MV-908 Form – The MV-908 form is an essential New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) document for insurance companies handling recovered stolen vehicles. Known officially as the Salvage Vehicle Waiver, it allows insurers to attest that a theft-recovery vehicle qualifies for a waiver under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 430(2), avoiding the need for a salvage title certificate.
This standardized form replaces older company-specific affidavits and streamlines compliance for theft-recovery cases where damage and repairs are minimal. Whether you’re an insurance professional, auto dealer, or vehicle owner dealing with a recovered stolen car, understanding the MV-908 PDF is critical for proper title issuance and registration.
What Is the MV-908 Salvage Vehicle Waiver Form?
The MV-908 form, titled Attestation Salvage Vehicle Waiver, is a one-page official NY DMV document (revision MV-908 12/15). It serves as a legal affidavit where an insurance company formally attests that a recovered stolen vehicle meets specific criteria to bypass salvage vehicle requirements.
Under New York law, most totaled or heavily damaged vehicles receive a Salvage Certificate (MV-907A). However, for vehicles stolen and later recovered with limited post-theft damage or repairs, the MV-908 provides a waiver so the vehicle can receive a clean (non-salvage) title. This prevents unnecessary branding while ensuring compliance with state vehicle and traffic regulations.
Who Must Use the MV-908 Form?
Only insurance companies complete and submit the MV-908 form. It applies exclusively to vehicles that:
- Were stolen and recovered by law enforcement
- Were paid out on an insurance claim
- Meet the narrow waiver criteria under VTL § 430(2)
Individual vehicle owners, dealers, or rebuilders cannot file this form. Insurance representatives sign and notarize it on behalf of their company.
Purpose of the MV-908 Form Under NY Vehicle and Traffic Law
The core purpose of the MV-908 is to provide an official attestation that the recovered vehicle does not qualify as a full salvage vehicle. The insurer must confirm three key conditions:
- No major component parts have been replaced since the theft.
- Repairs since recovery have not exceeded one-fourth of the insurance settlement amount or $1,000 (whichever applies).
- All vehicle identification numbers (VIN) and manufacturer identifying numbers remain intact and unchanged from the time of theft.
The form also requires noting the vehicle’s value at the date of loss and, if applicable, the amount of any sustained damage, supported by an enclosed appraisal or repair estimate.
This waiver ensures the vehicle can proceed to standard title and registration without triggering salvage examination or branding requirements.
Download the Official MV-908 PDF
The most current and trusted version of the MV-908 form is available directly from the New York DMV website.
Direct Download Link: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv908.pdf
Always download from the official dmv.ny.gov source to ensure you have the authentic, up-to-date PDF. Third-party sites may contain outdated or altered versions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the MV-908 Form
Filling out the MV-908 correctly is straightforward but requires precision and notarization. Follow these steps:
- Vehicle Information
Enter: Year, Make, Model, VIN, Law Enforcement Agency that recovered the vehicle, and Insurance Claim Number. - Value at Date of Loss
Provide the vehicle’s value in dollars at the time the claim was settled. - Attestation Statements
The authorized insurance representative must attest to the three conditions listed above (no major parts replaced, repair limits, and VIN integrity). - Damage and Supporting Documents
If applicable, note the damage amount and enclose an appraisal or estimate of repairs. - Signature and Date
The representative signs and dates the form. - Notarization
A notary public must complete the jurat section, including date, notary’s name, title, address, phone, email, and seal.
The form includes a “RESET/CLEAR” option for digital filling. Print the completed, notarized original for submission.
Required Documentation and Submission
Submit the completed MV-908 along with:
- The enclosed appraisal or repair estimate
- Any other title-related documents required by the DMV for the specific vehicle transaction
While the official DMV form page does not list a separate mailing address for MV-908 alone, it is typically submitted as part of the title application process for the recovered vehicle (often through the Junk and Salvage Unit or Title Services Bureau). Insurance companies should coordinate with the DMV’s Auto Theft & Salvage section for exact routing.
Common Questions About the MV-908 Form (FAQs)
Is the MV-908 form still current in 2026?
Yes. The NY DMV continues to list and accept MV-908 (12/15) as the official Salvage Vehicle Waiver.
Can I use an old letterhead affidavit instead?
No. The MV-908 replaced previous company affidavits and is now the required standardized format.
What happens if the vehicle does not meet the waiver criteria?
A standard Salvage Certificate (MV-907A) must be issued, and the vehicle will require a salvage examination before it can be retitled and registered.
Do vehicle owners need this form?
No—only the insurance company files it when releasing a recovered theft vehicle.
Related NY DMV Salvage Forms and Processes
The MV-908 often works in conjunction with other forms, including:
- MV-907A – Salvage Certificate (when waiver does not apply)
- MV-83SAL – Salvage Examination/Title Application
- MV-82 – Vehicle Registration/Title Application
For full salvage vehicles, owners must complete a salvage examination at an approved facility before retitling.
Why the Official MV-908 Matters for Compliance?
Using the correct MV-908 form ensures fast, compliant processing and avoids delays in title issuance. It protects insurance companies from liability while helping recovered vehicle owners quickly return to the road with a clean title.
For the latest information, always refer to the official NY DMV Forms and Publications page or contact the DMV’s Auto Theft & Salvage Unit directly.
Download the MV-908 PDF today and ensure your theft-recovery vehicle transactions meet New York State requirements without unnecessary salvage branding. Stay compliant, save time, and streamline your process with this essential DMV form.