MV-905 Form – The MV-905 form, officially titled Self-Storage Owner/Operator Affirmation and Bill of Sale, is a required New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) document. Self-storage facility owners and operators use it to legally transfer ownership of a vehicle or boat left unpaid in storage. It combines a formal affirmation of compliance with New York Lien Law procedures and a bill of sale for the buyer.
This one-page PDF serves as proof that the storage owner followed all legal steps before selling the property at auction, allowing the buyer to obtain a clear title and register the vehicle or boat with the DMV.
Who Needs the MV-905 Form in New York?
Self-storage owners and operators in New York must complete the MV-905 form when enforcing a lien on a vehicle or boat due to unpaid storage fees. Buyers purchasing such vehicles or boats at the auction also rely on it. The DMV requires this form to process title transfers.
It applies specifically to situations where a storage facility places a lien under New York Lien Law §182. Without the completed MV-905, the buyer cannot register the vehicle, and the storage owner cannot fully recover unpaid fees through the sale.
When Should You Use the MV-905 Self-Storage Owner Affirmation and Bill of Sale?
Use the MV-905 form after you:
- Serve a Notice of Lien on the vehicle/boat owner and any lienholders.
- Wait 10 days from the date of service before publishing the notice of impending sale.
- Publish the notice in a local newspaper (with a second publication if required).
- Wait an additional 15 days from the first publication date before conducting the sale.
- Sell the vehicle or boat at auction.
The form confirms no legal action was filed under Lien Law §182 (or that any action was decided in your favor) and includes proof of mailing notices. It is mandatory for title transfer to the buyer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out the MV-905 Form PDF
Filling out the MV-905 is straightforward but requires accuracy to avoid DMV rejection or legal penalties. Here’s how to complete it:
- Self-Storage Company Information — Enter your business name and full address.
- Vehicle or Boat Description — Provide year, make, model, plate number (if any), state, and Vehicle/Hull Identification Number. Attach a photo or tracing of the VIN/HIN.
- Lienholders — List any known lienholders (use an additional page if needed).
- Buyer Information — Fill in the buyer’s full name(s) and complete mailing address.
- Publication and Service of Notice — Check the boxes confirming you waited the required 10 and 15 days, that no adverse action was filed under Lien Law §182, and that notices were mailed with proof attached.
- Odometer Disclosure (Vehicles Only) — State the exact mileage, number of digits on the odometer, and certify whether it shows actual mileage, exceeds mechanical limits, or has a discrepancy.
- Damage Disclosure — Certify whether the vehicle has (or has not) been damaged beyond 75% of its retail value. Checking “has been” triggers a rebuilt salvage title and anti-theft inspection.
- Prior Owner and Auction Details — Enter the prior owner’s address, auction location, price paid, dates of notices, publication dates, sale date, and newspaper name.
- Signatures — Both the buyer and self-storage owner/operator must sign and date the form.
Submit the completed MV-905 with the buyer’s title application to the NY DMV Title Services Bureau.
Key Sections Explained: Inside the MV-905 PDF
The official MV-905 (revised 11/15) includes these critical sections for full legal compliance:
- Odometer Disclosure Statement — Federally and state-mandated mileage certification with warnings about fines or imprisonment for false statements.
- Damage Disclosure Statement — Determines if the vehicle qualifies as rebuilt salvage (“Rebuilt Salvage: NY” will appear on the title).
- Affirmation of Notice Compliance — Legal proof that all Lien Law timelines and mailing requirements were met.
- Bill of Sale Details — Transfers ownership with price paid and auction location.
These disclosures protect both buyer and seller while meeting DMV title requirements.
Download the Official MV-905 Form PDF – Free & Direct from NY DMV
Get the most current and official version directly from the New York DMV website:
Download MV-905 PDF here: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv905.pdf
The form is free, printable, and fillable. Always use the latest version from the official DMV site to ensure compliance—no third-party copies are accepted for title processing.
Important Legal Warnings When Using the MV-905 Form
Making a false statement on the MV-905 or failing to accurately disclose salvage status can result in:
- Substantial civil fines
- Criminal penalties under the New York Penal Law
- Rejection of the title application
The DMV Title Services Bureau reviews all supporting documents before issuing a Certificate of Title. Accurate completion is essential for both storage owners and buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions About the MV-905 Form
Is the MV-905 form still current in 2026?
Yes. The official version remains MV-905 (11/15) and is actively listed on the NY DMV website.
Do I need the MV-905 for boats as well?
Yes. The form covers both vehicles and boats, though odometer disclosure does not apply to boats.
Can I fill out the MV-905 online?
The PDF is fillable on most devices, but you must print, sign, and submit the original signed copy with the title application.
Where do I submit the completed MV-905?
The buyer submits it to the NY DMV along with the MV-82 title/registration application. The Title Services Bureau reviews it before issuing a title.
Why Choose the Official NY DMV MV-905 Form for Your Self-Storage Lien Sale?
Using the official MV-905 Self-Storage Owner Affirmation and Bill of Sale ensures your transaction complies with New York state law, protects you from liability, and allows the buyer to register the vehicle quickly. Downloading it directly from dmv.ny.gov guarantees you have the authoritative document required by the DMV—no substitutes accepted.
For self-storage operators across New York, the MV-905 form is the essential tool to recover unpaid storage fees legally while providing buyers with clear title documentation. Always refer to the official NY DMV resources for the latest guidance.