ATTENTION: Need to register or title your motorcycle? Be prepared to satisfy any insurance requirements. Click below for a free quote.
Please enter your zip to get started:
This page will cover the motorcycle registration and title process in New York and provide some tips on how to register if you bought the motorcycle without a title.
Learn more about motorcycle title transfers in New York.
New York Title & Inspection Requirements for Used Motorcycles
- Does New York have an equipment/safety inspection?
- Equipment inspections performed randomly.
- Does New York require VIN Inspections for motorcycles bought out of state?
- No VIN inspection required.
- Does New York require a title for old motorcycles?
- No title required for motorcycles older than model year 1973.
How to Title and Register a Motorcycle in New York
To register and title your motorcycle in New York, you’ll need the following:
- Original title signed by buyer and seller (for NY motorcycles year 1973 and newer).
- Bill of sale and old registration if bought in a state that doesn’t issue titles.
- NYS transferable registration for NY motorcycles 1972 and older.
- Bill of Sale/Sales Tax Form DTF-802: Statement of Transaction – Sale or Gift of a Motor Vehicle, Trailer, All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), Vessel (Boat), or Snowmobile (PDF) (DTF-802)
- Proof of insurance.
- Title and registration fees and sales tax.
- Vehicle Registration Application
Find more information about New York motorcycle registration and registration renewal.
Register a Motorcycle with No Title in New York
If you bought a used motorcycle with no title in New York, you can try the following to get it registered:
Option 1: Bikes from NYS
Before sale is complete, ask previous owner to get a duplicate title:
Learn how to replace a lost motorcycle title in New York.
Option 2: Bikes from outside New York
If the motorcycle was bought in a state that requires titles:
- Have the previous owner request a duplicate title in that state.
- Find motorcycle registration and title details for all states here.
Option 3: Register in a No-Title State
Register the bike in a non-title, no residency requirement, mail-in registration application state, such as Vermont.
- Follow the registration requirements in Vermont.
- Transfer your registration to your own state.
New York Street Legal Motorcycle Equipment Requirements
New York requires motorcycles to have the following:
- Rearview mirrors.
- Handlebar grips must not be above shoulder height.
- Turn signals required for motorcycles manufactured after 1984.
- Daytime Headlights required.
- Horn.
- Speedometer required for motorcycles manufactured after 1979.
Learn more about street legal motorcycle requirements.
This information was correct at the time of writing it, but state laws are subject to change.
Do I need to fill out a DTF-802 or will the NYS DMV Bill of Sale form suffice for tax purposes?
Yes, you should complete a DTF-802 along with your application.
Is a bill of sale sufficient in order for me to register in New York State a 49cc scooter purchased from Connecticut? Thanks
You will likely need other proof of ownership to go along with it. Typically the title – or, in some situations, a previous registration document from the previous owner.
I have a class D (motor vehicule) NYS driver license. Is that enough to register a motorcycle in NYS (assuming I have all other requirements met)?
Due to covid I must do it online and it will take 4-5 weeks to get a response.
I have set an appointment to take the learner’s permit test in November (long wait list due to covid) and passed the MSF course skills test in August – so I should be able to get the M endorsement by the end of November.
I just don’t want to pay for almost 2 months of insurance for a bike I can’t take out on the road in case class D licenses are not accepted Thank you!
That should be enough to register the bike. NY DMV does not explicitly state otherwise. Please let us know how it goes.
I’m buying a used motorcycle from a private seller in another state. I’ve done that before, and if I recall, the seller had to notarize his signature on his title.
I’m looking up the docs I need now, and I am not seeing that requirement. I did this process previously last fall (Aug, 2019), and I’m certain the notary was a requirement. Not for any of the NY forms, just his signature on the title.
Has that changed?
You’re correct – no need for notarization in NY.
Do i need the original documents to register my motorcycle? I just got my permit for both driving and motorcycle. I only have the paper they give you. I need help
If you’re talking about proof of identification to use at the DMV, a hard copy/official version is typically required. You should call and check if your temporary document is OK before you make a visit.
I bought a motorcycle new in pa i live in ny and i traded in a currently regisferd bike what is the process for the title. Do i recieve a pa title. How long does the process take
You’ll need to visit the NY DMV with your ownership/proof of sale documents (assuming the dealer didn’t already take care of this in PA), and you’ll need to complete an application for a NY title and registration.
In addition to the ownership/sale documents, this includes getting the bike insured, completing an application, providing proof of your identification, and paying the taxes and fees.
After submitting the application and taking care of what you need to at the DMV, your new documents will typically arrive in the mail within a couple of weeks.
Do I need a valid m or valid motorcycle permit to register a motorcycle
Either one should work as long as you are at least 16 years old.
Can I register one without the license or permit at all
You’ll need to enter your NY driver’s license number on your registration application.