01Signing over the title
On the back of the title, print your name and address, the buyer's name and address and the date of transfer in the Transfer by Owner section, then sign the Seller's Signature line. Do not write on the front, do not fill anything in before the sale happens, and avoid cross-outs or erasures because DMV will not accept altered titles. You must also complete the Damage Disclosure Statement on the title for any vehicle. The DMV pages do not mention notarization.
Official source ↗02Bill of sale
DMV instructs the seller to sign a Vehicle Bill of Sale (form MV-912), even for a gift, and the buyer signs too. It lists the year, make, VIN, date, price and both names and signatures. The buyer gives the original to DMV when titling, so keep a copy. Sellers usually also complete the Statement of Transaction (DTF-802) so the buyer can show the price for sales tax.
Official source ↗03License plates
Remove your plates and registration sticker before completing the sale. Do not leave the plates with the buyer. Surrender them to DMV (PD-7 form, by mail or in person) or move them to another vehicle you own. Surrender the plates before you cancel the car's liability insurance, or DMV can suspend the registration and possibly your license.
Official source ↗04Smog, emissions or safety inspection
The seller does not have to provide an inspection. The previous owner's inspection sticker is not valid for the new owner. A buyer from a private seller gets a 10-day inspection extension from the date of registration.
Official source ↗05If you still owe money on the car
If a lienholder is listed on the title, get the original signed lien release from the lender and give it to the buyer along with the title. DMV accepts only the signed original release.
Official source ↗06Odometer disclosure
For vehicles from model year 2011 or later that are 20 model years old or newer, the seller completes the odometer disclosure on the back of the title. It is not required for model year 2010 or earlier, or for vehicles older than 20 model years.
Official source ↗ Official sources checked October 30, 2026. This is a planning guide for an ordinary private sale, not legal advice or an official form. Follow the current instructions from the New York DMV for your vehicle, especially for lost titles, several owners, out-of-state buyers or a car that is not fully paid off.
