MV-843 Form – Losing a loved one is difficult, and handling their vehicle in New York adds extra steps. The MV-843 form from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) is the official checklist that guides you through transferring ownership of a vehicle when the registered owner has passed away. This free, downloadable PDF ensures you gather the right documents to re-title and register the vehicle correctly.
Download the current MV-843 PDF directly from the official NY DMV website:
https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv843.pdf
(Revision: October 2025 – MV-843 (10/25) – confirmed as the active version in 2026.)
What Is the MV-843 Form?
The MV-843: Transfer of Ownership When the Vehicle Owner is Deceased is a two-page checklist, not an application form itself. It lists every required document and step for transferring a New York-registered vehicle (or bringing certain out-of-state titles into NY) after the owner’s death. You must complete and follow this checklist when submitting paperwork in person at a DMV office or by mail to the Title Bureau.
The form helps avoid delays by verifying proof of authority, identity, insurance, ownership, and tax compliance before the DMV issues a new title and registration.
Who Needs the MV-843 Form?
Use the MV-843 if:
- The vehicle’s title or transferable registration is in a deceased person’s name.
- You are the surviving spouse, minor child under 21, next of kin, executor, administrator, or voluntary administrator.
- The vehicle is registered in New York (special rules apply for out-of-state titles).
Simplified options (MV-349 or MV-349.1) exist for one low-value vehicle (≤ $25,000) in family situations without probate.
Step-by-Step Guide: Using the MV-843 Form to Transfer Ownership
Follow the official MV-843 checklist process:
- Complete Section 1 on the back of the original title (Transfer by Owner), including odometer and salvage disclosures.
- Gather all checked items from the MV-843 list.
- Have the new owner complete MV-82 (Vehicle Registration/Title Application).
- Secure proof of sales tax payment or exemption.
- Obtain active New York insurance in the new owner’s exact name.
- Submit in person at any NY DMV office or mail to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Title Bureau
PO Box 2750
Albany, NY 12220-0750
If the original title is lost, first apply for a duplicate using MV-902 (follow the “Owner Deceased” instructions).
Required Documents Checklist (From Official MV-843)
Bring or mail these items (as checked on the form):
- MV-82 — Completed and signed by the new owner.
- Proof of Name and Date of Birth — See form ID-82 (originals in person; photocopies if mailing).
- Original Proof of Ownership — Certificate of Title or transferable registration in the deceased’s name (most recent; complete back section).
- Lien Release — Original from lienholder if loan paid off (lien stays on new title if missing).
- Proof of Transfer Authority (one required):
- MV-349 (next of kin only; vehicle ≤ $25,000)
- MV-349.1 (surviving spouse or minor child under 21; vehicle ≤ $25,000, with exceptions)
- Letters Testamentary (executor; photocopy OK)
- Letters of Administration (administrator; photocopy OK)
- Affidavit from Voluntary Administrator (photocopy OK)
- Copy of Death Certificate — Required with MV-349 or MV-349.1 (photocopy accepted).
- Proof of Sales Tax:
- DTF-802 (Statement of Transaction)
- DTF-803 (exemption claim)
- FS-6T (when mailing to Title Bureau)
- New York State Insurance Card — In new owner’s exact name (must be active).
Out-of-state titles note: Require Letters Testamentary/Administration or equivalent from that jurisdiction. MV-349, death certificate alone not accepted; transfer in original state first if needed.
Special Rules for Surviving Spouses, Minor Children, and Next of Kin
- Surviving spouse: One vehicle ≤ $25,000 transfers automatically (use MV-349.1). No charge to transfer decedent’s plates; new registration valid until expiration.
- Minor child under 21: Use MV-349.1 if no surviving spouse.
- Next of kin (no spouse/minor children): Use MV-349 for one vehicle ≤ $25,000, no will/probate.
- Higher value or multiple vehicles: Requires probate (Letters Testamentary/Administration).
Fees for Transferring Ownership (Current Rates)
- Title fee: $50.00 (all cases).
- Surviving spouse only:
- Transfer decedent’s plates: No charge.
- Transfer your plates: $10 + weight difference.
- New plates: $25 + 2-year registration fee.
- All others:
- Transfer plates: $10 + weight difference.
- New plates: $25 + 2-year registration fee.
- Make check payable to “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles” (leave amount blank; calculated at office).
How to Download and Submit the MV-843 PDF?
- Access the official form: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv843.pdf
- Print or review digitally; check off applicable items.
- Collect supporting documents.
- Submit in person or by mail to the Title Bureau.
For related forms and details, see the NY DMV page:
If a Family Member Has Passed Away
Frequently Asked Questions About MV-843
Can I submit by mail?
Yes – use photocopies for ID and other items; include FS-6T for tax if needed.
What if the title is missing?
Apply for duplicate via MV-902 first (follow “Owner Deceased” section).
Is probate always required?
No – MV-349/MV-349.1 allows simplified transfer for qualifying low-value, one-vehicle family cases.
Is the form up to date?
Yes – MV-843 (10/25) is the current official version per NY DMV.
Final Tips for a Smooth Process
Gather documents promptly to prevent issues with insurance or storage. Keep copies of everything submitted. This information is drawn directly from the official NY DMV MV-843 form and related pages (verified current in 2026). For your specific case, confirm with a local DMV office or consult an attorney.
Start today—download the MV-843 PDF and use the official checklist to handle the vehicle transfer correctly and efficiently in New York.