New York Car Bill of Sale: Form MV-912 + Requirements
New York combines its bill of sale and release of liability into a single state form: Form MV-912. Both seller and buyer sign at the meet-up; both keep an original. The seller's signature on MV-912 also serves as the release of liability filing. Notarization is not required.
Is a bill of sale required in New York?
Yes. New York requires Form MV-912 for private vehicle title transfer. The form serves as both bill of sale and release of liability.
Notarization
Not required.
State-specific form
Form MV-912 (Bill of Sale) is New York's combined bill of sale + release of liability form. Available at dmv.ny.gov.
The form must include:
- Seller's full legal name, address
- Buyer's full legal name, address
- Vehicle year, make, model, body type, VIN
- Odometer reading
- Sale price
- Date of sale
- Both signatures
Sales tax implications
New York state sales tax: 4% + local. Major counties:
- New York City (5 boroughs): 8.875% (state 4% + city 4.5% + MCTD 0.375%)
- Westchester: 8.375%
- Nassau / Suffolk (Long Island): 8.625%
- Erie County (Buffalo): 8.75%
- Monroe County (Rochester): 8%
NYC residents also pay an additional $400 NYC Vehicle Use Tax at registration.
The buyer pays sales tax at NYS DMV title transfer using Form DTF-802 (Statement of Transaction).
State-specific seller disclosures
- Odometer disclosure: federally required for vehicles under 20 years old; on the title
- Plate removal: NY plates stay with the seller; remove at the meet-up
- Salvage title disclosure: required if branded
- No statewide emissions testing requirement for the seller; buyers in NYC and surrounding counties have annual inspection at registration
- 90-day title processing: buyer drives on temporary registration
Where to file
The buyer files at any NYS DMV office within 30 days of sale.
For the full state title transfer process, see the New York title transfer guide and our NYC guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale in New York?
Yes. Form MV-912 is required. It combines the bill of sale and the seller's release of liability.
Does NY require a notarized bill of sale?
No.
What's the sales tax on a private car sale in NYC?
8.875% in NYC (state 4% + city 4.5% + MCTD 0.375%). NYC residents also pay an additional $400 NYC Vehicle Use Tax at registration.
What's the sales tax in NY outside of NYC?
Varies by county. Westchester 8.375%; Long Island 8.625%; Erie County (Buffalo) 8.75%; Monroe County (Rochester) 8%.
What's Form MV-912?
NY's combined Bill of Sale + Release of Liability form. Required for all private vehicle transfers.
Do I need to remove plates when I sell my car in NY?
Yes, at the meet-up. NY plates stay with the seller and must be transferred to another vehicle or surrendered within 30 days.
Where do I file the bill of sale in NY?
At any NYS DMV office, with the signed title and Form DTF-802 (sales tax). Within 30 days of sale.
How long does the new title take in NY?
Approximately 90 days. The buyer drives on temporary registration.
What if I lost the title in NY?
Apply for a duplicate at the NY DMV using Form MV-902. $20 fee.
Should I disclose flaws on the bill of sale?
The "as-is" disclosure covers most. Disclose salvage or rebuilt status and major defects.
Selling a car in New York?
Generate an NYC-, Buffalo-, or Rochester-ready listing for Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Cars.com from one upload. About ten minutes total.
For NYC specifically, see our selling in NYC guide.