Effortless DMV Services

Finding yourself with a vehicle but no title in New York can feel like a legal dead end. Whether you bought a car from a seller who "lost" the paperwork, or you’re a shop owner stuck with an abandoned vehicle, the path to a legal registration is tricky—but not impossible.

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At NY Tag and Title, we specialize in the "impossible" paperwork. Here is a breakdown of how you can register a vehicle in NY without a title and how we can help you fast-track the process.

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The Duplicate Title Path (Best for Lost Paperwork)

If the vehicle was last registered in New York and the owner on record is still available, the simplest solution is a Duplicate Title.

• When to use it: You bought a car, but the seller lost the title before signing it over.
• The Catch: Only the owner currently on the title can apply for a duplicate.
• The Form: Application for Duplicate Title (MV-902)
• How we help: We facilitate the communication and paperwork between you and the previous owner to ensure a new title is issued and signed over correctly, saving you weeks of back-and-forth with the DMV.

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The Garageman’s Lien (For Abandoned or Unpaid Vehicles)

If you own a repair shop, towing company, or storage facility, you have a legal right to claim ownership of a vehicle if your bills aren't paid.

• When to use it: A customer left a car at your shop, or you've towed a vehicle and no one has claimed it.
• The Process: This involves a strict legal timeline including a "Notice of Lien and Sale," public auction notices in local newspapers, and specific DMV filings.
• The Forms: Garageman's Lien Superiority (MV-901B) and the Notice of Lien and Sale (MV-901A).
• The Risk: One wrong date or a missed notification can void the entire process. NY Tag and Title handles the legal advertising and filing requirements to ensure your lien is bulletproof.

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Registering "Non-Titled" Vehicles (1972 and Older)

New York did not issue titles for vehicles manufactured before 1973. For these classics, the registration itself acts as the "title."

• What you need: A Transferable Registration and a Bill of Sale.
• Missing Registration? If the transferable registration is gone, you’ll need a specific certification to prove ownership.
• The Form: Certification of NYS Registration for Transfer of Non-Titled Vehicle (MV-353).
• How we help: We locate these ancient records and get the necessary certifications to get your vintage ride back on the road.

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The "Statement of Ownership" (The Last Resort)

If the DMV cannot verify the previous owner and the car isn't a classic, you may have to submit a formal affidavit.

• The Requirement: You must provide a "pencil tracing" of the VIN and a notarized explanation of how you acquired the car.
• The Form: Statement of Ownership (MV-51B).
• The Outcome: The DMV may issue a non-transferable registration. This allows you to drive the car, but you cannot sell it until the Title Services Bureau clears the "transferable" status—a process that can take months of investigation.

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Why Use NY Tag and Title Instead of the DMV?

The DMV is designed to process standard applications, not to solve complex ownership puzzles. When you work with us, you get:

• Error-Free Filings: We ensure your Vehicle Registration Application (MV-82) is perfectly aligned with your proof of ownership.
• Speed: We bypass the "learning curve" that costs most people multiple trips to the window.
• Expertise in Liens: We handle the "Garageman Lien" process from start to finish, including the required public auctions and legal notices.

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Don't let a missing piece of paper keep your car in the driveway. Contact NY Tag & Title today!