MV-901DI Form – The MV-901DI form from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) provides detailed, step-by-step instructions and requirements for completing Form MV-901D — the Garageman’s Certification and Bill of Sale for Vehicles Worth Less Than $500. This guide is essential for towing companies, storage facilities, and repair shops in New York that need to foreclose on a garageman’s lien under Lien Law Sections 184, 201, and 202 when the vehicle’s wholesale value is under $500.
Whether you’re a garageman preparing to sell a low-value towed or stored vehicle to a dismantler or scrap processor, or you simply need the latest official PDF, this article breaks down everything clearly. Download the current MV-901DI instructions directly here: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv901di.pdf (revised February 2026).
What Is the MV-901DI Form and When Do You Need It?
The MV-901DI is not the bill of sale itself — it is the official two-page instruction sheet that explains exactly how to fill out and support Form MV-901D. You must follow these instructions if:
- You hold a valid garageman’s lien for unpaid towing and/or storage charges.
- The vehicle’s wholesale value is less than $500 (verified by a nationally recognized source).
- You plan to sell the vehicle to a licensed vehicle dismantler or scrap processor under the abbreviated Lien Law procedure.
Using the MV-901DI ensures your documentation meets DMV standards and protects you from rejection or investigation. All required supporting documents must be given to the purchaser along with the completed MV-901D.
Key Requirements Before Completing the MV-901D Low-Value Vehicle Form
According to the official MV-901DI instructions, you must gather and provide the following items. Missing any of them can delay or invalidate the sale.
1. Verification of Prior Owner and Lienholders
The garageman must verify the last registered/titled owner and any lienholders by contacting the appropriate state DMV. Acceptable proof includes:
- New York vehicles: MV-904N Title Abstract (obtained via MV-15) or a Record Search Service computer printout with a signed garageman statement on letterhead.
- No-record vehicles: Form DS-243 Certification of No Record Found.
- Out-of-state vehicles: Original statement on the out-of-state DMV’s letterhead detailing year, make, VIN, owner, and lienholders.
Note: “NO HIT” vehicles trigger a DMV Division of Field Investigation. Always keep the original or certified copy for the purchaser.
2. Notice of Lien and Sale (Form MV-901A)
You must notify the titled owner and every known lienholder of your intent to sell the vehicle. Use the official MV-901A (or an exact computer-printed duplicate). Every field must be completed. A copy of this notice must be given to the purchaser.
3. Certified Mail Receipts or First-Class Mailing Proof
Send the MV-901A by certified mail (return receipt requested) or first-class mail. Provide the purchaser with the original receipt (or a legible copy bearing the garageman’s original or facsimile signature). This proves proper notice was given.
4. Proof of Business and Claim
You must prove you are legitimately in the towing/storage/repair business and that the charges are valid:
- Storage (NYC): Copy of NYC Consumer Affairs Business License (valid at time of storage).
- Storage (outside NYC): Parking/storage/repair shop license or original pre-printed letterhead + billing statement.
- Towing: Copy of authorized tow order + appropriate tow license (or letterhead + billing statement).
Special police-tow rules: Additional certified-mail notices within 5 and 20 days may be required under Lien Law §184. Copies of all notices and receipts must accompany the MV-901D.
5. Verification of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Provide one of the following to the purchaser:
- Legible tracing of the dashboard VIN.
- Clear photograph of the VIN.
- Signed statement from a police official on agency letterhead.
6. Statement of Acquisition
Include a detailed, signed statement on your business letterhead explaining how and when the vehicle came into your possession. This must be attached to the MV-901D.
How to Complete Form MV-901D Using MV-901DI Instructions?
Once you have all supporting documents ready:
- Fill out every section of MV-901D completely (vehicle description, dates, lien amounts, purchaser information, etc.).
- Attach all required proofs listed in MV-901DI.
- Sign and date the form (original signature required).
- Give the original MV-901D + all attachments to the vehicle dismantler or scrap processor.
The purchaser will use these documents to process the vehicle for dismantling or scrapping through the NY DMV.
Important Warnings from the Official MV-901DI PDF
- Knowingly making a false statement on MV-901D is a criminal offense (Penal Law §210.40 and Vehicle & Traffic Law §392).
- Vehicles with “NO HIT” owner records are subject to DMV investigation.
- Keep copies of everything for your records.
Where to Download the Latest MV-901DI Instructions (PDF)?
Always use the most current version from the official source:
Download MV-901DI Instructions PDF
Direct link to the related bill-of-sale form: MV-901D PDF
Why Following MV-901DI Matters for New York Garagemen?
Proper use of the MV-901DI instructions protects your lien rights, speeds up the sale of low-value vehicles, and helps you recover unpaid towing and storage fees legally. Non-compliance can result in lost liens, investigations, or denied sales.
For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance, refer directly to the NY DMV website and the official MV-901DI PDF linked above. If your situation involves out-of-state vehicles or police tows, double-check the specific notice timelines in the instructions.
Need help with related DMV forms?
Search for MV-901A (Notice of Lien and Sale), MV-15 (Title Abstract Request), or contact your local NY DMV office for assistance with garageman’s liens on vehicles valued under $500.