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Registrations

You or your business must register and title any passenger or commercial vehicle you own or lease, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, SUVs, and similar vehicles.

Registrations do not need to be in the owner’s name only or for a single individual. When purchasing a new vehicle through an auto dealership, the dealer can handle registration, title issuance, and provide plates, though a fee may apply.

Required Documents

To register a vehicle at any Erie County Auto Bureau office, bring the following documents:

  • Vehicle Registration/Title Application
    Complete DMV Form MV-82 fully and sign it on the back. Provide a phone number where you can be easily reached for accurate mail processing.
  • Proof of Identity
    A photocopy or original New York State driver’s license or permit.
    • If you do not have a NYS license or permit, other proofs of identity may be accepted as long as they add up to six points based on the values listed on Form ID-82.
  • Proof of Ownership
    A NYS or out-of-state title signed by both buyer and seller.
    • If the vehicle is already titled solely in your name (for example, a seasonal vehicle temporarily off the road), proof of ownership is not required.
    • If multiple people are listed on the title and you are not the first party named, submit a copy of the title.
  • Bill of Sale
    Shows your purchase price of the vehicle.
    • A handwritten bill of sale is acceptable, or you may use DMV’s fill-in-the-blank Bill of Sale form, MV-912.
  • Sales Tax Form
    Complete DTF-802.
    • If the vehicle is model year 2014 or newer, or if it is a gift, the seller must also sign this form.
  • Proof of Insurance
    New York State automobile liability insurance on the vehicle is required.
    • Check the effective date on the insurance card. Registration cannot be processed until insurance is in effect.
  • Payment for Fees
    Bring payment for registration fees, use taxes, and sales tax, or proof of payment or exemption.
    • Fees depend on the vehicle’s weight, type, and location.
    • First-time registration fees normally include sales tax, a vehicle plate fee or registration transfer fee, title certificate fee, vehicle use tax (in most counties), and either a 1- or 2-year registration fee depending on the type of registration.
  • Proof of Incorporation
    Required if registering a vehicle for a business or organization.

Transferring Plates

  • If you are transferring plates, check the “Transfer Plates” checkbox at the top of MV-82 and provide the plate number.
  • If you do not provide the plate number, new plates will be issued and charged.

Additional Vehicle Types and Situations

Title Information

  • New titles are issued directly by NYS DMV in Albany and may take up to 90 days after registration to arrive.
  • You can check the mailing status of your title at the State DMV Title Status website.

Scheduling an Appointment

For in-person visits, appointments are strongly recommended. Customers with reservations are given priority over walk-ins.

Schedule your appointment or call the Clerk’s Outreach at 716-858-8864.

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