Do you know how to get a title for a motorcycle in NY? this is one of the questions our readers ask a lot. Well, we´ve got you covered.
The process for getting a title in New York will be dependent on how you obtained the motorcycle. We are going to go through each of them on this page.
Do bear in mind that we are not going to be talking about custom-built motorcycles here. We are only going to be talking about motorcycles that you have purchased directly from a dealer or a private sale.
This is because the process for custom-built motorcycles is going to be rather lengthy and costly. You will need to go through several different inspections for your motorcycle.
If you are planning on building your own motorcycle, then contact the DMV in New York and they will be able to provide you with all of the forms that you need.
Do bear in mind that you will only have to register yourself on the title of a motorcycle if it was manufactured before 1973. So, if you have purchased an older motorcycle, then there may be no need to obtain a title.
This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t obtain a title eventually. This will show that you legally own the motorcycle.
Table of Contents
Apply via the DMV
As we said, we are going to go through all of the different ways that you obtain a title for your motorcycle in New York.
No matter which route you go down, you are going to need to speak to the DMV. This will be the place that handles all of your motorcycle registrations.
The type of document that you will need to bring along to the DMV will be completely dependent on how you obtained the motorcycle. Let’s run you through the documents that you need.
New motorcycle purchased from a dealer in New York
If you have purchased a brand new motorcycle from a dealer located in New York, you will need to bring two documents with you to the DMV:
The first will be the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin or the MCO. This will show where the manufacturer sourced the motorcycle from.
The second will be the Certificate of Sale. In New York, this is going to be known as the MV-50. This will be proof that it was you that purchased the motorcycle from them.
Obviously, the details on the certificate of sale are going to need to match up with your details.
Since we assume that the dealer is going to be fairly experienced at selling new motorcycles, they will provide you with these documents as standard.
In some cases, they may even be able to help you to register the title to your motorcycle.
Read also: How To Get A Vin Number For A Custom Motorcycle (Homebuilt, No Frame Number)
New motorcycle purchased from a dealer outside of New York
You are still going to need to get the MCO from them.
The problem is that they may not be able to provide you with the MV-50. This means that you are going to need to get some sort of invoice.
Again, the company is probably going to be experienced in selling new motorcycles. This means that they will likely be able to provide you with all the documents without being prompted.
They may also be able to help you register the title of your motorcycle.
You may also want to mention that you are based in New York. They may know the rules for registering the title to the motorcycle in New York.
This means that they may be able to provide you with the specific information and documents that you may need.
Used motorcycle purchase from a dealer inside of New York
You are going to need the dealer to provide you with the MV-50. A used dealer does not have to provide you with an MCO.
They will also need to provide you with the title certificate for the previous owner. The title must currently be in the name of the dealer.
While the DMV in New York does not specifically require you to obtain an invoice for the sale, you should be getting one anyway.
You don’t want to be spending all of that cash without proof that you have spent the cash, do you? This will also help to ensure that any problems can be dealt with later on.
Read also: Can You Trade In Your Motorcycle for an RV or Camper? (Explained)
A used motorcycle purchase from a dealer outside of New York
In some cases, you won’t be able to receive the full title to your motorcycle in New York. Instead, you will be offered a motorcycle registration in New York. The DMV will guide you through the process here.
You will need to be able to provide the DMV with a bill of sale or invoice for your motorcycle purchase.
The previous owner’s title must also be signed over to your name. This means that you are going to be holding the title to the motorcycle in a different state. This is completely fine.
Remember, if the title to a motorcycle is held in a different state, the DMV in New York is not going to be able to do anything about that. They do not have any control over the DMV in other states.
Used motorcycle for a private sale
The title certificate for the previous owner must be signed over to you.
If the title certificate is not signed over to you, then the DMV will not be able to provide you with the title to your motorcycle.
There will be no requirements for you to bring any invoices along to the DMV. Although, you will probably still want to keep hold of them.
If the private seller is not able to provide you with that title certificate that has been signed over to you, then you should not be purchasing from them.
New York is not going to recognize the purchase. This means that they are not going to be able to provide you with the title.
This means that you are never going to be the legal owner of the motorcycle that you have just purchased.
A person not willing to provide you with the title certificate also comes across as incredibly suspicious. There is a chance that you may have purchased a stolen motorcycle. This comes with its own problems.
Read also: How to Take Over Payments On a Motorcycle (Harley Davidson Bike)
What happens if you do not have any of these documents?
If you do not have any of the required documents, then you may run into issues.
The DMV in New York is pretty strict when it comes to who it is able to grant motorcycle titles to. If you cannot prove that you are now the legal owner of the motorcycle, then you will not be able to gain the title.
In fact, the state of New York may not even provide you with the motorcycle registration.
Other requirements for your motorcycle
You will still be able to obtain a title to your motorcycle in New York. However, do bear in mind that you will not legally be able to drive it on the road if it does not meet these requirements:
- The motorcycle must have a speedometer if it was made after 1979
- There must be a horn
- There must be turn signals on the motorcycle (only if it was made after 1984)
- The handlebar grips must be below the height of the shoulder
- There must be rearview mirrors
- There must be headlights for use in the daytime
While these will not be checked during the actual getting the title, your motorcycle will be regularly checked for safety, and this means that your vehicle must conform to those specifications.
Conclusion
If you want a title for your motorcycle in New York, then you are going to need to go through the DMV.
While the actual process for obtaining a title from the DMV will always be the same, the documents that you require will be different.
If you are not sure what you need, then get an application from the DMV.
They will spell everything out for you. if you do not have the right documents, the title won’t be granted to you.
Here are some of my favorite services, products, and Stores
Thank you for reading this article. I hope it helps you find the most recent and accurate RV, camping information. Here are some services, products, and Stores that I use and hope you´ll also find helpful.
There are affiliate links, so if you do decide to use any of them, I´ll earn a small commission. But in all honesty, these are the exact what I use and recommend to everyone, even my own family.
To see all my of most up-to-date recommendations, check out this resource that I made for you!
References
https://dmv.ny.gov/brochure/information-and-instructions-about-your-certificate-title
Recent Posts
How to Take Over Payments On a Motorcycle (Harley Davidson Bike)
Have you ever wondered how to take over payments on a motorcycle? Look no more. We´ve got you covered. Due to the high cost of quality bikes, many people will obtain a motorcycle (e.g Harley...
Motorcycles and travel trailers are both exciting forms of transportation, but it might be confusing if you want to bring your motorcycle along with your travel trailer. Both are quite expensive...