Motorcycle Registration in New York
If you own a motorcycle in New York, you are required to have it registered at a local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.
Here's what you need to know to begin the process.
*NOTE: This guide is for first-time motorcycle registrations. If you need to renew your registration in New York, visit our guide to registration renewals.
New to New York
If you are a new NY resident, you'll need to register your out-of-state motorcycle within 30 days of establishing residency.
Make an appointment with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office branch and bring:
- Your motorcycle's title* and out-of-state registration.
- Proof of:
- Identity.
- The DMV provides a guide to acceptable documents.
- Motorcycle insurance.
- Safety inspection IF you do not have a current inspection sticker from your previous state.
- See our guide to New York vehicle inspections for further details.
- Identity.
- A completed Vehicle Registration/Title Application (Form MV-82).
- A Claim for Sales and Use Tax Exemption (Form DTF-803).
- This exempts new residents from sales tax on vehicles purchased before moving to New York.
- Payment for the annual registration fee, PLUS applicable title, county, and plate fees.
- See below for more on NY motorcycle registration fees.
*NOTE FOR LEASED OR FINANCED VEHICLES
If your vehicle is leased or a lienholder has the title, provide the following:
- A copy of the title from your lienholder.
- Lienholder's statement verifying the title copy, and including your motorcycle's:
- VIN.
- Year, make, and model.
For further details, check out the DMV's guide to out-of-state vehicle registrations.
Motorcycle Registration Periods in NY
Motorcycles in New York are registered for 1 year, and registrations expire on April 30.
If you register your motorcycle with less than a full year remaining until the statewide expiration, you'll still be responsible for the full year's registration fee—even if you register in March or April.
Registering Your NY Motorcycle
Motorcycle registration in New York can vary depending on whether your purchased your new motorcycle from a dealership or a private seller. We'll help you with the differences below.
Dealer-Purchased Motorcycles
Most New York dealers will issue you temporary motorcycle registration paperwork and license plates. Once the dealer submits your information to the Department of Motor Vehicles, you'll receive your permanent registration in the mail.
Some dealerships charge additional fees to complete registration and titling paperwork. Ask your dealer for more information about the process and the fees associated with registration.
If you choose to complete the registration process yourself, follow the same steps as you would when purchasing a motorcycle from a private seller.
Private Motorcycle Purchases
If you're registering a motorcycle you bought from a private seller, you'll need to gather a number of documents before heading to your local NYS DMV office.
Make an appointment for your registration, and bring with you:
- The motorcycle's title.
- Proof of your:
- Identity; see the DMV's list of acceptable documents.
- Motorcycle insurance.
- A completed:
- Bill of Sale (Form MV-912), signed by you and the seller.
- Statement of Transaction—Sale or Gift of Motor Vehicle, Trailer, All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), Vessel (Boat), or Snowmobile (Form DTF-802).
- This allows the DMV to calculate the proper sales tax for the purchase.
- Vehicle Registration/Title Application (Form MV-82).
- Payment for your registration fee, plus all other applicable fees and taxes (see below).
The DMV will issue your new registration certificate and license plates, as well as a temporary inspection extension sticker, good for 10 days. This allows you to take your vehicle for its required inspections.
You should expect your new motorcycle title to arrive by mail within 45 days.
Motorcycle Registration Fees & Taxes
The New York Department of Motor Vehicles charges the following for registering your motorcycle:
- Registration fee:
- Annual fee.
- Depending on when you register, you may be charged for 2 years. See Motorcycle Registration Periods above.
- Vehicle plate: $25.
- Title certificate: $50.
- Inspection fee: $6.
- Sales and county use tax: Varies according to your county of residence and the purchase price of the motorcycle.
- Use the NY DMV's estimated fees calculator to give yourself an idea of how much you should prepare to pay.
Some counties also require a Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD) fee. Visit the DMV's guide to fees and taxes for a list of applicable counties.