MV-37 Form: Statement and Certification of Abandoned Vehicle (PDF)

MV-37 Form – If you own property in New York and have an old, low-value vehicle abandoned on your land, the MV-37 form is the official document you need to legally dispose of it. Also known as the Statement and Certification of Abandoned Vehicle, this simple one-page PDF lets property owners transfer title-free vehicles to licensed dismantlers or collectors without the hassle of locating the original owner.

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) provides the MV-37 PDF for free. It complies with Section 1224 of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law and helps property owners clear abandoned cars quickly and legally.

Download the official MV-37 form here:
https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv37.pdf

What Is the MV-37 Form?

The MV-37 is officially titled Statement of Abandoned Vehicle. Property owners use it to certify that a vehicle has been abandoned on their property and to transfer it directly to a registered vehicle dismantler or itinerant vehicle collector.

Key points from the official form:

  • The vehicle may never be titled again and must be dismantled or scrapped.
  • It is not for police, towing companies, or general abandoned vehicles on public streets (those follow different local authority procedures).

The form was last revised in September 2021 (MV-37 9/21) and remains the current version as of 2026.

Who Needs the MV-37 Form?

You need the MV-37 if:

  • You are the owner of private property (home, business, land) where a vehicle has been abandoned.
  • You cannot locate the vehicle owner.
  • You want to dispose of the vehicle through a licensed junkyard/dismantler.

This form is not for:

  • Vehicles on public streets (contact local police or 311).
  • Garage lien situations (use MV-901C instead).
  • Newer or higher-value vehicles.

Strict Eligibility Requirements for MV-37

The vehicle must meet all three conditions (per NY DMV and Section 1224 VTL):

  1. Wholesale value of $1,250 or less.
  2. At least 10 model years old (subtract 9 from the current calendar year to find the cutoff — e.g., in 2026, 2016 and older qualify).
  3. Abandoned on your property for at least one month.

If any condition is not met, the dismantler must obtain a regular title or transferable registration from the original owner instead.

How to Fill Out the MV-37 Form – Step-by-Step Instructions?

The form is straightforward and designed for quick completion. Follow these exact steps from the official PDF:

  1. Fill in every box (do not leave any blank).
  2. Attach a VIN tracing — Use a pencil to rub over the vehicle’s VIN plate and tape the tracing to the form.
  3. Property owner completes the certification statement (bottom section):
    • Confirm the vehicle meets the abandoned definition.
    • State how long it has been abandoned (minimum 1 month).
    • Confirm you received $1,250 or less.
    • Sign and date.

Main sections to complete:

  • Vehicle Dismantler / Itinerant Vehicle Collector’s Information (name, registration number, address)
  • Vehicle Information (year, make, model, color, style, VIN)
  • Delivery Agent’s Information (where the vehicle was abandoned + delivery vehicle plate number)
  • Property Owner’s Information (your name and address)
  • Property Owner Statement & Signature (your certification)

Sign where the arrow points. The delivery agent (dismantler representative) also signs.

Pro tip: Print clearly or type if filling digitally. False statements are a criminal offense under Penal Law §210.45 and VTL §392.

What Happens After You Sign the MV-37?

  1. The dismantler or collector takes the vehicle.
  2. Within 15 days, they must mail:
    • Completed MV-37
    • VIN tracing
    • Copy 2 of form MV-907A (Bill of Sale for Junk or Salvage Vehicle)

    To:
    New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
    Junk and Salvage Unit
    PO Box 2105
    Albany, NY 12220-0105

Once processed, the vehicle is officially removed from DMV records and can only be scrapped.

  • Official MV-37 instructions are printed directly on the form.
  • Full details on abandoned and unclaimed vehicles: dmv.ny.gov/titles/abandoned-and-unclaimed-vehicles
  • Related forms:
    • MV-907A (Junk/Salvage Bill of Sale)
    • MV-35 (for slightly different low-value scenarios)
    • MV-901C (for garage lien foreclosures)

Common Questions About the MV-37 Form (FAQ)

Can I use MV-37 for any abandoned car?
No — only vehicles meeting the age, value, and abandonment time rules.

Is the form free?
Yes — download directly from the official NY DMV site.

Do I need to notify the original owner?
The form requires you to state that the owner cannot be located.

What if the vehicle is worth more or newer?
You cannot use MV-37. The dismantler needs proper title documents.

Final Tips for Property Owners

  • Act quickly once the 30-day abandonment period is met.
  • Work only with registered dismantlers (they provide their registration number on the form).
  • Keep a copy of the completed MV-37 for your records.

For the most current information, always check the official New York DMV website, as rules can be updated by the state legislature.

Ready to clear that abandoned vehicle?
Download the MV-37 PDF now: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv37.pdf

If your situation involves public streets, liens, or higher-value vehicles, visit the NY DMV Abandoned and Unclaimed Vehicles page for the right next steps. This guide is based entirely on official NY DMV sources for accuracy in 2026.

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