Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
6 Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12228
(518) 486-9786 | www.nydmv.state.ny.us
New York State Police
1220 Washington Avenue Building #22
Albany, NY 12226
(518) 457-6721 | www.troopers.state.ny.us
New York State Department of Transportation
50 Wolf Road
Albany, NY 12232
(518) 457-6195 | www.nysdot.gov
An application for a certificate of title shall be made by the owner of a vehicle to the DMV on a form provided by the DMV.
The owner must provide his or her name, residential address, mailing address (if different), and social security number on the title application form. The form also requires the owner to give a description of the vehicle including its make, model year, vehicle identification number, body type, and whether the vehicle is new or used. Also required is the date the applicant acquired the vehicle, the name and address of the person from whom the vehicle was acquired, and the names and addresses of any lien holders.
A title application must also be accompanied by a statement signed by the applicant stating either (a) any facts or information known to him that could reasonably affect the validity of the title or (b) that no such facts or information are known to him. The DMV may also require other information or documents to identify the vehicle and its proper ownership.
If the application for a title refers to a vehicle previously registered or licensed in another state or country, the application shall contain or be accompanied by, a certificate of title issued by the other state or country.
Every owner shall apply for the registration of his or her trailer(s). Such registration shall contain a statement showing the manufacturer’s number or other identification. No number plate issued for a trailer shall be transferred to or used for any other trailer.
If an owner transfers his or her interest in a vehicle, the owner shall, at the time of delivery of the vehicle, execute an assignment and warranty of title to the transferee in the space provided therefore on the certificate of title.
The transferee shall, within 30 days after acquiring the vehicle, execute an application for a new certificate of title at the DMV.
A certificate of title is not required for a mobile home designated by the manufacturer as being a 1994 or earlier model year.
An application for the registration of a motor vehicle must be made to the DMV upon a form prescribed by the DMV.
The applicant must provide his or her name, driver’s license number, birth date, sex, phone number, mailing address, and residential address as well as the vehicle’s identification number, color, weight, make, year, body type, type of fuel, seating capacity, and odometer reading. Also required is a statement on how the vehicle was obtained as well as information concerning any lien holders.
An applicant for vehicle registration must be at least 16 years of age.
No motor vehicle shall be registered unless the application for registration is accompanied by proof of financial security, which shall be evidenced by proof of insurance or evidence of a financial security bond, a financial security deposit or qualification as a self-insurer.
No motor vehicle shall be operated or driven without first being registered.
There is no period of grace for late registration.
A New York registration is not required for a non-resident who is in compliance with the provisions of the law concerning vehicle registration of the foreign country, state, territory, or federal district of his residence. A non-resident owner shall conspicuously display their registration numbers given to him by their place of residence.
When a non-resident becomes a resident he or she must register his or her vehicles in New York within 30 days.
Vehicle registration expires every 2 years from the date that the vehicle was first registered in New York. Registration renewal may be done by mail, over the phone, online, or at any DMV office. The DMV will send a renewal notice 45 to 60 days before the expiration date.
The owner of a vehicle to be operated only for the purpose of transporting the vehicle to a jurisdiction within this state or to any other state, where the vehicle will be registered, may file with the DMV or any county clerk, an application for an in-transit permit. The in-transit registration is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.
Required annually. Visit the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles for more information on the state emissions inspection program. OBD is utilized as part of the emissions inspection process.
Every motor vehicle registered in New York shall be inspected once each year for safety at an official inspection station. This inspection is required to be performed on the brakes, steering mechanism, wheel alignment, lights, odometer, safety belts, and vehicle identification number. An inspection will also be made of the readiness of the inflatable restraint system in any vehicle manufactured on or after September 1, 1997.
| Automobile | Motorcycle | Duplicates | ||||||
| Title Fee | Registration Fee | Title Fee | Registration Fee | Plate Fee | Registration Fee | Driver’s License Fee | Title Fee | Special Plates |
| $50.00 plus $5.00 security interest fee | Varies based on weight. * | $50.00 plus $5.00 security interest fee | $14.00 | $15.50 single; $28.00 pair | $3.00 | $17.00 | $20.00 | $60.00 plus $31.25 / year |
* For residents of the 12 county Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD), a supplemental fee of $50 for two years ($25 per year) is in addition to other registration fees.
Upon registration, the DMV will issue 2 reflectorized, numbered plates to the owner of any motor vehicle and 1 numbered plate to the owner of any trailer or motorcycle. The plates shall have a distinct number that corresponds with the registration number on the registration certificate.
The plates shall be securely fastened on the vehicle, 1 on the front and 1 on the rear, at a height not more than 48 inches and not less than 12 inches from the ground.
The plates shall be kept in a clean condition so as to be easily readable and shall not be covered by glass or any plastic material.
The DMV shall assign to such motor vehicle used for transporting persons with disabilities distinctive numbered plates, called disabled person plates.
The DMV may issue special number plates to applicants in the same manner that regular plates are issued but with the payment of an increased fee.
Numerous distinctive license plates are available. Please check with the DMV or online at www.nydmv.state.ny.us to view the selection of plates available.
Disabled license plates available upon application to DMV. Doctor’s statement attesting to disability must accompany application.
The color scheme for license plates is white, blue on white, or blue on gold.
Plates are validated by windshield sticker.
When a vehicle is sold, the owner must remove the license plates from the vehicle.
The owner, however, may register another vehicle and use the plates previously issued to him for another vehicle, after registering the new vehicle and paying the applicable transfer of tags fee.
Special number plates assigned to a vehicle may, in the discretion of the DMV be transferred to any person 1 year after the expiration date of the registration, or to any person within 1 year after the expiration date of the registration with the permission of the prior registrant or his estate.
Disabled license plates available upon application to the DMV. Doctor’s statement attesting to disability must accompany application.
Knowledge tests are appropriate for the class, license, or license endorsement, are in written format, and are available in either English or Spanish.
Road tests are required for all classes of licenses, except a learner’s permit.
The vision test may be administered by the DMV, or another state’s DMV, or by a licensed physician, optometrist, ophthalmologist, optician, or registered nurse. Any statement of visual acuity (20/40 required) will only be acceptable if the date of the examination is not more than 6 months prior to the date of submission.
State has graduated licensing for teen drivers.
Learner’s Permit: The holder must be at least 16 years of age and must pass the vision screening and knowledge tests. The holder may only operate a vehicle between the hours of 5 a.m. and 9 p.m., when under the immediate supervision of a person who is at least 21 years old and who holds a license valid in New York for the type of vehicle being operated. From 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. the holder of a permit must be accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian, or driver’s education teacher. However, no learner’s permit holder may operate a vehicle within the city of New York unless it is between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. and the permit holder is accompanied by a driver’s education teacher in a vehicle equipped with dual controls. A learner’s permit holder may only operate a vehicle in Nassau and Suffolk counties between the hours of 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. and when accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian, or driver’s education teacher. Front seat occupants are limited to the supervising driver and all occupants must wear safety belts. Permit holder may not operate with more than 1 unrelated passenger under 21, and must have held a learner’s permit for 6 months while accumulating 50 hours (15 at night) of driving practice with a licensed parent, guardian, driving school instructor, and/or driver education teacher.
Class DJ: The holder must be at least 16 years of age. The holder may operate only vehicles which may be operated with a Class D license, except that it shall not be valid to operate a motor vehicle with an unladen weight or a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of not more than 10,000 lbs. or any motor vehicle towing another vehicle with an unladen weight or GVWR of more than 3,000 lbs. The holder may operate a vehicle alone from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. or from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. only when driving to or from school, or to or from a place of business where the holder is employed, or when accompanied by a parent or guardian. The holders of the DJ license may not drive in the city of New York. In Nassau and Suffolk DJ license holders may only drive from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. when accompanied unless driving to or from work, school, driver ed., or while engaged in farming. All vehicle occupants must be restrained and occupants are limited to 1 unrelated passenger under 21 unless they are a family member.
Limited class DJ or MJ License: Residents of Nassau, Suffolk, the City of New York, Westchester, Putnam, and Rockland Counties are not eligible to receive such license. Elsewhere in the state, such license can be obtained if a road test is successfully completed within the first 6 months of the validity of a learner’s permit. Holders of such license cannot operate a vehicle in the above referenced counties without being accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian. License is valid only en route to and from the holder’s place of employment, and/or to and from a class or course, a medical exam or treatment for the holder or a member of his or her household, a daycare facility, or when accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian. Limited Class License automatically becomes a class DJ or MJ license after such license singly or in combination with the class DJ or Class MJ learner’s permit has been valid for 6 months.
Intermediate licensees may apply for a Class D license at age 17 if they have completed driver education. If not, the intermediate license automatically becomes a Class D license when the holder turns 18.
The application for a driver’s license shall be made to the DMV on a form prescribed by the DMV.
An applicant for license is required to provide his name, birth date, sex, height, eye color, social security number, phone number, residential address, mailing address, any name change, and if under the age of 18, parental consent or with certificate of driver’s education completion.
Applicants are required to present proof of identity, age, and fitness. Proof of fitness is defined as: (a) the applicant has not lost consciousness within the previous 12 months, (b) applicant has experienced loss of consciousness within the previous 12 months and an applicant submits a statement from a physician confirming that and stating that the condition was due to a change in medication or that the condition will not interfere with such person’s safe operation of a vehicle on the highway.
An applicant for any class of driver’s license, except a learner’s permit, is required to submit to a photo imaging process as part of the licensing procedure. Such applicant must not wear dark eyeglasses, makeup or any apparel which when photographed would obscure the applicant’s face or make identification difficult. An applicant may apply for an exemption from submitting to a photograph if the applicant (a) presents a statement from a licensed physician that states why the applicant cannot visit the DMV to have a picture taken or (b) presents satisfactory evidence that the taking of a photograph is a violation of sincerely held religious beliefs forbidding the making of photo images.
A member of the U.S. Armed Forces who has been issued a license to operate a motor vehicle or motorcycle by the military may operate a motor vehicle or motorcycle on the highways for a period of 60 days before application for a New York license must be made.
License normally includes a photograph. License does not normally include a social security number or a social insurance number.
A valid driver’s license may be renewed if the applicant is qualified for a renewal of the license by making an application on a form provided by the DMV 6 months prior to 2 years after the date of expiration, paying the appropriate fees, passing a vision test, and having his or her photo image taken.
Driver’s licenses are valid for a period of 8 years.
A valid driver’s license is automatically extended when a person is out of state on active military duty. The driver’s license of active duty military personnel is also extended for a maximum of 6 months after discharge or return to the state. Active duty military personnel must file form MV-75 (Military Service Notification).
Class D: The holder may operate any passenger vehicle, limited use automobile or any truck with a GVWR of not more than 26,000 lbs., or any such vehicle towing another vehicle with a GVWR of more than 10,000 lbs. provided that such combination of vehicles has a GVWR of not more than 26,000 lbs., except it shall not be valid to operate a tractor, a tow truck, a motorcycle other than a Class B or Class C limited use motorcycle, a vehicle used to transport passengers for hire or for which a hazardous materials endorsement is required, or a vehicle defined as a bus. The holder shall be at least 18 years of age, or 17 years of age if he or she has successfully completed a driver’s education course.
Class M: The holder may operate a motorcycle, or a motorcycle towing a trailer. The holder shall be at least 18 years of age, or 17 years of age if he or she has successfully completed a driver’s education course.
Class MJ: The holder shall be at least 16 years of age. This license allows holder to operate any motorcycle. The holder may not drive in the city of New York. Such license will automatically become a class M license when the holder turns 18.
Class E: The holder may operate the same vehicles as a Class D license holder, in addition to for-hire vehicles that carry 14 passengers or less.
Commercial Class A: The holder may operate any motor vehicle or any combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR of more than 26,000, provided the towed vehicle’s GVWR is more than 10,000 lbs. The holder must be at least 21 years of age.
Commercial Class B: The holder may operate any motor vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,000, and may tow vehicles with a GVWR of less than 10,000 lbs. provided the combined GVWR is under 26,000. The holder must be at least 18 years of age, or 21 years of age to travel in interstate commerce, transport hazardous materials, or operate a school bus.
Commercial Class C: The holder may operate any vehicle with a a GVWR of not more than 26,000 lbs. or a combination of vehicles with a combined GVWR or not more than 26, 000 lbs., transporting 15 passengers or more, or hazardous materials. The holder must be at least 18 years of age, or 21 years of age to travel in interstate commerce, transport hazardous materials, or operate a school bus.
No person shall operate a motor vehicle while using a mobile telephone to engage in a call while the vehicle is in motion, unless that person is using a hands-free device.
Text messaging while driving is prohibited for all drivers.
Citizen band radio channel 9 is monitored for emergency calls. Emergency cell number is 911.
Wearing more than 1 earphone attached to a radio, tape player, or other audio device is not permitted while driving.
Drivers traveling in the same direction must exercise due care, include moving from a lane immediately adjacent, and reducing speed, to avoid colliding with a vehicle parked, stopped, or standing on the shoulder or any portion of the highway when the vehicle is an authorized emergency response, tow truck, or maintenance vehicle with its lights flashing.
Front seat occupants age 16 and older must wear a seat belt.
Violation of the seat belt law is a standard offense.
Riding in the cargo area of a pick-up truck is not permitted; some exceptions apply.
All children ages 8 to 16 must wear a seat belt in all seats.
All children ages 4 until 8, or under 4 and over 40 lbs., must be restrained in a booster seat.
Children under age 4 and under 40 lbs. must be restrained in a child restraint system.
Violation of the child restraint law is a standard offense.
Whenever any person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing under any of the following circumstances, the driver of such vehicle shall stop, not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail and shall not proceed until he or she can do so safely. This applies when (1) an audible or clearly visible electronic or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a train; (2) a crossing gate is lowered or a human flagman gives a signal of the approach of a train; (3) a train approaches within 1,500 feet, and by its proximity is a hazard; or (4) a train emits a warning sound, and by its proximity is a hazard.
The driver of any bus carrying passengers, of any school bus, any vehicle carrying explosive materials or flammable liquids, any crawler-type tractor, steam shovel, derrick roller, or any equipment or structure having a normal operating speed of 10 mph or less, or a vertical body or a load clearance of less than 1/2 inch per foot of the distance between any 2 adjacent axles shall stop such vehicle within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad and while stopped shall listen and look in both directions for any approaching train and shall not proceed until he or she can do so safely.
The driver of a vehicle upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus which, while displaying a red visual signal, stopped to receive or discharge any passengers, or which has stopped because a school bus in front of it has stopped to receive or discharge any passengers shall stop their vehicle before reaching the school bus and not proceed until the school bus resumes motion, or until signaled by the bus driver or a police officer to proceed.
No person shall operate a motor vehicle with a model year of 1999 or after, except a motorcycle or special purpose commercial vehicle granted an exception by the DMV, which is so constructed that the body has a clearance at the front end more than 30 inches from the ground when empty, unless the front end is equipped with bumpers or devices so located that (a) some part of the bumper or device must be at least 16 but not more than 30 inches above the ground with the vehicle empty; (b) the maximum distance between the closest points between the bumpers or devices, if more than 1 is used does not exceed 24 inches; (c) the maximum trans-verse distance from the widest part of the motor vehicle at the front to the bumper or device shall not exceed 18 inches; and (d) the bumpers or devices shall be substantially constructed and firmly attached.
Headlights are required to be used when windshield wipers are being used, when visibility is less than 1000 feet or when there is insufficient light or adverse weather.
Hazard light use is permitted unless otherwise posted.
Tire chain usage is permitted for hazardous weather or other related incidents only, but may not damage the highway surface.
Studded tires are permitted October 16 to April 30.
No person shall operate any motor vehicle if the following windows are composed of, covered by, or treated with any material which has a light transmittance of less than 70%:
No person shall operate a motor vehicle which is equipped with a television receiving set within view of the operator or in which a television receiving set is in operation within the view of the operator. This does not apply to closed-circuit television receiving equipment exclusively for safety and maneuvering purposes.
A person other than a police or peace officer, who equips a motor vehicle with a radio receiving set capable of receiving signals on the frequencies allocated for police use or who in any way interferes with the transmission of radio messages by the police without first securing a permit to do so, is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not exceeding $1,000, or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months, or both.
Radar Detectors are prohibited for use by all commercial vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds, and all vehicles weighing more than 18,000 pounds.
Placing stickers on the windshield or rear windows of a motor vehicle, other than those authorized by the DMV, is prohibited.
Every motorcycle shall have adequate brakes in good working order to control the motorcycle at all times. Motorcycles manufactured after January 1, 1971 shall be equipped with brakes acting both on the front and rear wheels.
All motorcycles must have the following equipment: a bell, horn, or other device for signaling; at least 1 red reflector attached to the rear, 1 red or amber stop lamp, and shall, whenever the motorcycle is being operated, display 1 lighted lamp either white or yellow in color, visible for at least 200 feet on the front and 1 red light on the rear visible for at least 50 feet.
No motorcycle shall be operated with handlebars or grips more than the height of the operator’s shoulders.
No person may operate a motorcycle without a helmet, goggles, or a face shield, and a rearview mirror so adjusted that the driver has a clear view of the road and condition of traffic behind such motorcycle.
A person operating a motorcycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached, shall not carry any other person unless the motorcycle is designed to carry more than 1 person, and shall ride only when sitting astride the seat, facing forward with 1 leg on each side of the motorcycle.
No person shall operate a motorcycle while carrying any article which prevents him from keeping both hands on the handlebars.
No person riding upon a motorcycle shall attach themselves or the motorcycle to any other vehicle or streetcar on a roadway.
Class M or MJ license is required.
Class MJ: The holder shall be at least 16 years of age and may operate any motorcycle. The holder may not drive in the city of New York. Such license will automatically become a class M license when the holder turns 18.
Class M: The holder may operate a motorcycle, or a motorcycle towing a trailer. The holder shall be at least 18 years of age, or 17 years of age if they have successfully completed a driver’s education course.
A 4-hour motorcycle training class required.
The maximum allowable sound level is 82 decibels for any motorcycle traveling at any speed. This is to be measured at a distance of 50 feet from the center of the lane in which the motorcycle is traveling.
A limited use motorcycle having a maximum performance speed between 30 mph and 40 mph shall be a class A limited use motorcycle. A limited use motorcycle having a maximum performance speed between 20 mph and 30 mph shall be a Class B limited use motorcycle. A limited use motorcycle having a maximum performance speed of not more than 20 mph shall be a Class C limited use motorcycle.
A registration issued to a Class B or Class C limited use motorcycle shall be valid only for operation on roads in the right-hand lane available for traffic, or upon a usable shoulder on the right side of the highway. This does not apply when the motorcycle operator is preparing to make a left turn.
A limited use motorcycle shall be subject to the equipment requirements that are applicable to a motorcycle.
A certificate of title is not required for a limited use motorcycle.
The following safety equipment is required: approved protective helmet and eye protection, except for moped classified as Class C limited use motorcycles. Brake acting on both wheels, horn, headlamp, tail lamp, number plate lamp, tires with at least 2/32-inch tread, 1 rear red reflector, muffler, and rearview mirror.
Total length: 65 feet (includes bumpers); trailer length: 48 feet (includes bumpers); width: 96 inches (102 inches allowed on certain designated roads); height: 13 feet 6 inches.
Every trailer and semitrailer weighing more than 1,000 lbs. unladen and every trailer and semitrailer manufactured on or after January 1, 1971, having a registered maximum gross weight or an actual gross weight of more than 3,000 lbs. shall be equipped with adequate brakes in good working order.
Device of a type approved by Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. Each approved towing system must include safety chains. Ball hitch mounted on bumper permitted.
Taillights, brake lights, license plate lights, and turn signals required. On a combination of vehicles the rear signal lamp must be at the rear of the last vehicle in the combination.
Every motor vehicle, when driven or operated upon a public highway, shall be equipped with a mirror or other reflecting device so adjusted that the operator of such vehicle shall have a clear and full view of the road and condition of traffic behind the vehicle.
Every motor vehicle when driven or operated on a public highway, that has a model year after 1968, shall be equipped with a side mirror which shall be affixed to the left outside of such vehicle and which shall be adjustable.
Same as passenger cars
No vehicle shall be towed with the use of a dolly, unless the dolly is secured to the towing vehicle by safety chains or cables which will prevent the dolly from separating from the towing vehicle.
It is unlawful to operate any open truck or trailer transporting loose materials, unless the truck or trailer has a cover, tarpaulin, or other device that covers the opening on the truck or trailer to prevent the falling of any material. However, if the load is arranged so that no loose material can fall from or blow out of the truck or trailer, the covering is not necessary.
Crashes must be reported if property damage exceeds $1,000.00.
The deadline to file a report is 10 days.
State has discretionary recognition of AAA arrest bond certificate.
State has compulsory no-fault insurance law. Sale and purchase are mandatory. State provides benefits up to a limit of $50,000 per person to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians injured in a motor vehicle accident occurring in this state. Benefits include all reasonable and necessary medical and rehabilitation expenses; wage loss up to 80% of lost earnings, maximum $2,000 per month for 3 years; substitute service $25 per day up to 1 year.
Proof of financial security is required for every motor vehicle registered.
The minimum amounts of financial security required are $25,000 because of bodily injury to or $50,000 because of the death of any 1 person in an accident, $50,000 because of bodily damage to or $100,000 because of the death of 2 or more persons in any 1 accident, and $10,000 because of injury to or destruction to property in any 1 accident.
State has non-resident service of process law; it does not have guest suit law.
Proof of insurance coverage for New York registered vehicles required. Insurance ID card must be kept with the vehicle to which it applies and it must be produced upon request to any police officer or to any person with whom an accident has occurred. Failure to produce an ID card when required can result in a charge of uninsured operation. Uninsured operation can result in revocation of license and registration privileges.
State has fixed inspection/weigh stations along with random enforcement through use of portable units.
Bicycle helmets are required for riders under age 14 and it is prohibited to transport children under 1 on a bicycle.
Drivers passing a bicycle rider traveling in the same direction must pass at a safe distance.
New York is party to the Non-Resident Violator Compact.
