New York Private Car Sale Checklist
Use this checklist to prepare for a private vehicle sale in New York. Requirements can vary by vehicle type, lien status, and situation, so always confirm with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before completing the transaction.
Quick answer
New York sellers must have their signature on the title notarized before handing the title to the buyer — the NY DMV will reject a non-notarized title. Odometer disclosure is required on the title for vehicles under 10 years old. The buyer then has 10 days to register the vehicle at a NY DMV office.
Key facts
- State
- New York
- Agency
- New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
- Process
- Sell a Car
- Notary required
- Yes
- Bill of sale
- Conditional
- Odometer disclosure
- Yes
- Filing deadline
- 10 days
- Last verified
- 2026-05-10
- Official source
- New York State Department of Motor Vehicles ↗
Key facts from official sources
New York requires the seller's signature on the title to be notarized for private vehicle sales.
NY DMV — Transfer Vehicle Ownership ↗A bill of sale is not required by New York state law but is recommended as a record of sale.
NY DMV — Transfer Vehicle Ownership ↗Odometer reading is recorded on the title or Odometer Disclosure Statement for vehicles under 10 years old.
NY DMV — Transfer Vehicle Ownership ↗Quick reference
Notary required?
✓YesBill of sale?
◆ConditionalOdometer disclosure?
✓Yes⏱ Important Deadlines
- 10-day deadline: Buyer must register within 10 days of purchase to avoid finesOfficial source ↗
Seller Checklist
Items the seller typically needs to prepare or provide.
Required Forms
Special requirements
New York requires the seller's signature on the title to be notarized for private vehicle sales.
Not required by state law but recommended as a record of sale.
Required. The odometer reading is recorded on the title or on the Odometer Disclosure Statement.
Step-by-step process
- 1Confirm the vehicle title is clear of liens and the seller's name matches the title exactly.
- 2Seller completes the odometer disclosure section on the back of the title (required for vehicles under 10 years old).
- 3Seller signs the title assignment in front of a licensed notary public — New York requires the seller's signature to be notarized. Verify the current notarization requirement at dmv.ny.gov.
- 4Notary stamps and signs the title; seller keeps a copy for their records.
- 5Seller hands the notarized title and any other required documents to the buyer.
- 6Seller removes the license plates — New York plates generally stay with the owner, not the vehicle.
- 7Direct the buyer to register the vehicle at a NY DMV office and complete the title transfer within 10 days of purchase.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Seller signing the title without notarization — New York requires the seller's signature to be witnessed and stamped by a notary public; the NY DMV will reject a non-notarized title.
- ✗Buyer missing the 10-day registration window — fines apply for vehicles not registered within 10 days of purchase in New York.
Official links
Source verification
This page covers 4 researched claims about New York sell a car:
Directly cited from official sources
Inferred — confirm with agency before acting
Researched from New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Requirements can change — always verify with the official agency before submitting documents.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car privately?
Requirements vary by state. In New York, check with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for the current requirement. A bill of sale is always recommended as a record of the transaction.
What happens if the buyer doesn't transfer the title?
You could remain liable for tickets, tolls, and accidents. File a release of liability or notice of sale with your state agency as soon as the sale is complete.
Can I sell a car with a lien?
Yes, but the lien must be satisfied at or before closing. The lienholder must release the lien before a clean title can be issued to the buyer.
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Last reviewed: 2026-05-10 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Based on official New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sources · Independent resource · Not legal advice