MV-901B Form – The MV-901B form (officially titled Garageperson’s Affirmation and Bill of Sale) is a critical New York DMV document used by garage owners, repair shops, towing companies, and storage facilities to legally sell a vehicle or boat after a lien sale for unpaid repairs, towing, or storage charges. This form serves as both a sworn affirmation of proper lien-sale procedures and an official bill of sale for the buyer.
It is required for the buyer to obtain a New York Certificate of Title and register the vehicle. The current version (MV-901B, revised 6/21) remains the official form as of 2026 and is available as a free PDF download directly from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.
What Is the MV-901B Form?
The MV-901B form is a one-page legal document titled Garageperson’s Affirmation and Bill of Sale. It combines two functions:
- Affirmation — A sworn statement by the garageperson (or lienholder) that all New York Lien Law requirements (Sections 201, 201-a, and 202) were followed during the lien sale.
- Bill of Sale — The official transfer document that provides the buyer with proof of ownership for title application.
Federal and New York state law mandate accurate odometer and damage disclosures on this form. False information can result in fines, imprisonment, or prosecution.
Why Do You Need the Garageperson’s Affirmation and Bill of Sale?
New York law allows garages and storage facilities to place a lien on a vehicle or boat for unpaid services. Once the lien is enforced through proper notice and public sale, the garageperson uses Form MV-901B to:
- Transfer legal ownership to the buyer.
- Provide the buyer with the documentation needed to apply for a title (MV-82 or MV-82TON).
- Prove that the sale complied with Lien Law, protecting both parties from future ownership disputes.
Without a properly completed MV-901B, the buyer cannot register the vehicle. The DMV’s Title Services unit reviews the form before issuing a Certificate of Title.
Who Uses Form MV-901B?
- Garage owners and mechanics recovering unpaid repair bills
- Towing companies and impound lots
- Vehicle storage facilities
- Buyers purchasing a vehicle at a garage lien sale (including boats)
This form is not for private-party sales, dealerships, or standard title transfers—those use different documents.
How to Download the Official MV-901B PDF?
Download the current MV-901B PDF directly from the official source:
Direct link: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv901b.pdf
The form is also listed on the NY DMV Forms and Publications page. Always use the official version (MV-901B 6/21) or an exact computer-printed duplicate. Handwritten or altered versions may be rejected.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill Out MV-901B?
Complete every field legibly in ink. The garageperson and buyer must both sign the original form.
- Garageperson Information
Enter business name, address, and facility number. - Buyer Information
Full name, complete mailing address (including apartment number, city, state, ZIP). - Prior Owner Information (if known)
Previous owner’s address. - Vehicle or Boat Description
Year, make, model, plate number/state, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or Hull ID (attach photo or tracing). - Lienholders (attach extra sheet if needed)
List any known lienholders. - Price Paid
Enter the sale price. $0 is not acceptable. - Odometer Disclosure (vehicles only)
Record exact mileage, number of digits, and certify one of three options: actual mileage, exceeds mechanical limits, or not actual mileage (with warning). - Damage Disclosure Statement
Check “has been” or “has not been” wrecked/damaged beyond 75% of retail value. Checking “has been” triggers a rebuilt salvage title and anti-theft inspection. - Publication and Service of Notice
Enter dates of personal service or mailing of Notice of Lien and Sale (MV-901A), publication dates, sale date, and newspaper name. Attach proof of service and newspaper clippings. - Lien Sale Affirmation
The garageperson must affirm compliance with Lien Law Sections 201, 201-a, and 202 (quoted verbatim on the form). - Signatures and Date
Buyer signs; garageperson signs in full and dates the form.
Important: Original signatures are required. Give the original MV-901B to the buyer.
Required Attachments for a Valid MV-901B
- Proof of service of Notice of Lien and Sale (MV-901A)
- Original newspaper clippings and Affidavit of Publication
- Photo or tracing of VIN/Hull ID
- Additional sheets for multiple lienholders or owners (if needed)
Key Warnings on the MV-901B Form
The form contains repeated legal warnings:
“WARNING: Intentionally making a false statement or providing false or misleading information in connection with this form is a criminal offense that may subject you to prosecution under the law.”
Odometer tampering or false damage disclosure can lead to civil and criminal penalties.
Next Steps After Completing MV-901B
The buyer must submit the completed MV-901B (plus MV-901A, newspaper proof, and other required documents) with a title application (MV-82) to the NY DMV. Title Services will review everything before issuing a Certificate of Title. The vehicle cannot be registered until the title is issued.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is MV-901B the same as a regular bill of sale?
No. It is a specialized sworn affirmation required only for garage lien sales.
Can I fill it out online?
No editable fillable version is provided by DMV. Print, complete by hand or typewriter, and sign originally.
Does it apply to boats?
Yes. Hull ID is used instead of VIN; odometer disclosure does not apply.
What if the vehicle has salvage damage?
Disclose it accurately. The title will be branded “Rebuilt Salvage: NY” and an anti-theft exam is required.
Where do I find the related MV-901A form?
Download Notice of Lien and Sale (MV-901A) from the NY DMV website.
Final Tips for Using the MV-901B Form Successfully
- Use only the official PDF from dmv.ny.gov.
- Double-check every date, mileage, and disclosure.
- Keep copies of all attachments.
- Ensure the buyer receives the original signed form.
For the most current instructions, always refer to the official New York DMV website. The MV-901B Garageperson’s Affirmation and Bill of Sale ensures a legal, transparent transfer of ownership following a valid lien sale—protecting both garagepersons and buyers under New York law.
Download the latest MV-901B PDF here: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv901b.pdf