If you purchased a vehicle at a sheriff or marshal auction , you might not have the title to that vehicle. However , you can still apply for a New York State registration and a title certificate at a local DMV office [1]. 

What to bring to the DMV 


One of these 
a copy of the posted notice of sale a copy of the newspaper ad containing the vehicle year , make and VIN the name of the newspaper and the date the ad was published a statement from the Marshal or Sheriff that they complied with the law in regard to public notification or sale 

All of these documents 
a completed Vehicle Registration / Title Application PDF [2] MV-82 the Marshal's or Sheriff's Bill of Sale , which must contain the following a description of the vehicle year, make and VIN the place , date , reason and circumstances of seizure the name and address of the purchaser and the price paid if the vehicle was sold outside New York City , that all interested parties owner, lienholder, et al. a statement were notified of the sale if the vehicle was sold within New York City , a copy of the judgement or execution order giving the Marshal or Sheriff authority to sell the vehicle if the vehicle was sold within New York City , a statement by the Marshal or Sheriff that they had notified or attempted to notify the owner and lienholder that the vehicle was being auctioned the current NY State Insurance ID card auto liability insurance 1 your NY State driver license , permit , non - driver ID , or other proof of identity 2 Payment for fees and taxes or proof of an exemption [3 ] If you register for a business or organization , also bring proof of incorporation. 

Fees 
The fees depend on the vehicle weight and where you live. First - time registration fees normally include the sales tax a vehicle plate fee or registration transfer fee a title certificate fee in most counties a vehicle use tax either a 1 or 2 year registration fee , depending on the type of registration You can estimate the registration fe

user: What items should I bring to the DMV if I want to register my vehicle?

assistant: You will need to bring at least one of the following: a copy of the sale, the make, year, and VIN number of the vehicle, or a copy of the newspaper ad containing the aformentioned items.

user: Can I bring a copy of the newspaper ad or does it have to be the actual newspaper?

assistant: You may bring in a copy of the newspaper ad if you don't have the original.

user: Where can I find additional information?

assistant: You can find additional information on all of the websites that are listed on this page.

user: To register a vehicle in New York, do I have to be a United States citizen? 

assistant: You do not have to be a United States citizen to register a vehicle in New York as long as you meet certain registration requirements.

user: Are you a non-resident who wishes to register a vehicle?

assistant: That's correct, I am not a United States citizen.

user: Do I need to notify the owner of a car I bought at a marshal auction?

assistant: Yes, if the car was bought in New York City, the Marshal or Sheriff will have proof of statement that they attempted to notify the owner of the vehicle. 

user: Will the VIN number of my vehicle be shared?

assistant: Yes, your VIN can be shared but it is in order to protect you and other consumers.