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 I get a title and registration in New York if someone in Florida has the title on a lien?

assistant: Has the lien been satisfied?

user: yes, but I haven't gotten the title yet 

assistant: To register you will need to obtain a certified photocopy of the title, or written verification from the Florida motor vehicle title authority that you are the owner, and a letter from the lienholder authorizing you to register the car in New York. To receive a New York State title certificate after the lien is satisfied, you must mail the out-of-state title, the proof of lien satisfaction, and a letter of explanation to the Title Bureau.

user: can I register a car I bought that is badly wrecked?

assistant: If the seller indicated that the vehicle had been damaged to the extent that the cost of repairs would be in excess of 75 percent of the retail value of the vehicle at the time of loss, the vehicle cannot be registered. It must undergo a salvage vehicle examination by DMV.

user: what if it passes the DMV examination?

assistant:  If it passes the DMV will issue a branded title

user: and I will still need the proof of purchase like for all cars?

assistant: Yes, you will need proof of the purchase price for sales tax purposes -- have the seller fill out the appropriate NYS vehicle sales tax form, most often the "Affidavit of Sale/Statement of Transaction" . Bring the completed form when you apply for registration and title.

user: and once the seller signs it over it is mine even if I haven't put in the paperwork?

assistant: Once the seller signs on the line for "Seller's Signature," the vehicle will immediately belong to the new owner.

user: Is there anything I can look at for more info on used cars that have been damaged?

assistant: You can read, Let the Buyer Be Aware Buying a New or Used Car, it is a DMV publication that has helpful information