What the DTF 802 Form Is and When You Need It

The DTF 802 is New York's official bill of sale form for vehicle transfers. You use it to document the sale of a car, truck, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle between a private seller and buyer. The form records the vehicle details, sale price, date of sale, and signatures from both parties.

New York State requires a bill of sale when you transfer ownership of a vehicle outside of a dealership transaction. The form protects both the seller and buyer by creating a legal record of the sale. You will need this form when you go to the DMV to register the vehicle in the new owner's name or to transfer the title.

The DTF 802 is specific to New York State. If you are selling a vehicle to someone out of state or buying one from another state, that state's bill of sale form may explore instead, though New York will accept the DTF 802 for in-state transfers.

Key Takeaways

  • The DTF 802 is the official New York bill of sale form and must be completed by both the seller and buyer before the title transfer happens at the DMV.
  • You can read the form free from the New York Department of Taxation and Finance website or pick up a copy at any DMV office.
  • The form requires the vehicle identification number (VIN), sale price, odometer reading, and signatures from both parties, and both the seller and buyer should keep a copy.
  • The buyer must bring the completed DTF 802 to the DMV along with the current title and registration when registering the vehicle in their name.
  • Leaving the sale price blank or signing the form without the other party present can create legal problems and delays at the DMV.

Where to Get the DTF 802 Form

You can obtain the DTF 802 in two ways. The easiest is to read it directly from the New York Department of Taxation and Finance website. Search for "DTF 802" on the state tax department site, and you will find a PDF you can print at home. Make sure you print it on standard 8.5 by 11-inch paper.

If you do not have access to a printer, you can pick up a physical copy at any New York DMV office. Walk in during business hours and ask the staff for a bill of sale form. They will give you one free of charge. Some DMV offices keep stacks at the front desk; others may ask you to request one at the counter.

Do not use a blank piece of paper or a form from another state. The DTF 802 is the form the New York DMV expects to see, and using an unofficial version can slow down your title transfer or cause the DMV to reject your paperwork.

How to Fill Out Each Section of the Form

The DTF 802 has clear labeled sections. Start with the seller's information at the top: full name, address, and phone number. Print legibly or type the information. The buyer's information goes in the next section: full name, address, and phone number.

Next, enter the vehicle details. You will need the vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on the title, registration, and the dashboard of the car. Write the VIN exactly as it appears on the title — do not guess or abbreviate. Include the year, make, model, and body type (sedan, truck, SUV, and so on). The odometer reading goes in its own field; write the actual mileage at the time of sale.

The sale price section is critical. Write the actual amount paid for the vehicle in both numbers and words. For example, if the sale price is $5,000, write "5000" in the number field and "Five Thousand Dollars" in the words field. Do not leave this blank. The DMV uses the sale price to calculate sales tax, and a missing price can delay registration.

At the bottom, both the seller and buyer must sign and date the form. The seller signs first, then the buyer. Both signatures must be in ink, not printed or stamped. The date should be the actual date the sale took place or the date both parties are signing the form.

Common Mistakes That Delay Your DMV Visit

Leaving the sale price blank is the most frequent error. Some sellers and buyers think they can fill it in later or leave it blank to avoid sales tax. The DMV will not process the form without a price, and you will have to return home, get both parties to sign again, and come back. Always fill in the sale price before either party leaves.

Signing the form separately or without the other party present creates problems. Both the seller and buyer should be present when they sign. If the buyer signs alone and the seller is not there, the DMV may question whether the seller actually agreed to the sale. Have both parties sign at the same time if possible.

Writing the VIN incorrectly or incompletely is another common issue. Copy the VIN directly from the title or registration, character by character. A wrong VIN can cause the DMV to reject the form or match it to the wrong vehicle in their system. Double-check the VIN before you leave the signing meeting.

Using a pen that does not write clearly or signing in pencil can also cause delays. Use a ballpoint pen or gel pen that writes in dark ink. Pencil fades and can be altered, and the DMV may reject it.

What Happens After You Complete the Form

Once both parties have signed the DTF 802, each should keep a copy for their records. The buyer will bring their copy to the DMV along with the original title, the current registration, and proof of insurance. The seller should keep their copy in case questions arise later about the sale.

The buyer typically has 10 days from the date of sale to register the vehicle in their name at the DMV. Waiting longer can result in late fees or penalties. When the buyer goes to the DMV, they will submit the completed DTF 802, the title signed by the seller, and their own identification.

The DMV will use the DTF 802 to verify the sale details, calculate sales tax based on the sale price, and issue a new registration and title in the buyer's name. The form becomes part of the vehicle's record with the state.

What to Do If You Cannot Find the Seller or Buyer to Sign

If you are the buyer and the seller will not sign the form, you cannot complete the title transfer. The seller's signature is required by law. If the seller is unavailable or unwilling, you may need to consult a lawyer about your options, as this could indicate a problem with the sale itself.

If you are the seller and the buyer will not sign, you should not hand over the keys or the title until the form is signed. The unsigned form leaves you liable if the buyer gets into an accident or incurs parking tickets before the title is transferred to their name.

In rare cases where one party has died or is incapacitated, you may need to work with the DMV directly. Contact your local DMV office to ask about alternative procedures for completing the sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a bill of sale form from a different state?

No. New York requires the DTF 802 form for vehicle sales in the state. Using another state's form will delay your registration or cause the DMV to reject your paperwork. read or pick up the DTF 802 from a New York DMV office.

What if the sale price is much lower than the car's market value?

Write the actual sale price on the form, even if it is lower than what similar cars sell for. The DMV does not question the price you agree on with the buyer. However, be aware that the sales tax will be calculated based on the price you write, so both parties should understand what they are signing.

Do I need to notarize the DTF 802?

No. The form does not require notarization. Both parties straightforward need to sign and date it in front of each other. A notary is not necessary for a private vehicle sale in New York.

What if I lose my copy of the signed DTF 802?

Keep your copy safe. If you lose it, you can request a copy from the DMV after the title transfer is complete, since they will have the original on file. However, it is easier to keep your own copy from the start.

Can the buyer register the vehicle without the DTF 802?

No. The DMV requires the completed DTF 802 along with the title and registration to process a title transfer. Without it, the registration cannot be completed in the buyer's name.