MV-900 Form – The MV-900 form, officially titled Notice of Lien, is the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) document used to record a lien (security interest) on the title of a vehicle, boat, trailer, or manufactured home.
Lienholders (typically lenders or financial institutions) file this form to protect their interest in the asset until the loan is repaid. Once processed, the DMV issues a new Certificate of Title showing the lienholder’s name and details. The form is required for both new liens (before a title is issued) and collateral loans or refinances (after a title exists).
The current version is MV-900 (12/24), and it remains the standard paper form for non-electronic lien filings.
Who Should Use the MV-900 Form?
- Lienholders: Banks, credit unions, finance companies, or any entity holding a security agreement must complete and submit the MV-900.
- Owners/Borrowers: The vehicle, boat, or manufactured home owner must sign the form to authorize the lien recording. Their name must match DMV records exactly (or appear as on their driver license/non-driver ID if no title exists yet).
- Scenarios: Private sales with buyer-arranged financing, out-of-state dealer sales, collateral loans using an existing titled asset, or refinances.
Note: Dealers or individuals cannot file on behalf of the lienholder unless authorized. Electronic Lien Transfer (ELT) participants use a digital process instead of the paper MV-900.
Key Benefits of Filing the MV-900 Form
Filing the MV-900 properly perfects the lender’s security interest, making it valid against other creditors, buyers, or lienholders. If filed within 10 days of the sale or transfer, the lien is perfected as of the sale date.
This protects the lienholder’s rights and ensures the lien appears on the official New York title. Owners receive a new title reflecting the lien, and lienholders receive a Notice of Recorded Lien (MV-901) by mail.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the MV-900 Form
All information except signatures must be typed. Legible, accurate, and complete data is required—otherwise, the DMV will not record the lien.
- Vehicle/Boat/Manufactured Home Information
Enter the Identification Number (VIN, HIN, or equivalent), year, make, body type/hull, registration/plate number, and indicate whether it is a vehicle, boat, trailer, or manufactured home. - Owner Information
Provide the owner’s (and co-owner’s) full legal name, NYS license/permit/non-driver ID number, and current mailing address. Check the box if the address is new since the last title issuance. The owner’s name must match DMV records exactly. - Owner’s Statement and Signature
The owner signs and dates, acknowledging the lienholder will send the form to the DMV and that a new title will be issued. If signing for a corporation, include title. Attach a Power of Attorney copy if applicable. - Lienholder Information
Enter the lien filing code (assigned by DMV), lienholder’s name and mailing address, date of the security agreement, and lienholder’s signature (original or facsimile stamp). - Title Status Question
Indicate whether a NY Certificate of Title has already been issued (YES/NO). If YES, attach the original title. - Review and Submit
Double-check all details, especially the ID number.
How to File the MV-900 Form and Mailing Instructions?
Mail the completed MV-900, the $5 lien filing fee (check or money order payable to “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles”), and the original title (if issued) to:
Title Bureau, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, PO Box 2604, Albany NY 12220-0604.
The lienholder pays the fee—not the owner. For frequent filers, a charge account (MV-900.1) or escrow account may simplify payments.
File as soon as possible and within 10 days of registration to ensure the lien appears before the title is issued.
MV-900 Form Fee and Requirements
- Fee: $5.00 per lien (paid by lienholder).
- Signatures: Original signatures required from both owner and lienholder.
- Attachments: Original title if already issued.
- Rejections: Occur if information is illegible, incomplete, or the owner name does not match records.
- ELT Alternative: Qualifying lenders can file electronically (no paper MV-900 needed).
How to Download the Official MV-900 PDF?
You can download the free, official MV-900 form directly from the New York DMV website:
https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv900.pdf
Always use the latest version from the official DMV site to ensure compliance. Do not use third-party or outdated copies.
How to Verify Lien Status After Filing?
After submission, check the status online at the DMV’s Lien/Title Certificate Status page. You can confirm whether the lien was recorded or a title certificate was issued.
DMV will also mail you a Notice of Recorded Lien (MV-901) once processed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with MV-900
- Handwriting instead of typing information.
- Mismatching owner names with DMV records.
- Forgetting to attach the original title when one exists.
- Missing the $5 fee or using the wrong payee.
- Filing after the 10-day window (risks title issuing without lien).
- Using the wrong form (MV-900.1 is for charge-account customers only).
Related NY DMV Lien and Title Forms
- MV-900.1: Notice of Lien – Charge Account Customer.
- MV-909: What Lenders Should Know About the New York State Title and Lien Program (detailed guidance).
- MV-902: Application for Duplicate Title (if title is lost).
- MV-901: Notice of Recorded Lien (issued by DMV).
For full instructions, refer to the official MV-909 lender guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About the MV-900 Form
Can I file the MV-900 online?
Paper filers must mail it. Only ELT-participating lenders use electronic filing.
Who pays the $5 fee?
The lienholder (lender), not the vehicle owner.
What if the title is already issued?
Submit the original title with the MV-900.
How long does processing take?
DMV processing time varies; check status online.
Is the MV-900 only for vehicles?
No—it covers boats, trailers, and manufactured homes too.
Conclusion
The MV-900 form is the essential official document for recording liens on New York titles. Proper completion and timely filing protect lenders while ensuring owners receive accurate titles. Always download the latest MV-900 PDF from the official NY DMV website and follow the instructions carefully.
For the most current details, visit the New York DMV Titles section or consult form MV-909. Filing correctly the first time avoids delays and protects everyone’s interests.