Every state has certificate of title registration for motor vehicles in some form. Statutes have been proposed and enacted since the 1920’s when automobiles became popular.
New York State issues a Certificate of Title (MV-999) for:
most motor vehicles of model year 1973 or newer;
motorboats, model year 1987 or newer, that are 14 feet or longer; and,
manufactured homes, model year 1995, or newer, that are 8 feet or more in width, or 40 feet or more in length, or cover at least 320 square feet when erected on site.
New York State does not issue a title certificate for any motor vehicle of model year 1972 or older, travel or utility trailer that weighs less than 1,000 pounds, or limited used motorcycle (including a moped).
The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) is an electronic system that provides consumers with valuable information about a vehicle's condition and history. Prior to purchasing a vehicle, NMVTIS allows consumers to find information on the vehicle's title, most recent odometer reading, brand history, and, in some cases, historical theft data.
Go to www.vehiclehistory.gov for info on where to access the state's full vehicle title record.