Free New York Car Bill of Sale
New York uses MV-912 as its Bill of Sale and MV-82 as the title application, filed at county DMV offices (or online for some transactions). New York's vehicle tax is 4% state plus 3–4.875% local, reaching 8.875% in NYC. Annual safety and emissions inspection is required.
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New York Car Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Sales Tax Details
4% state sales tax PLUS local county tax (3%–4.875%). Effective rates range from 7% (a few upstate counties) to 8.875% (NYC); most counties are 8%. Total tax in NYC on a $20,000 car: ~$1,775.
Inspection Requirements
New York requires annual safety AND emissions inspection for most vehicles. A buyer from a private seller gets a 10-day inspection extension from the registration date; the seller's inspection does not carry over. Maximum fees: $10 safety plus $11 emissions ($27 in the NYC metro area).
New York Car Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Buyer gets a NY safety + emissions inspection within 10 days of registering — the seller's sticker does not carry over (maximum fee $21, or $37 in the NYC metro area).
- Complete MV-912 (Bill of Sale) with VIN, odometer, sale price, and both parties' signatures.
- Seller completes odometer and damage disclosure on NY title.
- Seller signs title over to buyer and keeps a copy.
- Seller removes license plates (New York sellers keep plates and transfer to next vehicle or surrender to DMV).
- Buyer completes MV-82 (Vehicle Registration/Title Application) at a county DMV within 30 days after the transfer (N.Y. Vehicle & Traffic Law §2113(b)).
- Buyer pays 4% state tax + local county tax (3%–4.875%), title fee, registration fee.
- NYC/Long Island residents pay highest effective rates — factor 8.625%–8.875% into negotiations.
Common Pitfalls
- Leaving plates on the sold vehicle — New York requires sellers to REMOVE plates (unlike many states). Plates transfer to the seller's next car or go back to DMV.
- Skipping the new inspection: a buyer from a private seller has 10 days from registration to get the vehicle inspected — the seller's inspection is not valid for the new owner.
- Underestimating NYC/Long Island tax rates: 8.875% means a $30,000 car costs $2,663 in tax alone.
- Missing odometer AND damage disclosure — New York title has TWO disclosures, not just odometer.
Pro Tip
New York quirks: remove your plates, sign MV-912 (the buyer hands it to the DMV), and brace for the tax rate (especially downstate). The buyer must get the car inspected within 10 days of registering it. Beyond that, it's a standard private sale.