MV-51 Form: Certification of Sale for Older or Non-Title Vehicles (PDF)

MV-51 Form – If you’re buying or selling a classic car from 1972 or older, a non-titled vehicle, boat, snowmobile, or ATV in New York, the MV-51 form (officially titled Certification of Sale or Transfer for 1972 or Older Vehicles or Any Other Non-Title Vehicles) is the critical document you need. Issued by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV), this form serves as the official proof that a private seller (not a dealer) has transferred ownership when a standard title or transferable registration isn’t available.

The latest version of the MV-51 PDF is revised December 2025 (MV-51 (12/25)) and remains fully current. You can download it directly from the official source here:
Download MV-51 Form PDF

What Is the NY DMV MV-51 Form?

The MV-51 is a one-page certification used exclusively by private individuals (not licensed dealers) to document the sale or transfer of:

  • Vehicles model year 1972 or older (NY does not title these vehicles; a transferable registration acts as proof of ownership).
  • Any other non-titled vehicles, certain boats (pre-1986 or under 14 ft), trailers under 1,000 lbs, snowmobiles, or ATVs.

It certifies that the seller owns the vehicle and is transferring it to the purchaser, while the buyer acknowledges the purchase. The form cannot be used by auto dealers.

When Do You Need the MV-51 Form?

You must use the MV-51 in these common situations:

  • Selling or buying a classic or antique vehicle (1972 or older) that has never been titled in New York.
  • Transferring ownership of a non-titled vehicle, boat, snowmobile, or ATV when the current owner never registered it.
  • When a standard bill of sale alone isn’t enough to prove continuous ownership history.

Note: If the seller did register the vehicle, they usually provide the original transferable registration instead. The MV-51 is specifically for cases where proof of ownership is limited or unavailable.

Required Accompanying Documents

The MV-51 must be accompanied by:

  • Bills of sale from all previous owners showing a clear chain of ownership (no alterations allowed on any supporting documents).
  • For registration: Completed MV-82 (Vehicle Registration/Title Application).
  • In some cases: MV-51B (Statement of Ownership) if proof is completely missing.
  • Proof of identity and insurance (as listed on MV-82 instructions).

The purchaser is strongly advised to check for liens at the County Clerk’s office before buying.

How to Download the MV-51 PDF?

  1. Visit the official NY DMV website.
  2. Go directly to: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv51.pdf
  3. Print the form (use black ink or type all entries — no handwriting if possible).

Always download from the official NY DMV site to ensure you have the most current version (12/25 revision).

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the MV-51 Form?

Follow these instructions exactly as printed on the official PDF:

  1. Print or type all entries in ink.
  2. Complete Purchaser section:
    • Name (Last, First, M.I.)
    • Date of Purchase
    • Mailing address, city, state, zip, county
    • Date of last inspection, sticker number, station number (if applicable)
  3. Complete Seller section:
    • Name (Last, First, M.I.)
    • Mailing address, city, state, zip, county
  4. Describe the vehicle/boat/ATV/snowmobile:
    • Year, make, model, body type, color
    • VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), HIN, or SVIN
    • Plate number (if any), year of last registration, state of last registration
    • Unladen weight, cylinders, fuel type, maximum speed (for motorcycles)
  5. List the Name and address of the last registrant or previous owner.
  6. Seller signs and dates the certification: “I certify that I am the owner… and that I have sold this vehicle to the purchaser.”
  7. Purchaser signs and dates the certification: “I certify that I have purchased the vehicle…”

Important: False statements are punishable under Section 210.45 of the New York Penal Law.

Tips for a Smooth Transaction

  • Never alter any document — DMV will reject altered bills of sale or proofs.
  • Bring everything to a DMV office or mail as instructed for title/registration services.
  • For historical or classic vehicles, additional verification (e.g., VIN tracing) may be required.
  • Non-transferable registrations may be issued if original proof isn’t a NY transferable document.
  • MV-51B — Statement of Ownership (when proof is completely unavailable).
  • MV-82 — Vehicle Registration/Title Application.
  • MV-912 — Vehicle Bill of Sale (often used alongside MV-51).
  • MV-353 — Certification of New York State Registration for Transfer (alternative in some lost-proof cases).

All are available free on dmv.ny.gov/forms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can dealers use the MV-51?
No — only private sellers.

Is the MV-51 a title?
No. It is a certification of sale/transfer used when no title exists.

Do I need to notarize the MV-51?
No, but both parties must sign in full.

What if the vehicle has a lien?
The buyer should check with the County Clerk before purchase — the MV-51 does not clear liens.

Get Your MV-51 Form Today

Don’t risk delays at the DMV. Download the official MV-51 PDF now and ensure your older or non-titled vehicle transfer is fully documented and compliant with New York law.
Click here to download the MV-51 Form (Official NY DMV)

For the latest instructions or to check status, always refer to the official New York DMV website at dmv.ny.gov. Safe travels and happy motoring!

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