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: What do I need to do if I am a buyer?

assistant: You need to carefully examine the current owner's Certificate of Title and be sure the info is correct and that the title certificate identifies the motor vehicle being sold.

assistant: Do you have a motor vehicle that is 10 years or older?

user: Yes, I have a vehicle that is 10 years or older.

assistant: Make sure your odometer reading, your name and address as a buyer, and the date are printed clearly in the spaces for TRANSFER BY OWNER on the reverse side.

user: What is proof of ownership?

assistant: Proof of ownership is a Manufacturers Certificate of Origin or the vehicles Certificate of Title, included with the dealer's Certificate of Sale.

user: What about the Garagemen Lien procedure?

assistant: An applicant that is using the Garageman Lien procedure must present ownership documetation that show a Notice of Lien and Sale and a Garageman Affirmation and Bill of Sale.  

user: What must I mail to the DMV Title Bureau to apply for original NYS certificate of title?

assistant: You need to mail to the DMV Title Bureau the notice of lien satisfaction, the original out of state issued title certificate, and a letter explaining your circumstances.