Lost, damaged, or never received your New York title? You still have legal ways to sell. Here's how it works in 2026, based on official New York rules — plus the fastest way to just get a cash offer.
New York requires a title to sell most cars, but the very oldest are handled with a transferable registration instead. If your title is missing, here's how to replace it and sell.
File the Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title (Form MV-902) with the $20 fee, in person at a DMV office or by mail to the Title Bureau. By law the duplicate is mailed to the owner (processed within about 72 hours of acceptance). Once it arrives, sign it over and give the buyer a Bill of Sale (MV-912).
New York does not issue titles for vehicles model year 1972 or older. For those, proof of ownership is a transferable registration signed over to the buyer, plus a Bill of Sale (MV-912) — a bill of sale alone isn't accepted.
New York has no separate release-of-liability form — turning in your plates is what protects you. Remove them, surrender them at a DMV office (or move them to another car you own), and keep the receipt. Cancel insurance only after the plates are surrendered. The buyer also needs a Statement of Transaction (DTF-802) for sales tax.
Tell us the year and condition — we'll tell you exactly what's needed and make a real cash offer, with free towing at pickup.
Get My Free Offer →The quick reference for signing your car over the right way in New York.
Three things worth confirming before you hand over the keys.
Running or not, title or no title — get a real cash offer in about two minutes, with free towing.
Get My Free Offer →This guide is general information based on New York rules current as of 2026, not legal advice. Requirements can change and situations vary — confirm details with the official state source (official New York DMV page) before acting.