New York title guide

Selling a junk car without a title in New York

The short answer

It depends on the car's age. New York does not issue titles for motor vehicles from model year 1972 or older. Those cars have a transferable registration instead, and you sign it over to the buyer as proof of ownership. Newer vehicles need the title, or a duplicate from the New York DMV.

First published November 4, 2026. Rules checked against official New York sources on November 6, 2026 and reviewed by Paola Reniery, Operations Manager (see the sources).

What does New York ask of sellers?

In New York, a replacement title (form MV-902) costs $20. Each card links to the official page it came from.

Replacing a lost title: Form MV-902, Application for Duplicate Title. Fee: $20.; Official source
After the sale: Sign the title's transfer section and a Vehicle Bill of Sale (MV-912). The DMV's seller steps don't include a separate notice of sale.; Official source
License plates: Plates stay with the seller: after the sale, transfer the registration and plates to another vehicle you own, or surrender the plates to the DMV (a refund may apply if surrendered before the registration expires).; Official source

New York's official guide to selling a vehicle

What do you do if you have the title?

Sign and print your name where the seller signs, fill in the odometer reading if there's a space for it, and leave the buyer section blank. If your title has a notary section, the signatures have to be notarized. If it doesn't, you sign in front of the driver at pickup. Don't sign the title until the driver is there and you've agreed the price.

What if the title is lost or damaged?

New York replacement titles come from the New York DMV, using form MV-902 (Application for Duplicate Title), for a fee of $20. You'll need the VIN, which is on the dashboard by the windshield, on the driver's door jamb and on your registration. If you're in a hurry, tell our buyer partner when it contacts you: it can buy some cars without a title, so ask whether that works for your car in New York.

Where to find a car's VIN: (1) on the dashboard on the driver's side, read through the windshield, (2) on the label on the driver's door jamb, and (3) on the title, registration or insurance card — The 17-character VIN appears in the same places on almost every car made since 1981: (1) on the dashboard, read through the windshield on the driver's side, (2) on the label on the driver's door jamb, and (3) on the title, registration and insurance card.

Older cars that don't need a title

New York does not issue titles for motor vehicles from model year 1972 or older. Those cars have a transferable registration instead, and you sign it over to the buyer as proof of ownership. Bring your registration, a photo ID and a bill of sale with the VIN, the sale price and both signatures.

For the full walkthrough, including the states that exempt older cars and what to avoid, read how to sell a junk car without a title.

What if there's a loan, or the owner has died?

If a lender is still listed on the title, you'll need its lien release, or the loan gets paid off as part of the sale. If the owner has died, only someone with legal authority, usually the executor, can sell the car, and the New York DMV can tell you which estate papers New York accepts.

What do you do after the sale?

Sign the title's transfer section and a Vehicle Bill of Sale (MV-912). The DMV's seller steps don't include a separate notice of sale.
Plates: Plates stay with the seller: after the sale, transfer the registration and plates to another vehicle you own, or surrender the plates to the DMV (a refund may apply if surrendered before the registration expires).
Keep a photo of the signed title, and cancel the insurance once the car has been picked up.

Title rules change, so confirm them with the New York DMV before you sell; this page is general information, not legal advice.

Can you junk a car without a title in New York?

Yes, if the car is old enough. New York does not issue titles for motor vehicles from model year 1972 or older. Those cars have a transferable registration instead, and you sign it over to the buyer as proof of ownership. For newer cars you'll need the title or a duplicate from the New York DMV.

How do I get a duplicate title in New York?

Apply to the New York DMV with form MV-902 (Application for Duplicate Title), and have a photo ID and the VIN ready. The fee is $20, according to the agency.

Can I sell a car in New York with just a bill of sale?

For vehicles old enough to be title exempt, ask the buyer which papers it needs before pickup, and have your registration and a bill of sale ready. Newer vehicles still need a title.