Imagine this: You’ve decided to surprise your niece with your reliable Honda Civic as a graduation gift. She’s thrilled, you’re happy to help her get to her first job, and the keys are ready to be handed over.

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But as you reach for the glove box, reality sets in—you haven’t seen the physical title in three years, and you’re worried the DMV is going to charge her sales tax on the "value" of a car you're giving away for free.

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This is a common scenario for many New Yorkers. To make the transition legal and tax-free, you need to navigate the specific paperwork required by the state. Here is how to use the MV-902 and DTF-802 to ensure your gift remains a generous gesture rather than a paperwork headache.

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1. The Core Gifting Forms

DTF-802: Statement of Transaction (The "Tax" Form)

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This is the most critical document for a gift. In New York, vehicle transfers are generally subject to sales tax unless they qualify for a specific exemption.

• The Purpose: It notifies the Department of Taxation and Finance that the car was a gift ($0 sale price), exempting the recipient from paying sales tax on the vehicle's fair market value.
• Section 6 (Affidavit of Giver): This is a vital detail. This section must be signed by the donor if the gift is being given to someone other than a spouse, parent, child, stepparent, or stepchild. If you are gifting to a niece, friend, or domestic partner, your signature is required here to prove it is a bona fide gift.

MV-902: Application for Duplicate Title

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You only need this form if the original title is missing (like in our Honda Civic example above).

• The Requirement: You cannot legally gift or transfer a car in NY without the physical Certificate of Title. If it is lost, stolen, or damaged, the current owner must file the MV-902 to obtain a replacement before the transfer can occur.
• Timeline: A duplicate title is mailed to the owner’s address on file and can take several weeks to arrive. Plan ahead if you have a specific "giveaway" date in mind.

2. Additional Required Paperwork

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The recipient will need the following "paperwork package" to register the car at the DMV:

• The Original Title: Signed over on the back by the donor (the "Transferor" section).
• MV-912 (Bill of Sale): Even for a gift, the DMV requires a Bill of Sale. List the price as $0 and write "GIFT" clearly in the purchase price area.
• MV-82 (Vehicle Registration/Title Application): This is the standard form the recipient uses to apply for their new plates and registration.
• Proof of Insurance: The recipient must have a New York State insurance card (FS-20) issued in their name specifically for the gifted vehicle.

3. Step-by-Step Gifting Checklist

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1 Locate the Title. If missing, the donor files form MV-902 immediately.
2 Sign the Transfer. The donor signs the "Transfer" section on the back of the title.
‍3 Complete DTF-802. Both parties ensure Section 6 is signed if gifting to non-immediate family.
‍4 Remove Plates. The donor must remove their plates and the windshield sticker.
‍5 Secure Insurance. The recipient gets a new policy for the car.
‍6 Visit the DMV. Recipient brings all forms, ID, and insurance to finalize the transfer.

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4. Recipient must prove their identity

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To finalize the car gift at the DMV, the recipient must prove their identity using New York’s "6-point" system. If they have a current NYS Photo Driver License, Learner Permit, or Non-Driver ID, that single document satisfies all 6 points.

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If they do not have a New York ID, they must provide a combination of the following original documents:

• U.S. Passport or Passport Card (4 Points): Must be current and valid.
• Foreign Passport (3 Points): Must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation, and include a valid Visa and I-94.
• Social Security Card (2 Points): Must be the original card and must be signed.
• U.S. College ID with Photo (2 Points): This must be presented along with an official transcript.
• NYS Certificate of Title (2 Points): Interestingly, the title for the vehicle being gifted can be used as proof of identity for the recipient.
• Utility Bill (1 Point): Must show the recipient's name and current address (e.g., cell phone, electric, or water bill).
• Major U.S. Credit Card (1 Point): Must be a valid, unexpired card.
• Bank Statement or Canceled Check (1 Point): Must have the recipient's name pre-printed on the document.
• U.S. Pay Stub (1 Point): Must be a computer-printed stub showing the recipient's name.

Finally: the "DMV Day Folder" Checklist

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To ensure the gift transfer goes smoothly on the first try, the recipient should organize a folder with these exact items:

• The Title: The original Certificate of Title signed by the donor in the "Transferor" section.
• Form DTF-802: Completed by both parties (ensure Section 6 is signed if gifting to someone other than a spouse, parent, or child).
• Form MV-82: The recipient's signed registration and title application.
• Form MV-912: A Bill of Sale clearly showing a $0 price and the word "GIFT."
• NYS Insurance Card (FS-20): A current barcoded card in the recipient's name.
• The 6 Points of ID: All original documents as listed above (no photocopies).
• Payment: Funds for the title fee (typically $50) and registration fees, which are calculated based on the vehicle’s weight.

Skip the DMV Stress with NY Tag & Title

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Gathering these points and waiting hours at a government office can turn a generous gift into a stressful chore. You can avoid the crowds and the paperwork confusion by using a professional service.

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Visit NYTagAndTitle.com to have your vehicle gift, title transfer, and registration handled by experts who know the NY DMV system inside and out.