Top1) Determine the Status of Your Registration

Vehicles are registered every two years.

You’ll also need to do a smog and safety inspection once a year. Without this, you won’t be able to renew your vehicle registration.

Renew NY Registration

A valid registration is required to legally park your car on the streets and drive it. Car insurance is also required. When you renew, you may want to rethink your insurance by looking at different quotes.

Go down to “Check Your Renewal Notice” to continue learning about how to renew your car registration.

Register a Vehicle in NY for the First Time

If you just bought or inherited a car, or if you’re new to the state, you’ll need to register it for the first time.

Register a Non-Operational Vehicle

If you won’t be driving your car, and you don’t want to keep up its registration:

1. Cancel the registration and insurance.
2. Turn your plates in at a DMV office. Get a receipt.
3. Custom plates will be stored, but standard ones will be destroyed.
4. When you want to re-register your car, take your plate receipt and go back to the same office where you turned in your plates.

Top2) Check Your Renewal Notice

The DMV will send you a renewal notice 45 to 60 days before your registration expires. The notice will tell you how to renew and when.

If you never get a notice, you may still renew online, by mail, or in person in most cases. If you have a suspension, the system will not allow you to proceed.

It won’t say so on your renewal notice, but you need to have an annual emission and safety check, even in the years your registration renewal isn’t due. You’ll need to do this before you renew your registration, so let your renewal notice serve as a reminder.

Top3) Calculate Your Fees

Fees are based on vehicle weight.

Avoid Late Fees and Penalties

There are no late fees or penalties, but you’ll still have the same expiration date.

Top4) Renew Online, In Person, By Mail, or Phone

Renew Online

You may use online renewal as long as your address hasn’t changed. Before you renew:

1. Be sure your browser will let you have cookies.
2. Have an email address ready. Be sure it won’t block your confirmation email.
3. Have your license plate number and registration class code ready.
4. Be ready to pay with a major credit card.

Allow two weeks for your new registration to arrive in the mail.

In Person

1. Locate your renewal form.
2. If you lost your renewal form, use form MV-82.
3. Take the form into a DMV office.
4. You can pay by credit card, check, money order, or cash.

If you want, you can send someone else in to register your car for you.

Your car will need to have its safety and smog inspections completed before you go in. The inspection office submits the results electronically.

By Mail

1. Get forms MV-82, MV-82.1, and ID-82 (they are all available from the same page). Fill them out.
2. Figure out your fees by weight and custom plate, if you have one. (Multiply the annual fee of your custom plate by two.)
3. Write out a check or money order for the fees.
4. If you can’t figure out the fee, write the check out to "Commissioner of Motor Vehicles" and leave the amount part blank. You’ll be sent a receipt showing your fees.

Mail everything to:

• NYSDMV Port Jefferson Office

• 3 Roads Plaza

• 1055 Route 112

• Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776

By Telephone

For an extra $5, you can renew by phone.

1. Have your registration card or renewal form handy.
2. Get out a major credit card.
3. Call (518) 402-4838 and follow the prompts.

Registrations arrive in about two weeks.

Top Affix Your Stickers

If you renew in the office, you’ll get your stickers there. Otherwise, wait for them to arrive in the mail. Be sure to follow the directions on the package to ensure that the expiration tabs stick appropriately.

If your new registration does not arrive after two weeks, contact a DMV office. You may also call a DMV Telephone Call Center.

Top6) Get a Tax Deduction

The IRS allows deductions for the portion of your vehicle registration that is based on value. Because your registration fees are based on weight, you won’t be able to take this deduction. If you would like more information or have more questions, consult a tax attorney.

Top7) Do Your Part to Keep Our Roadways Safe

Renewal time is a good time to take a second look at your driving safety. Car maintenance is important to keep your car running well. Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and tune ups should all be marked on your calendar. Getting new tires before they’re stripped down to metal is also something to pay attention to. The manufacturer’s handbook will tell you how many miles each component can run on before replacement or tune-up.

Another smart idea is to look into getting a roadside assistance program set up, so if your car does break down, you’ll be covered. An after-market auto warranty and a reliable mechanic on hand are also worth researching.

Our content is updated based on input from users like you. Help make it better!