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: Hello, I was wondering how to obtain a title. Can you explain that to me, please?

assistant: Most often, you automatically apply for a when you first register your motor vehicle or motorboat. Use the form Vehicle Registration/Title Application (MV-82), available at any motor vehicle office, by request from a DMV Call Center or by download from the DMV internet site.

assistant: Would you like to know how long the application process takes?

user: Sure, go ahead.

assistant: The title application process may take several weeks to complete.

user: Which vehicles need a title?

assistant: New York State issues a Certificate of Title MV-999 for most motor vehicles of model year 1973 or newer, and motorboats, model year 1987 or newer, that are 14 feet or longer, among others.

user: What if both my registration and the title are wrong?

assistant: Then you should bring them to a motor vehicle office.

user: Alright. What if my purchase does not qualify for a title certificate?

assistant: Then the ownership proof is a transferable registration signed over to you.

user: Sounds good. And if I use an older version of the title?

assistant: Well, the seller must give you a completed Odometer And Disclosure Statement MV-103, available at any motor vehicle office. It is also available from a DMV Call Center or from the DMV Internet Office.