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: I just bought a new truck and need help with getting the title.

assistant: If you didn't automatically apply when you first registered your truck, you can use the form Vehicle Registration/Title Application to get a title. 

assistant: Have you filled out and submitted this form yet?

user: Yes, I have.

assistant: Due to NY State laws, it could take several weeks for the title application process to complete.

user: That's not good. What is the importance of a title?

assistant: If you decided to sell your truck down the road, having a title allows you to transfer ownership of that vehicle to another person. 

user: How would I get a duplicate title, in case, I lost the original?

assistant: You can apply for a duplicate title online or at any DMV office.

user: What do I do if I go to DMV to get one?

assistant: You'll need to complete and submit an Application for Duplicate Certificate Of Title, provide proof of identity, and proof of address. The duplicate title is normally processed in 72 hours and will be mailed to you for a $20 fee.

user: Can I apply for a title at DMV?

assistant: Absolutely. You can submit a Vehicle Registration/Title Application at any DMV office.