Registering a Vehicle

How to own a vehicle in

New York

as a non-US resident

New York

Address requirements

None required.

Identity requirements

Six points of identity must be provided. A foreign passport with a valid I-551 (Temporary Evidence of Permanent Residence Status) stamp or I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record Card) attached is worth 4 points. Examples of documents worth 1 point each include a utility bill with name and address, and a bank statement.

Average cost to own a vehicle

8.75% of the vehicle's value

Plus registration fees of:

$141 - $255

Presence requirements

The US states, not the national government, control vehicle ownership in the United States.

In order to own a vehicle in any US state, you must establish a presence in that state.

These are the presence requirements to own a vehicle in this state:

Address

New York address required to own a vehicle in New York.

Proof of Residency at Address

None required.

Identity

Cost of owning a vehicle

When you register a vehicle - apply for ownership and permission to drive it on public roads - two costs are due:

Sales tax
Registration fees

Sales tax and registration fees are due in the state in which the vehicle is registered, not where the vehicle is purchased.

These are the costs to own a vehicle in this state.

Sales tax is due where a vehicle is owned, not where it is bought - so owning a vehicle in Montana can save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars.

Sales tax (state + local average)

8.75% of the vehicle's value

Registration fees

$141 - $255

Inspection Requirements

In order to register a vehicle (or renew a registration in this state, the vehicle must meet the following inspection requirements:

Vehicles aged 2-26 years require annual a combined annual safety and emissions inspection. Inspection extension sticker provided on registration giving vehicle 10 days to be inspected.