New York trailer — quick answer
In New York, a trailer bill of sale is required and notarization of the title transfer is not required. The state form used for titled vehicles is MV-912. Titling and registration are handled by the New York DMV.
Is a trailer bill of sale required in New York?
Required. The buyer must give the DMV the original bill of sale (MV-912 or equivalent) as proof when titling and registering.
Seller signs the title over; the buyer submits the title, MV-912, and tax form to the DMV.
Does a New York trailer bill of sale need to be notarized?
Not required. New York's own title does not require notarization. (A notarized transfer section is only needed for incoming titles from certain other states.)
What to include on a New York trailer bill of sale
- Buyer and seller names and addresses
- Year, make, and trailer type
- VIN or serial number
- Length, number of axles, and empty weight
- Price, date, and signatures
How to transfer a trailer in New York
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Record the buyer, seller, price, and date. Both parties sign and date.
- 2Hand over the signed title.
Seller signs the title over; the buyer submits the title, MV-912, and tax form to the DMV.
- 3Register with the New York DMV.
The buyer titles and registers the trailer, bringing Vehicle Bill of Sale. Confirm current fees on the official page.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the New York DMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
New York Trailer Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a trailer bill of sale required in New York?
A bill of sale is required in New York. The buyer must give the DMV the original bill of sale (MV-912 or equivalent) as proof when titling and registering.
Does a New York trailer bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. New York's own title does not require notarization. (A notarized transfer section is only needed for incoming titles from certain other states.)
Do I need to title a trailer?
It depends on the trailer’s weight and your state. Heavier trailers usually require a title and registration; many small utility trailers only need registration. Check your state page.
What if my trailer has no VIN?
Homemade or older trailers may need a state inspection to be assigned a VIN before they can be titled. The bill of sale still documents the sale in the meantime.
Is a bill of sale proof of ownership?
Generally no. For titled property like a car or boat, the title is what proves ownership. A bill of sale proves that a sale happened and records the price, date, and terms — it supports the title transfer but does not replace it. For untitled property (furniture, equipment, electronics), the signed bill of sale is usually the main proof of ownership.