NY DMV NY DMV Vehicle Registration and Title 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does a New York vehicle registration plate with 'EXPIRES' on a sticker indicate?
- The vehicle has been recalled
- The registration must be renewed by the date shown or the vehicle cannot legally be driven (Correct answer)
- The plate must be replaced
- The vehicle failed its last inspection
Correct answer: The registration must be renewed by the date shown or the vehicle cannot legally be driven
The expiration sticker on a NY license plate shows the month and year by which registration must be renewed to legally operate the vehicle.
Question 2: Which of the following vehicles is exempt from New York State vehicle inspection requirements?
- Vehicles over 15 years old
- New vehicles during their first year of registration (Correct answer)
- Vehicles with fewer than 5,000 miles
- Diesel-powered vehicles only
Correct answer: New vehicles during their first year of registration
New vehicles in their first year of registration are generally exempt from the annual safety inspection requirement in New York.
Question 3: When selling a vehicle in New York, what must the seller do with the license plates?
- Leave the plates on the vehicle for the new owner
- Remove the plates and either return them to the DMV or transfer them to another vehicle (Correct answer)
- Give the plates to the buyer as part of the sale
- Leave the plates on the vehicle only if the registration has not expired
Correct answer: Remove the plates and either return them to the DMV or transfer them to another vehicle
In New York, license plates belong to the registered owner, not the vehicle—the seller must remove and either return or transfer the plates.
Question 4: What is required to register a vehicle in New York that was previously registered in another state?
- Only the out-of-state title and proof of insurance
- The out-of-state title, proof of NY insurance, proof of identity and residency, and payment of NY registration fees (Correct answer)
- A NY safety inspection only if the vehicle is over 3 years old
- Only payment of a transfer fee
Correct answer: The out-of-state title, proof of NY insurance, proof of identity and residency, and payment of NY registration fees
To register an out-of-state vehicle in New York, you need the original title, NY-compliant insurance, identity and residency documents, and applicable fees.
Question 5: In New York, what is the purpose of a vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)?
- To track fuel efficiency only
- To uniquely identify the vehicle for registration, titling, and law enforcement purposes (Correct answer)
- To verify insurance coverage
- To determine the vehicle's emission category
Correct answer: To uniquely identify the vehicle for registration, titling, and law enforcement purposes
The VIN is a 17-character unique identifier that tracks a vehicle's history, ownership, recalls, and is used for all DMV registration and title transactions.
Question 6: What must New York vehicle owners do when they move to a new address?
- Nothing—the DMV updates records automatically
- Notify the NY DMV of the new address within 10 days (Correct answer)
- Update the address at the next registration renewal only
- Get new license plates with the new county code
Correct answer: Notify the NY DMV of the new address within 10 days
New York law requires vehicle owners to notify the DMV of an address change within 10 days of moving.
What does a New York vehicle registration plate with 'EXPIRES' on a sticker indicate?