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 give me some guidance on how to obtain a title without a registration?

assistant: Of course. This is known as a title only transaction. Fill out a Vehicle Registration/Title Application (MV-82) or Application for Title (MV-82TON), available at any motor vehicle office. It is also available by request from a DMV Call Center or from the DMV Internet Office.

assistant: Are you only applying for a title certificate?

user: Yes, I just want the title.

assistant: Then you must pay the sales tax at a motor vehicle office, just bring your proof of ownership and proof of purchase price. The most commonly accepted proof of purchase price is an statement of transaction, sale or gift of motor vehicle, trailer, all-terrain vehicle, vessel boat, or Snowmobile at NY State department of tax and finance DTF-802, available at any motor vehicle office or by from the DMV internet office.

user: That sounds great. So what do I need to register?

assistant: You need to obtain a certified photocopy of the title, or written verification from the other state's motor vehicle title authority that you are the owner, and a letter from the lienholder authorizing you to register the car in New York.