How to Transfer License Plates in New York: Fee, Forms & Timeline
If you're buying a new vehicle or replacing your current one, you may be able to keep your existing plates. Here's exactly how New York handles plate transfers.
Quick Reference
Forms You Need
- Form MV-82 (Vehicle Registration / Title Application)
- Form FS-6T (Receipt for new vehicle if applicable)
- Insurance ID card for new vehicle (mandatory)
Vehicle Class Restrictions
Same class required (passenger, commercial, motorcycle)
New York requires plate class match. Commercial plates cannot go on passenger vehicles and vice versa without re-registration.
Specialty & Personalized Plates
Custom plates transfer with the owner; recreational specialty plates require recertification
NY has 250+ specialty plate designs. Most transfer to a same-class vehicle. Some, like Limited-Use plates, are vehicle-specific.
New York Standout Rule
New York-Specific Facts for Plate Transfer
New York Vehicle transfer fees and requirements
In New York, the title transfer fee is $50 and registration costs $26 - $140 for 2-year registration based on weight. Vehicle sales are subject to 4% state tax plus local taxes (total 7-8.875% in NYC). New York does not require notarization for private-party vehicle transfers. Emission testing is required in New York — verify the vehicle passes before completing the sale.
- Annual safety and emissions inspection required
- Sales tax based on county of residence, not purchase location
- Bill of sale (MV-912) required for title transfer
- Insurance and inspection must be current before registration
Official New York bill of sale form
The official New York bill of sale form is MV-912 (Vehicle Bill of Sale). BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets all New York requirements and can be used in place of the official form.
New York sales tax on vehicle purchases
New York has a 4% state sales tax rate. 4% state plus county/city taxes (total up to 8.875% in NYC). Private-party vehicle sales in New York are subject to sales tax. Sales tax based on county of residence; applies to private sales. The title transfer fee is $50.
New York bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 6,134 bill of sale documents for New York transactions, with 165 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
More New York Vehicle Guides
- Cash for Cars / Junk in New York
- Certified Pre-Owned Rules in New York
- Curbstoning Laws in New York
- Dealer Doc Fee in New York
- Dealer Fraud Claim in New York
- Dealer Prep Fees in New York
Each guide is written specifically for New York laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my license plates to a new vehicle in New York?
Yes — New York allows plate transfer between vehicles of the same owner. New York V&T Law §401 allows plate transfer (called "in transit" or replacement) when the owner is registering a different vehicle.
How much does it cost to transfer plates in New York?
$10 plate transfer fee + registration fees. NY DMV charges $10 to transfer plates. Custom and specialty plates have annual surcharges of $31.25–$76.25.
Can I transfer my plates to any vehicle in New York?
Same class required (passenger, commercial, motorcycle). New York requires plate class match. Commercial plates cannot go on passenger vehicles and vice versa without re-registration.
How long do I have to transfer plates in New York?
180 days from vehicle disposal. New York allows plates to be held for up to 180 days between vehicles. After that, plates may be cancelled and reissued.
Where do I file for a plate transfer in New York?
Any NY State DMV office or authorized agency. NY DMV offices and some county clerk offices handle plate transfers. Online transfers available for some renewal scenarios.
Selling Your Old Vehicle?
Generate a New York bill of sale to document the transfer of your old vehicle before transferring your plates to the new one.
Generate Bill of SaleSource: New York State DMV License Plates. Plate transfer rules and fees change occasionally — verify current requirements before filing.