Selling or buying a vehicle in New York? A bill of sale (Form MV-912) is required by the NY DMV — and a separate Statement of Transaction (Form DTF-802) is also needed to calculate sales tax.
This free template is formatted for New York’s requirements and works alongside Form MV-912 and the Certificate of Title at your local NY DMV office.
Click Get This Template below to open it in Google Docs, then click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive.
For templates for all 50 states, visit the Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Templates →
On this page:
- What Is a New York Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
- Is a Bill of Sale Required in New York?
- New York-Specific Requirements
- Free New York Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
- How to Fill Out the Template
- How to Transfer a Car Title in New York
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a New York Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
A New York motor vehicle bill of sale is a written record of a private vehicle sale.
New York’s official form is Form MV-912 (Vehicle Bill of Sale), available at dmv.ny.gov. It is required by the NY DMV alongside the Certificate of Title when transferring ownership and registering the vehicle. The purchase price on the bill of sale is used to calculate the sales tax owed, reported on the separate Form DTF-802.
Is a Bill of Sale Required in New York?
Yes. The NY DMV requires a bill of sale (Form MV-912 or equivalent) to process a title transfer for a private party vehicle purchase. The seller must sign the bill of sale; both buyer and seller signing is strongly recommended.
A separate Form DTF-802 (Statement of Transaction — Sale or Gift of a Motor Vehicle) is also required to certify the sale price for sales tax calculation purposes.
New York-Specific Requirements
1. Register Within 180 Days of Insurance
The buyer must register the vehicle within 180 days of the effective date on their NY State Insurance ID card. Registration is handled at a local NY DMV office (by reservation or walk-in) or by mail for some transactions.
2. Form DTF-802 — Tax Statement Required
In addition to the bill of sale, the buyer must complete Form DTF-802 (Statement of Transaction — Sale or Gift of a Motor Vehicle, Trailer, ATV, Vessel, or Snowmobile). This form certifies the purchase price for sales tax calculation and is required whether the vehicle is sold or gifted. For gifts, write “$0” or “GIFT” on the purchase price line.
3. Sales Tax
New York charges sales tax on the purchase price. First-time registration fees include state and local sales tax, a plate fee or registration transfer fee, a title certificate fee, a vehicle use tax in most counties, and a registration fee. Rates vary by county.
4. Odometer Disclosure (Form MV-103)
Form MV-103 (Odometer Disclosure Statement) must be attached to the bill of sale if the vehicle is under 10 years old or under 16,000 lbs GVWR. Both buyer and seller must sign.
5. License Plates Stay with the Seller
New York license plates generally stay with the seller. Remove your plates and registration sticker before handing over the vehicle. You can transfer plates to another vehicle or surrender them to the DMV. The buyer receives new plates when they register.
6. Notarization
New York requires notarization for certain title transactions — including out-of-state title transfers where the prior state required notarization on the transfer section. For standard NY private party sales, notarization of the bill of sale itself is not required. Notarization is optional but recommended for high-value sales.
Free New York Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
This template opens in Google Docs. Click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive, fill it out digitally, or print and complete by hand.
How to Fill Out the Template
Enter the seller’s name exactly as it appears on the Certificate of Title. Enter the buyer’s name exactly as they want it on the new title.
In Section 3, copy the VIN character by character. Enter the full agreed purchase price in Section 4 — New York uses this to calculate sales tax on Form DTF-802.
Both parties sign Section 11. Attach Form MV-103 (Odometer Disclosure) if the vehicle is under 10 model years old. Also complete Form DTF-802 separately before visiting the DMV.
For a complete field-by-field walkthrough of every section, see: How to Fill Out a Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale →
How to Transfer a Car Title in New York
For the Seller
Sign the transfer section on the back of the Certificate of Title. Remove your license plates and registration sticker before handing over the vehicle. Provide the buyer with this signed bill of sale.
For the Buyer
Visit a local NY DMV office (reservation recommended) with the signed title, this bill of sale (Form MV-912 or equivalent), Form DTF-802, Form MV-103 (if applicable), NY State Insurance ID card, valid NY driver’s license, and payment for all registration fees and sales tax.
Lost Title
Apply for a replacement title at any NY DMV office or at dmv.ny.gov before proceeding with the sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The NY DMV requires Form MV-912 (Vehicle Bill of Sale) to process a title transfer for a private party sale. A separate Form DTF-802 (Statement of Transaction) is also required to certify the purchase price for sales tax purposes.
Form DTF-802 (Statement of Transaction — Sale or Gift of a Motor Vehicle, Trailer, ATV, Vessel, or Snowmobile) is required alongside the bill of sale for all NY vehicle transfers. It certifies the purchase price for sales tax calculation. For gifts, write $0 or GIFT in the purchase price area. Both buyer and seller complete it.
New York plates generally stay with the seller — not the vehicle. Remove your plates and registration sticker before handing over the vehicle. You can transfer your plates to another vehicle or surrender them to the DMV. The buyer receives new plates when they register.
Not for standard NY private party sales. Notarization may be required for out-of-state title transfers where the prior state required notarization on the transfer section. For standard NY transactions, notarization is optional but recommended for high-value sales.
Within 180 days of the effective date on the NY State Insurance ID card. The buyer must have NY insurance in place first, then register at a local DMV office within 180 days of the insurance effective date.
Yes alongside Form MV-912 or as a substitute if it contains all required information — year and make, VIN, date of sale, purchase price, and seller’s signature. The NY DMV provides Form MV-912 as the official template, but any complete bill of sale is acceptable.
This template and all information on this page are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Contact the New York DMV at dmv.ny.gov to confirm current requirements before completing your transaction.