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: Hi, I recently bought a vehicle at a marshal auction. Could you tell me about any fees I will have to pay?

assistant: Fees are determined by the vehicle's weight and your place of residence. If it's a first time registration, then there will be additional costs like sales tax.

assistant: Is this the first time that you are registering this vehicle?

user: Oh I have a special registration, so I don't need another.

assistant: Most counties require a 1 or 2 year registration fee as a vehicle use tax. Does this apply to you?

user: Yes it does.

user: Do I need to give the VIN number when I register?

assistant: Yes it is necessary to submit this information.

user: What type of insurance information do I need to submit?

assistant: You will need both your NY State Insurance ID cards and the electronic notice that your insurance company will provide to you. Both are required.

user: Sounds complicated, is this information online?

assistant: Yes there is a list of relevant webpages to help you.

user: What documents do I need to bring as proof of i.d.?

assistant: You must be at least 16 years of age and the best card to bring is your currentNew York State driver license learner permit , or non - driver ID card. The card may be expired but only for less than 2 years from the current date.