New York Vehicle Title Guide & FAQs

Signing Your New York Vehicle Title

New York title transfers are straightforward, but accuracy is critical. Your title is a legal document, and mistakes can void it. Always use blue or black ink only and sign your name exactly as it appears on the title.

What Will Void a New York Title

• Signing in the wrong section
• Signature that does not match the name on the title
• Cross-outs, erasing, or writing over mistakes
• White-out or correction fluid
• Tears, rips, or damaged titles
• Using pencil or marker instead of ink

If any of these issues occur, the New York DMV will require you to obtain a duplicate title before the vehicle can be sold.

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Where to Sign a New York Title

Sign the back of the title where it is marked “Seller’s Signature.”

Print your full legal name where it reads “Seller’s Name (Print in Full).”

Do not sign anywhere else on the title unless specifically instructed by the New York DMV.

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Vehicles With Multiple Owners

If two owners are listed on a New York title, only one owner is required to sign unless the title explicitly limits signing authority.

Always review the wording on the front of the title before signing.

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Titles Showing a Lienholder

If a lienholder is listed on the title, the lien must be released before ownership can be transferred.

• Lien release completed directly on the title
• Or an official lien release letter from the lender

Without a valid lien release, the New York DMV will not process the title transfer.

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Replacing a Lost or Damaged New York Title

If your New York title is lost, stolen, damaged, or voided, you must obtain a duplicate title before selling the vehicle.

• Duplicate titles are issued by the New York DMV
• All owners listed on the title must complete the application
• Processing times and fees apply

Official instructions are available directly from the New York DMV:

https://dmv.ny.gov/titles/replace-a-title-certificate

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After Selling Your Vehicle in New York

Once the sale is complete, remove your license plates before releasing the vehicle.

New York plates stay with the seller and may be transferred to another vehicle or returned according to DMV instructions.

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Do I Keep My License Plates?

Yes. New York requires sellers to remove their license plates before the vehicle is released to the buyer.

For additional titling and registration guidance, visit the official New York DMV website.

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