Register an out-of-state vehicle[1] 


Do I need to register my vehicle in New York State? 
It depends if you aren t a resident of New York , the registration from your state of residence is valid here if you move to New York and become a resident , you must register your vehicle here within 30 days of becoming a resident moving if you are a resident of New York and you get a vehicle from another state which you will be driving on New York State roadways , you must register the vehicle here within 30 days 

What do I need to bring to the DMV? 
Before visiting a DMV office to register your vehicle , please complete the Document Guide to make sure you bring the correct documents with you. The requirements to register an out - of - state vehicle are generally the same as to register and title vehicle [2] in New York. However , there are exceptions. See the questions below. Find your proofs [3 ] 

Can I register if I am currently out of New York? 
Yes. See instructions to register a vehicle when you are out of state [4]. 

The out-of-state title is not in my name. How can I provide proof of ownership? 
It depends whether the vehicle was purchased new or used from a dealer, or from a private owner. For a new vehicle purchased from an out - of - state dealer , provide the Manufacturer s Certificate of Origin MCO the dealer's bill of sale For used vehicle purchased from an out - of - state dealer , provide an out - of - state title certificate or transferrable registration transferred to the dealer that transfers ownership to you the dealer s bill of sale For a vehicle from a private owner , provide the bill of sale either the title certificate or transferable registration that was transferred to you from the previous owner 

There is a lien on my out-of state title certificate. Is that OK? 
Yes. If there is a lien on your out - of - state title certificate , the NYS DMV records the lien on your NYS title record and on your NYS title certificate. To remove the lien , you

user: I need registration information for an out of state car

assistant: Do you want to know if you have to register your vehicle in New York State?

user: yea

assistant: You might need to register the car under certain situations

user: what if I do have to register but the title is not in my name? I have a 2008 Honda Accord that was bought used

assistant: For a used vehicle purchased from an out-of-state dealer, you will need to provide an out-of-state title certificate or transferrable registration transferred to the dealer, OR the dealer’s bill of sale that transfers ownership to you

user: so will I need to register if I move to NY full time?

assistant: Yes,  you must register your vehicle here within 30 days of becoming a resident 

user: If my car had been purchased new from a New Jersey dealership what would I need as proof of ownership?

assistant: You would need the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin, and the dealer's bill of sale

user: ok, and what will I need to have with me to register the car?

assistant: Before you visit a DMV office to register your vehicle, you should complete the Document Guide to make sure you bring the correct documents with you. The requirements to register an out-of-state vehicle are generally the same as to register and title vehicle in New York.

user: can you give me a link to the document guide?

assistant: Yes, I can link you to the Document Guide

user: last question I want to ask is if there is a way around the California emission standards?

assistant: You should read the information about California emissions standards to determine if there is an exemption for your vehicle.