Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

With whom do I register? Any snowmobile operated in New York State must be registered with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), even if it is registered in another state or province.

Who should I contact to transfer a registration? To transfer a registration from another state, to transfer due to death of the owner, or if the previous proofs of ownership are not available, contact the nearest Department of Motor Vehicles Office.

What paperwork will I need? Before you can register your snowmobile, you must have:

• A completed Snowmobile Registration Application form MV-82SN;
• Proof of ownership as described below;
• Proof of payment of sales tax (if required) OR form DTF -802 as described below OR;
• The tax may be paid at the motor vehicle office;
• Proof of your identity and date of birth (for example, a driver's license);
• A check for the correct fee payable to the "Commissioner of Motor Vehicles".

I bought a snowmobile from a dealer. How do I provide Proof of Ownership if the sled is new? If the snowmobile was purchased new from a dealer in New York State or elsewhere, provide:

• A Manufacturer's Certificate or Statement of Origin (MCO/MSO) and;
• A Bill of Sale showing seller's and buyer's name and address, date of sale, year, make, model, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), engine displacement or power (cc/hp), purchase price, dealer facility number (if a NY dealer), dealer tax identification number, and authorized signature.

I bought a snowmobile from a dealer. How do I provide Proof of Ownership if the sled is used, and previously registered? If the snowmobile was purchased USED from a DEALER and was PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED in New York or elsewhere, provide:

1. The registration/transfer stub signed by the owner, or similar proof of ownership issued by another jurisdiction, and;
2. A Bill of Sale as described above.

I bought a snowmobile from a dealer. How do I provide Proof of Ownership if the sled is used, and has never been registered? If the snowmobile was purchased USED from a DEALER and was NEVER REGISTERED anywhere, provide:

1. The MCO/MSO signed over to the dealer and;
2. A Bill of Sale as described above.

I bought a snowmobile from someone other than a dealer. How do I provide Proof of Ownership if the sled was previously registered? If the snowmobile was purchased USED from a PRIVATE OWNER and was PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED in New York or elsewhere, provide:

1. The registration/transfer stub signed by the owner, or a similar proof of ownership from the jurisdiction of origin, and;
2. A form DTF-802 (Statement of Transaction - Sale or Gift of Motor Vehicle, All Terrain Vehicle, Vessel, or Snowmobile) signed by the buyer. If the snowmobile is 7 years old or newer, the back of the DTF-802 MUST be signed by the seller. If it is older than 7 years, a DTF-802 or a Bill of Sale must be submitted. The Bill of Sale must include the buyer's name and address, date of sale, year, make, model, model number, color, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), engine displacement or power (cc/hp), and purchase price. You will pay the sales tax at the Motor Vehicle office.

I bought a snowmobile from someone other than a dealer. How do I provide Proof of Ownership if the sled has never been registered? If the snowmobile was purchased from a PRIVATE OWNER and was NEVER REGISTERED anywhere, provide:

1. The MCO/MSO signed over to the new owner, and;
2. The original owner's Bill of Sale and sales tax receipts from all subsequent transfers between individuals, and;
3. A form DTF-802 (Statement of Transaction - Sale or Gift of Motor Vehicle, All Terrain Vehicle, Vessel, or Snowmobile) signed by the buyer. If the snowmobile is 7 years old or newer, the back of the DTF-802 MUST be signed by the seller. If it is older than 7 years, a DTF-802 or a Bill of Sale must be submitted. The Bill of Sale must include the buyer's name and address, date of sale, the year, make, model, model number, color, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), engine displacement or power (cc/hp), and purchase price. You will pay the sales tax at the Motor Vehicle office.

How do I prove that the sales taxes are paid? What if I didn't pay any sales tax? If the Bill of Sale shows that the dealer collected sales tax, it serves as proof of sales tax payment. Only an original or carbon copy of the Bill of Sale is acceptable - a photocopy is NOT acceptable. If you haven't paid sales tax because you bought from someone other that the dealer, you may pay your sales tax at DMV.

I'm registered in another state. How do I register in New York? Owners of snowmobiles that are registered outside of New York State who are registering for the first time in New York State must provide a photocopy of the same ownership documents required in their home state (MCO/MSO, registration/transfer stub, and/or Bill of Sale/invoice). No sales tax is due on snowmobiles already registered in another jurisdiction.