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How To Renew A Vehicle Registration In NYS

how to renew a vehicle registration in nys

Disclaimer: This is not the official site of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. We only repair vehicles and provide this information for you. 

Renew registration in New York

Vehicle registration is required by law in NYS. In order to get a vehicle registration, you must have a vehicle inspection and emissions inspection. This guarantees that your vehicle is in top driving condition and does not have any underlying issues that may cause concern. 

Here, we discuss the renewal process for both cars and trucks. Our aim is to provide a clear, step-by-step guide to the vehicle registration process in New York. We will cover things like how to calculate costs, overall prices, and what documentation and forms you need to properly register your vehicle. We’ll also discuss how to find your renewal information and more key points associated with your vehicle registration.

Sample Vehicle Registration:

New york state registration document

Requirements for Renewal

In order to renew your vehicle registration in NYS, there are a few different ways to proceed. If your vehicle has been registered in the past in New York, and you’re looking to renew, you may be able to complete the renewal online. Keep in mind you cannot renew vehicles online if they meet the following conditions:

  • Vehicles that weigh 55,000 lbs. or more
  • For-hire vehicles (this includes taxis, livery vehicles, and buses)
  • Semi-trailers with 6-year registrations
  • Vehicles with apportioned registration issued under the International Registration Plan (IRP)
  • Vehicles with an ambulance, NYP (New York Press), government or official registration
  • Rental vehicles
  • Vehicles that are exempt from the payment of registration fees
  • Vehicles that require the registrant to provide proof of insurance, a tax certificate, or another document for each renewal
  • Vehicles eligible for a “no fee” renewal
  • Renewing a registration that is suspended, revoked, expired for over a year, or that has not been inspected in the last 12 months

Gather the Necessary Documents

In order to apply for a registration renewal, you need to gather some documents. These documents apply whether you’re registering a truck or a standard vehicle. Keep in mind that NYS only allows you to register a pick-up truck as a passenger vehicle if it has no business logos or advertisements on the vehicle that are exclusively used for non-commercial purposes. Otherwise, you will need to register your pick-up as a commercial vehicle.

Vehicle Registration / Title Application (MV-82)

Before you head to your registration appointment at the DMV, make sure you’ve filled out a Vehicle Registration / Title Application (MV-82) form. Note that this form still applies even if you already have a title for your vehicle; it simply combines both processes into one form.

Proof of Ownership

In the case of cars, trucks, and motorcycles with a model year of 1973 or newer, acceptable proof of ownership includes an NYS Certificate of Title that is either the original copy or a certified copy, or an acceptable proof of ownership from any other state. Note that this proof of ownership must be an original document or a certified copy, photocopying is not accepted. 

For vehicles made before 1973, as well as other kinds of vehicles (ATVs, mobile homes, etc.), proof of ownership can vary, so be sure to contact the DMV to find out what title documents you need to prove ownership.

Proof of Identity

The DMV requires proof that you are 16 years or older in order to register a non-ATV vehicle. Proof of identity includes:

  • An NYS driver’s license not expired for over 2 years
  • An NYS non-driver’s license ID not expired for over 2 years

 

Any combination of ID forms listed on the DMV website that total more than 6 points collectively.

Proof of Insurance

All vehicles require proof of NY liability insurance. You should have two barcoded NYS Insurance ID Cards from your insurance company. They also send this information to the DMV. Both the insurance cards and electronic notice to the DMV together qualify as having coverage.

New York State Insurance Identification Card

Source: dmv.ny.gov NY State Insurance ID Card (FS-20)

Debit or Credit Card

In order to pay registration fees, you will need a debit or credit card if paying online or in person. Be sure these cards are up-to-date and associated with your correct mailing address. You may also need an up-to-date email address for online payment.

Personal Check

If paying through the mail or in person, you can use a personal check. If you are unsure of the total cost of registration and are paying by mail, you can send a blank notarized check filled out to the “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles,” and the DMV will remit the correct payment to your bank. Otherwise, make out a personal check to cover all fees for vehicle registration. 

Extra Information for Company Vehicle Registration

In order to register a company vehicle, or a vehicle for a business or organization, you will need to provide proof of incorporation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Renewal

Here we cover a step-by-step guide to renewing your registration in NYS. Be sure to keep your current registration on hand, as it may have pertinent information for your registration renewal. You may also find useful information on your renewal notice.

Determine the Registration Class and Fee

The easiest way to determine your overall fee for renewing your vehicle is by using the DMV registration cost calculator. However, let’s look at the basic information you need to renew your vehicle.

Sample Renewal Notice:

Sample Renewal Notice

3-Digit Registration Class Number

This number relates to a number of factors. For example, the average passenger car is given the 3-digit registration class number “PAS,” while a vanity plate vehicle has “SRF.” The other most common registration class number is “COM,” for commercial vehicles. There are actually several different registration class numbers, all of which can be found on the DMV website and may apply to your vehicle if it is a hearse, you work for the government or a wide array of other special circumstances.

Sample Vehicle Registration Window Sticker: 

Sample Vehicle Registration Window Sticker

Temporary Registration

Since it can take up to two weeks for your plates and/or registration sticker to arrive in the mail, the DMV allows you to print out a temporary registration to tide you over until your official documents arrive.

Vehicle Information

In order to estimate your vehicle registration costs, as well as register your vehicle, you will need the following information:

  • Type of vehicle (registration class)
  • Unladen weight
  • Maximum gross weight (MGW)
  • Type of fuel
  • Number of cylinders
  • Liens on the vehicle
  • County of residence of the registrant
  • Previous plate information
  • Last name of the previous registrant

 

If you are unsure of the status of your vehicle or need assistance finding any information, you can contact the DMV and check what they have on file for your vehicle from previous registrations.

General Fees

First-time registrations usually include the following general fees, which can vary depending on the county:

  • Sales tax
  • A vehicle plate fee or registration transfer fee
  • A title certificate fee
  • (In most counties) a vehicle use tax
  • Either a 1 or 2-year registration fee, depending on the type of registration
general fees car registration

Online Renewal

Once you have the above information, you can renew your registration online. Keep in mind you cannot renew your vehicle online if it falls into the following categories: 

  • Vehicles that weigh 55,000 lbs. or more
  • For-hire vehicles (this includes taxis, livery vehicles, and buses)
  • Semi-trailers with 6-year registrations
  • Vehicles with an apportioned registration issued under the International Registration Plan (IRP)
  • Vehicles with an ambulance, NYP (New York press), government or official registration
  • Rental vehicles
  • Vehicles that are exempt from the payment of registration fees
  • Vehicles that require the registrant to provide proof of insurance, a tax certificate, or another document for each renewal
  • Vehicles eligible for a “no fee” renewal
  • Renewing a registration that is suspended, revoked, expired for over a year, or that has not been inspected in the last 12 months

Renewal by Mail

In order to renew by mail, you can use the bottom part of your renewal notice (called an MV-3 or OP-3) and mail it to the address listed on your notice. You should also include a personal check filled out to the “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.” If you are unsure of your total fee, leave this portion of the check filled in and leave the amount blank, and the DMV will calculate the fees for you.

If you do not have a renewal notice, or cannot find yours, fill out the Vehicle Registration / Title Application (MV-82), as well as your payment amount or a notarized check, and mail it to the following address:

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Utica Processing Center
P.O. Box 359
Utica, NY 13503

Renewal in Person

In order to renew your vehicle in person, schedule an appointment with the DMV and bring all documentation listed in previous sections with you. Be sure to have either cash, a personal check, or a debit or credit card in order to pay all fees.

schedule an appointment dmv

Post-Renewal Steps

It can take up to two weeks for your license plates, registration sticker, and registration document to arrive at your home. Be sure to provide the correct address to the DMV for mailing purposes. You can keep the previous registration documents and stickers for record-keeping purposes. In the interim, while you wait for your registration, you can print a temporary registration document through the DMV.  

If you do not receive your license plates, registration sticker, and documents within two weeks, contact the DMV to confirm they have the right address and to get an extension on any temporary permits you may need.

Special Circumstances

There are several special circumstances listed by the DMV for registration renewal, including: 

 

Since each individual special circumstance has a different process, we’ve linked to their individual DMV pages for your convenience.

Keep in mind that if you are hoping to register a vehicle in NYS that has previously been registered elsewhere, you should bring that proof of registration to your registration appointment.

Conclusion

While there are a lot of moving parts when it comes to registering a vehicle in NYS, all vehicles must carry an up-to-date registration at all times. Failure to do so can lead to costly fines and legal troubles, so be sure to keep up on your vehicle registration. 

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