Can I Trade In My Car Before Registering It If It Was Already Registered?

"It's important to learn about a vehicle earlier y'all spend money for its purchase. The information in this publication may help y'all choose the vehicle that best meets your needs."

Ownership from a Dealer

In New York State, every automotive dealer must annals with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A registered dealer must obey certain state and federal laws that protect your purchase of a new or used car, truck, or other motor vehicle, including one sold as "salvage." New vehicles are besides protected by manufacturer's warranty. You can search for registered Automotive Dealers by using the "Find a DMV-regulated Business organization" service.

When you lot buy a used vehicle, the dealer must certify, in writing, that it is "in condition and repair to render, under normal utilise, satisfactory and acceptable service upon the public highway at the time of delivery." The dealer certification covers the entire vehicle except items that would be obvious to the customer before the sale, such equally torn upholstery, missing hubcaps, etc. The vehicle also must accept all prophylactic equipment and emissions controls required by state and federal laws for the vehicle'southward model year.

A dealer as well must:

have the vehicle inspected before selling it to a retail client, even if the vehicle is new. The inspection must be done within 30 days of the engagement of sale and earlier you have delivery. The dealer may charge y'all the inspection fee.
provide service or repairs nether the manufacturer'southward warranty if the dealer is franchised past that manufacturer. Warranty service also may be available from other dealers franchised by the manufacturer.
indicate, in writing, on the nib of sale whether a vehicle sold to a retail buyer is new, used, reconstructed, rebuilt save, or originally not manufactured to U.S. standards (see Championship Branding).
provide the heir-apparent completed odometer and damage disclosure statements:
- For motor vehicles manufactured in or after the 2011 model year that are 20 model years old or newer, the seller must complete the odometer disclosure statement on the back of the championship certificate. For vehicles manufactured in or before model year 2010 or a motor vehicle manufactured in or after the 2011 model year that is older than 20 model years, odometer disclosure is not required.
- The damage disclosure argument on the dorsum of the title certificate must be completed regardless of the vehicle'south age.

Note: The DMV will non register or grant title to a salvaged vehicle without a completed salvage disclosure statement. In addition, the DMV must examine each vehicle branded or identified by the seller every bit "Rebuilt Salvage" for stolen parts before the vehicle can be registered or titled.

consummate and sign an odometer disclosure statement if the vehicle was manufactured in or afterwards the 2011 model twelvemonth and is 20 model years erstwhile or newer. This statement is on the Retail Certificate of Sale (MV-fifty). The buyer too must admit and sign the odometer statement.
bespeak on the sales contract when a passenger auto had been used primarily equally a police car, taxicab, driver pedagogy or rental car.

If a lien is beingness recorded or the dealer issued number plates, the dealer MUST handle the registration for y'all. The dealer may accuse yous upward to $175 for this service, plus the actual fees for the vehicle'due south Certificate of Championship (MV-999), registration, and license plates. As a customer courtesy, a registered dealer may submit your completed Vehicle Registration/Title Application (MV-82) to the DMV. The dealer also may provide a temporary certificate of registration and, if needed, new license plates.

Buying From a Private Seller

One reward of buying a vehicle from a private seller is the possibility of lower cost compared to buying from a dealer. However, there are disadvantages.

A private seller does not have to follow important regulations that a dealer must obey. In addition, a private seller rarely offers a warranty. If you take a complaint about the vehicle or purchase, you are on your own to resolve the problem with the seller, or in taking legal action. You cannot file a complaint with the DMV or other consumer assistance agencies if you buy a lacking vehicle in a private auction.
If yous buy a vehicle eight model years old or newer, the DMV will Not register or issue you a new title certificate unless the seller has completed, and you accept signed, the harm disclosure statement on the reverse of the vehicle's Certificate of Championship (MV-999) or accept attached a completed damage disclosure on an Odometer and Damage Disclosure Argument (MV-103). This statement indicates whether or not the vehicle's new title certificate should be branded "Rebuilt Salvage" (see Title Branding). An Odometer and Harm Disclosure Argument (pdf) (MV-103) is available at any motor vehicle office.
For motor vehicles manufactured in or later the 2011 model year that are twenty model years old or newer, the seller must consummate the odometer disclosure statement on the dorsum of the title certificate. For vehicles manufactured in or before model year 2010 or a motor vehicle manufactured in or after the 2011 model twelvemonth that is older than 20 model years, odometer disclosure is not required.
The damage disclosure statement on the back of the title certificate must be completed regardless of the vehicle'due south age.

Of import: THE DMV MUST EXAMINE EVERY VEHICLE IDENTIFIED As "REBUILT SALVAGE" FOR STOLEN PARTS Earlier THE VEHICLE Tin BE REGISTERED OR TITLED.

Title Branding

If a vehicle has been rebuilt, originally not manufactured to U.South. standards, or reconstructed, a branding notice must be printed in capital letters on the forepart of the New York State title certificate. A dealer must inform a customer, in writing, if a branded vehicle is existence shown or sold to a retail client. This may be a notice placed on the dealer's neb of sale or handed to the client.

You can besides detect a printed notice on the front end of the title document if a vehicle previously had been returned to the manufacturer, its amanuensis, or dealer because it did not conform to warranty. It besides will be printed on the championship afterwards a final decision of a court finding or settlement under the land's Lemon Police. This observe will read:

"Important: THIS VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE MANUFACTURER OR DEALER Because It DID NOT CONFORM TO ITS WARRANTY."

The brands below may be printed on a New York State Certificate of Title (MV-999) for 1973 and newer vehicles:

REBUILT Salve/NY

A vehicle with this label has been rebuilt after existence wrecked, destroyed or damaged in excess of 75 percent of its retail value at the time of loss, or originally had entered New York Land under a branded out-of-state title. Previous branding includes Salvage, Rebuilt Relieve, Salvage Restored, Junk, Parts Only, Water Damage, or other description. The Rebuilt Salvage branding volition remain on the title for as long as the vehicle exists, no affair how many improvements are made to the vehicle.

Non-USA-STD

A vehicle with this label was not originally manufactured in compliance with United States emissions or safety standards, or both.

RECONSTRUCTED

A vehicle with this label has been repaired or constructed with a glider kit, just not one manufactured in two or more stages. A glider kit includes all components of a vehicle except the power train. It is generally used to rebuild heavy trucks or tractors that take been extensively damaged. Passenger cars built from custom kits are not considered reconstructed vehicles.

Reported Mileage

Vehicles manufactured in or earlier model year 2010 or a motor vehicle manufactured in or later on the 2011 model year that is older than xx model years are exempt from mileage disclosure.

For all other titled vehicles, the odometer mileage reported during the vehicle's most recent transfer of buying is printed on the front of its New York Country Certificate of Title (MV-999). If the odometer had passed its maximum reading at the time of sale, the description "EXCEEDS MECHANICAL LIMITS" volition exist printed below the reported mileage. If the bodily mileage is unknown considering the odometer is broken, or has been repaired or replaced, the forepart of the title will exist printed with "NOT Actual MILEAGE, Warning ODOMETER DISCREPANCY."

Choosing a Vehicle

National Motor Vehicle Title Data Organization (NMVTIS) Vehicle History For Consumers at YouTube

Vehicle price is not controlled by any government agency. Have fourth dimension to choose a vehicle that meets your needs and upkeep. Before you buy a vehicle, compare prices by checking newspaper ads and visit a number of dealers and/or individual sellers. Then accept it for a test drive. If you are knowledgeable, examine the engine, transmission, drive axles, steering and suspension, brakes and electrical organisation. If you do not know what to look for, information technology may exist wise to pay a professional person automotive technician to examine the vehicle.

Before you buy from a dealer, find out about dealer or manufacturer warranties, what they embrace, and for how long. Enquire if the dealer performs service or subcontracts to a repair store. Be certain all agreements, guarantees and warranties are in writing.

What to look for

Examine the vehicle in bright daylight. Look carefully at the body for signs of collision damage or rust. Check the paint and vinyl top, sides, or trim for signs of wear or damage. Cheque all lights, lenses and mirrors for cracks or other impairment.
Look inside the vehicle for signs of wear or impairment that may reduce its value, such as splits or holes in the upholstery. Make sure all seat belts are in place, and in skillful working condition. Look nether the rugs or mats for dampness or h2o impairment, which could mean there are body leaks.
Open the trunk or rear hatch and check for leaks. Examine the spare tire, taking it out if necessary. Make sure the jack and lug wrench are at that place.
Examine the engine compartment for signs of rusted metal around fenders, oil leaks, or excessive clay on the engine. These can exist signs of high mileage. Await at and experience safety parts such as fan belts and radiator hoses. If they are hard, cracked or too soft, they should be replaced.
Brand certain the exhaust emissions command systems are intact and working.
Starting time the vehicle when the engine is cold and listen to make sure it runs smoothly when cold. While the engine warms, check the dash gauges and all inside and outside lights. Brand certain the heater, defrosters, air conditioner, windshield washer and wipers piece of work properly.
If the vehicle is properly registered, you may choose to accept it for a test drive. The engine should accelerate smoothly, and the transmission should shift without hesitation, roughness or loud noises. Bulldoze the vehicle on a straight, apartment surface, and let go of the steering cycle for a moment to run across if the front wheels follow a straight track without pulling to either side. When braking, in that location should be no unusual racket, vibration, or pulling to either side.
Your test bulldoze should include stop-and-go driving on local streets and driving at highway speeds, over a variety of surfaces and several hills. Note how well the vehicle runs and handles. Also, check to come across if the engine overheats.
If y'all are satisfied later the test drive, accept the vehicle raised on a lift or jacks. Examine the condition of the brakes, tires, front and rear suspension, exhaust system and catalytic converter. Look for oil or fluid leaks underneath.

Taking Delivery

If you lot decide the vehicle is in good condition and worth the cost, be certain the seller has the proper ownership and transfer documents. Inquire the seller, and examine the title document, for data most unsatisfied liens (bank loans, etc.). Carefully examine all documents earlier you pay for the vehicle. In a private sale, have the seller make out a nib of auction in addition to the ownership and sales revenue enhancement documents.

Proofs of Vehicle Ownership

For a new vehicle purchased from a New York Country registered dealer - the proof of buying is a Manufacturer'due south Document of Origin (MCO) and the dealer's "Certificate of Sale" (MV-50).

For a used vehicle purchased from a New York Country registered dealer - the proof of buying is the Certificate of Title (MV-999), or a transferable registration for 1972 and older models, signed over to the dealer, and the dealer's Certificate of Sale (MV-50) showing ownership transfer to you lot. The dealer must consummate, and you must acknowledge by signing, the appropriate odometer and impairment disclosure statements.

For a used vehicle bought from a private seller - the proof of ownership is the Certificate of Title (MV-999), or a transferable registration for 1972 or older models, signed over to you. The seller must consummate, and yous must admit by signing, the advisable odometer and damage disclosure statements.

Exist sure the individual seller completes the seller'due south section of the form Statement of Transaction - Sale or Gift of Motor Vehicle, Trailer, All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), Vessel (Boat), or Snowmobile (pdf) (at NY State Department of Tax and Finance) (DTF-802), available at motor vehicle offices or at the DMV web site. This grade certifies the purchase price and determines the sales revenue enhancement you lot must pay when registering the vehicle. If the form is non filled out by the seller, you will be charged sales tax based on the vehicle'southward current fair market value.
Before you take the title document from the seller, check the forepart of the title for the names and addresses of lien holders. A lien indicates the current possessor owes money on a loan for the vehicle. If a lien is listed on the title, ask the seller to give you lot the proof the lien has been paid - in almost cases, it will be an official lien release from the lender. If proof is non provided, the lien holder could reclaim the vehicle from you.

A motor vehicle office will non have a title certificate if the appropriate odometer or harm disclosure statement is not completed, or if whatever information on the title is altered, erased, or crossed out, including any proper name or signature.

If y'all have a concern or question most the title, registration, sales tax or proof of ownership, contact the DMV Call Centre or whatsoever motor vehicle office before y'all purchase the vehicle.

Trading In or Selling Your Vehicle

Before yous trade in or sell your sometime vehicle, exist sure to remove the license plates and the windshield registration sticker, which shows your plate number. This will help prevent you from being charged with parking tickets that exercise non belong to y'all.

Turn in the plates to a motor vehicle office unless y'all are transferring them to a replacement vehicle. Always turn in your plates before you cancel liability insurance or earlier the insurance lapses. If you exercise not, your registration will be suspended, and your driver license could be suspended as well.

When transferring the vehicle's championship certificate to a new owner, you lot must make full out the appropriate odometer and damage disclosure statements, and sign your name at "Seller's Signature." Then enter the seller's information on the sales taxation form Statement of Transaction - Sale or Gift of Motor Vehicle, Trailer, All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), Vessel (Boat), or Snowmobile (pdf) (at NY State Department of Tax and Finance) (DTF-802), available at whatever motor vehicle office and the DMV internet site.

Department of Motor Vehicles Consumer Assistance

If y'all have a complaint virtually your vehicle, bring it to the attention of the dealership management correct abroad. Go on a record of all contacts with the dealer about the vehicle and whatever repairs or adjustments made. Proceed copies of all work orders and invoices every bit proof of your attempts to resolve the trouble.

If you cannot resolve the problem with the dealer, write to: Bureau of Consumer and Facility Services, PO Box 2700-ESP, Albany, NY 12220-0700, or telephone (518) 474-8943 between 8:thirty a.thousand. and 4:15 p.thou. weekdays.

If your complaint concerns a repair, y'all must file information technology with the Department of Motor Vehicles within 90 days or 3,000 miles of the repair, whichever comes commencement. If your complaint does not autumn inside its jurisdiction, DMV will refer you to the proper bureau.

Lemon Laws

New York State's new and used car lemon laws provide legal remedies for consumers who purchase or lease cars. If a car does not live up to the written warranty and cannot exist repaired - or if it has not been repaired correctly after a reasonable number of attempts - the consumer could receive a refund or replacement car.

For information and assistance apropos the Lemon Laws, contact:

Part of the Attorney General
Albany, NY 12224
Telephone: one-800-771-7755 or i-518-474-5481
or any regional office of the Chaser General.

Y'all may also contact:
Department of Land, Partition of Consumer Protection
Consumer Assistance Unit of measurement
99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231-0001
Phone: ane-800-697-1220 or i-518-474-8583.

DMV Phone call Centre Telephone NUMBERS

NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
Mark J. F. Schroeder, Commissioner

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