to either move their plates onto their next vehicle or return them to the DMV - they cannot legally hand them to you. Every buyer registers with a fresh $25 plate issuance.
What happens if the seller doesn't surrender their plates?
The DMV can suspend the seller's registration and driver's license, because their records still show them as the responsible party for that plate and its insurance. This is exactly why sellers should surrender plates the same day, not 'whenever' - it's their liability that's exposed, not the buyer's.
Is there a deadline to transfer a title after buying a car?
You need a title/registration in your name before legally operating the vehicle on New York roads - there's no separate grace-period fee schedule like some states use. Driving an unregistered, untitled vehicle risks a ticket regardless of how many days have passed.
Do I need a lien fee if I paid cash?
No - the $5 fee only applies when a lender is recording a loan against the vehicle (Form MV-900). Cash purchases and gifts with no financing skip it entirely.
Can I do a New York title transfer without visiting a DMV office in person?
Some transactions (like registration renewals) work fully online through MyDMV, but a new title transfer from a private sale generally still requires an in-person visit or a licensed dealer to process the paperwork, insurance proof, and payment.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.