MV-901D Form – The MV-901D form is the official New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) document titled “Garageman’s Certification and Bill of Sale for Vehicles Worth Less Than $500.00.” It allows licensed garagepersons (including towing companies, storage facilities, and repair shops) to legally certify a perfected garageman’s lien and sell low-value vehicles (wholesale value under $500) directly to a vehicle dismantler or scrap processor.
This form supports an abbreviated procedure under New York Lien Law Section 202 for disposing of lawfully towed or stored vehicles with unpaid towing and/or storage charges. The vehicle cannot be titled again and must be dismantled or scrapped.
Important note: Intentionally making a false statement on this form is a criminal offense under Section 210.45 of the Penal Law and Section 392 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
Who Needs the MV-901D Garageperson’s Certification Form?
Garagepersons use MV-901D when:
- They hold a valid, perfected garageman’s lien for unpaid towing and/or storage charges.
- The vehicle’s current wholesale value is less than $500 (verified using NADA, Kelley Blue Book, or another nationally recognized source).
- They want to sell the vehicle to a licensed vehicle dismantler or scrap processor without the full public auction process required for higher-value vehicles.
This form is not for standard garageman’s lien sales (those use MV-901B). It applies specifically to the streamlined process for low-value vehicles under the abandoned and unclaimed vehicle guidelines on the NY DMV website.
MV-901D vs. MV-901B: Key Differences
| Feature | MV-901D (Low-Value) | MV-901B (Standard) |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Value | Wholesale < $500 | Any value (usually higher) |
| Sale Process | Abbreviated – direct to dismantler/scrap processor | Full public auction required |
| Vehicle Fate | Must be dismantled or scrapped | Can be titled and re-registered |
| Primary Use | Quick disposal of low-value liens | General garageman’s lien sales |
Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out the MV-901D Form
- Garageman Information – Enter business name, facility number, full address, and attach proof of business (license or letterhead).
- Vehicle Description – Provide year, make, model, plate number, state, VIN (attach photo or tracing), wholesale value, and source of valuation (NADA, Kelley Blue Book, or other).
- Towing & Storage Details – Enter date vehicle was towed, date storage began, and dates of service of notice to owner and lienholders.
- Prior Owner & Lienholders – List prior owner and all lienholders (attach verification).
- Vehicle Dismantler/Scrap Processor – Name and address of buyer; attach government-issued ID copy for their representative.
- Certifications – The garageman must certify under penalty of perjury:
- Valid perfected lien exists.
- Charges remain unpaid.
- Wholesale value is under $500.
- Sale date meets timing requirements (at least 30 days after notice mailed or 60 days after initial tow, whichever is later).
- No unresolved action under Lien Law Section 201-a.
- Signatures & Date – Garageman (or authorized representative) signs and dates the form.
Required Supporting Documents for MV-901D
To use the abbreviated procedure, you must attach and provide the buyer with:
- Copy of MV-901A (Notice of Lien and Sale) + proof of certified or first-class mailing.
- Verification of prior owner and lienholders (MV-15 abstract, DS-243, or out-of-state DMV statement).
- Towing authorization.
- Proof of business and claim (licenses, tow orders, or letterhead billing statements).
- Statement of acquisition on garageman’s letterhead explaining how/when the vehicle came into possession.
- VIN verification (photo, tracing, or police statement).
- Government-issued ID copy for the person submitting the form.
Full detailed instructions are in the companion form MV-901DI (updated February 2026).
How to Download the Official MV-901D PDF?
Direct official download link (NY DMV):
https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv901d.pdf
Always download the latest version directly from the NY DMV website to ensure compliance. The current form revision is MV-901D (11/15). Instructions are available at:
https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv901di.pdf
Why Use the MV-901D Form Correctly?
Using the MV-901D form properly protects garagepersons from liability, ensures compliance with New York Lien Law, and allows quick, legal disposal of low-value vehicles that would otherwise incur ongoing storage costs. Incorrect completion or missing attachments can result in denied claims, investigations by the DMV Division of Field Investigation, or loss of lien rights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About MV-901D
Q: Can I use MV-901D for vehicles worth more than $500?
A: No. Vehicles valued at $500 or more require the standard MV-901B process with public auction.
Q: Do I need to publish notice in a newspaper?
A: No — the abbreviated low-value procedure does not require newspaper publication (unlike the standard process).
Q: Where do I submit the completed MV-901D?
A: Give the completed original to the vehicle dismantler or scrap processor. The vehicle will not receive a title.
Q: Is this form only for New York-registered vehicles?
A: No. It can be used for out-of-state vehicles, but proper verification from the other state’s DMV is required.
For the most current guidance, always refer to the official NY DMV pages on abandoned and unclaimed vehicles and garageman’s liens.
Need the form right now?
Download the official MV-901D PDF here: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv901d.pdf
Stay compliant and protect your business — use only official NY DMV forms and follow the MV-901DI instructions.