Looking for instructions on how to sign your New York (NY) car title or where to sign your New York (NY) car title? This page explains how a seller should sign their New York car title over to a buyer.
Title Alert
Your title is a legal document. Incorrectly completing your title may void it, requiring you to obtain a duplicate copy. Please read all of the instructions and tips before signing your title.
- Only use a black or blue pen.
- Do not use a highlighter or white-out.
- No strikethroughs, write-overs, scribbles, or tears are permitted.
- Unless you are an authorized dealer, do not sign in the Dealer Reassignment section.
Where do I need to sign the title?
Make sure you sign/print your name precisely as it appears on the front of your title. White-out, scribbles, and strike-throughs should all be avoided.
- SIGN name(s) on the line that reads "Seller Signature" on the back of the title. Make certain that the title is signed legibly, exactly as your name appears on the front.
- PRINT name(s) on the line that says "Seller's Name (Print in Full)" on the back of the title.
- Make sure to leave Section II (bottom half of back of the title) blank.
What if the car has multiple owners?
- The title must be signed by one owner listed on the front of the title.
What if the title has a lien or a bank name on it?
- If your New York title has a lien or a bank name printed on the front, the lien holder must sign off on the title or a separate lien release letter must be obtained.
How long does it take to get a duplicate title?
- It will take 5 to 7 business days to get a duplicate title if you apply in person.
- It will take 6 to 8 weeks to get a duplicate title if you apply by mail.
How much does it cost to get a duplicate title?
- In New York, a duplicate title costs $20.
Ready to sell your car?
New York DMV Information
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New York Department of Motor Vehicles (Albany)
6 Empire State Plaza
Swan St. Building – Core 3
Albany, NY 12228 - (518) 486-9786
- New York DMV Locations (dmv.ny.gov)
- New York DMV Website (dmv.ny.gov)
If your title design differs from the example above, carefully review your title before proceeding. While the signature and printed name fields may be in different places, you must still print and sign your name in the appropriate places.
