What is a title? 
A Certificate of Title MV-999 is the official proof of ownership for a car, truck, motorcycle, motorboat, travel or utility trailer weighing 1,000 pounds or more, or manufactured home mobile home. The title certificate is used to transfer ownership from one person to another. The title also lists any " lienholders " those from whom the owner borrowed money to purchase the vehicle or manufactured home. It is wise to keep your title certificate in a safe place. Don't keep it in the car or carry it with you. 

Which vehicles must be titled? 
New York State issues a Certificate of Title MV-999 for : most motor vehicles of model year 1973 or newer ; motorboats, model year 1987 or newer, that are 14 feet or longer ; and , manufactured homes , model year 1995 , or newer , that are 8 feet or more in width, or 40 feet or more in length, or cover at least 320 square feet when erected on site. New York State does not issue a title certificate for any motor vehicle of model year 1972 or older, travel or utility trailer that weighs less than 1,000 pounds, or limited used motorcycle including a moped. 

What's the difference between a title and a registration? 
For most owners , a title certificate proves ownership of a car, truck, motorcycle, motorboat, or manufactured home. The title is used to transfer it to another owner. A registration allows a driver to operate a motor vehicle on a public road, or a motorboat on a public waterway. Manufactured homes are not registered. A transferable registration is issued for a 1972 or older motor vehicle, or a 1986 or older motorboat. The transferable portion proves ownership, and is used to sell or give ownership to another person. The registration portion allows the vehicle to be operated on a public road, or a motorboat on a public waterway. 

How do I obtain a title? 
Most often , you automatically apply for a when you first register your motor vehicle or motorboat. Use the form Vehicle Registration / Title Applica

user: Can you tell me how to remove a lien from my title? I live in NY and want to have a title without a lien.

assistant: Have you paid your loan in full?

user: Yes, I just finish paying off my loan.

assistant: Then the lienholder must promptly send you a proof of lien satisfaction called a "lien release". This is usually a Notice of Recorded Lien (MV-901), marked and endorsed by the lender proving payment.

user: That's good to know. Do you have some more useful information about titles?

assistant: Of course. Simply read the DMV publication Let the Buyer Be Aware, Buying a New or Used Car (C-18) for helpful information about brands on titles and what they mean.

user: *makes no sense*

assistant: *makes no sense*

user: Alright. What if I'm the seller of a vehicle?

assistant: In that case the vehicle will immediately belong to the new owner, as soon as you sign.

user: You are talking about the line for "Seller's Signature", right?

assistant: That is correct.

user: What would I have to do if I was the new owner?

assistant: You will need proof of the purchase price for sales tax purposes -- have the seller fill out the appropriate NYS vehicle sales tax form, most often the "Affidavit of Sale/Statement of Transaction" (DTF-802) available at any motor vehicle office, by request from a DMV Call Center or from the DMV Internet Office.