Can i get out of my car purchase agreement nys

There are currently road test cancellations or DMV offices closed for in-person services. See our “Cancellations, Closings and Delays” page for more information.

Let the Buyer be Aware

"It's important to learn about a vehicle before you spend money for its purchase. The information in this publication may help you choose the vehicle that best meets your needs."

In New York State, every automotive dealer must register with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A registered dealer must obey certain state and federal laws that protect your purchase of a new or used car, truck, or other motor vehicle, including one sold as "salvage." New vehicles are also protected by manufacturer's warranty. You can search for registered Automotive Dealers by using the “Find a DMV-regulated Business” service.

When you buy a used vehicle, the dealer must certify, in writing, that it is "in condition and repair to render, under normal use, satisfactory and adequate service upon the public highway at the time of delivery." The dealer certification covers the entire vehicle except items that would be obvious to the customer before the sale, such as torn upholstery, missing hubcaps, etc. The vehicle also must have all safety equipment and emissions controls required by state and federal laws for the vehicle's model year.

A Dealer Also Must:

• have the vehicle inspected before selling it to a retail customer, even if the vehicle is new. The inspection must be done within 30 days of the date of sale and before you take delivery. The dealer may charge you the inspection fee.
• provide service or repairs under the manufacturer's warranty if the dealer is franchised by that manufacturer. Warranty service also may be available from other dealers franchised by the manufacturer.
• indicate, in writing, on the bill of sale whether a vehicle sold to a retail buyer is new, used, reconstructed, rebuilt salvage, or originally not manufactured to U.S. standards (see Title Branding).
• provide the buyer completed odometer and damage disclosure statements:
  
  • For motor vehicles manufactured in or after the 2011 model year that are 20 model years old or newer, the seller must complete the odometer disclosure statement on the back of the title certificate. For vehicles manufactured in or before model year 2010 or a motor vehicle manufactured in or after the 2011 model year that is older than 20 model years, odometer disclosure is not required.
  • The damage disclosure statement on the back of the title certificate must be completed regardless of the vehicle’s age.

  Note: The DMV will not register or grant title to a salvaged vehicle without a completed salvage disclosure statement. In addition, the DMV must examine each vehicle branded or identified by the seller as "Rebuilt Salvage" for stolen parts before the vehicle can be registered or titled.

  • complete and sign an odometer disclosure statement if the vehicle was manufactured in or after the 2011 model year and is 20 model years old or newer. This statement is on the Retail Certificate of Sale (MV-50). The buyer also must acknowledge and sign the odometer statement.
  • indicate on the sales contract when a passenger car had been used primarily as a police car, taxicab, driver education or rental car.
  • abide by the requirements regarding catalytic converter etching kits, effective April 15, 2023. All dealers of new (not used or previous owned) motor vehicles must:
    • Stock catalytic converter etching kits. The etching kits must be capable of etching a traceable serial numbers onto the catalytic converter of a new motor vehicle that can be clearly seen and quickly linked back to the vehicle in the event of theft.
    • Offer you a catalytic converter etching kit if you purchase a new motor vehicle; and
    • Charge you no more than the price paid by the dealer for the etching kit. The dealer may charge you the installation fee.

    If you choose to accept the catalytic converter etching kit, the dealer may record and/or register the catalytic converter's serial number on your behalf or provide you with instructions. In either case, the dealer should provide you with all etching kit documentation intended for the owner.

    If a lien is being recorded or the dealer issued number plates, the dealer MUST handle the registration for you. The dealer may charge you up to $175 for this service, plus the actual fees for the vehicle's Certificate of Title (MV-999), registration, and license plates. As a customer courtesy, a registered dealer may submit your completed Vehicle Registration/Title Application (MV-82) to the DMV. The dealer also may provide a temporary certificate of registration and, if needed, new license plates.

    Buying From a Private Seller

    One advantage of buying a vehicle from a private seller is the possibility of lower cost compared to buying from a dealer. However, there are disadvantages.

    • A private seller does not have to follow important regulations that a dealer must obey. In addition, a private seller rarely offers a warranty. If you have a complaint about the vehicle or purchase, you are on your own to resolve the problem with the seller, or in taking legal action. You cannot file a complaint with the DMV or other consumer assistance agencies if you buy a defective vehicle in a private sale.
    • If you buy a vehicle 8 model years old or newer, the DMV will NOT register or issue you a new title certificate unless the seller has completed, and you have signed, the damage disclosure statement on the reverse of the vehicle's Certificate of Title (MV-999) or have attached a completed damage disclosure on an Odometer and Damage Disclosure Statement (MV-103). This statement indicates whether or not the vehicle's new title certificate should be branded "Rebuilt Salvage" (see Title Branding). An Odometer and Damage Disclosure Statement (pdf) (MV-103) is available at any motor vehicle office.
    • For motor vehicles manufactured in or after the 2011 model year that are 20 model years old or newer, the seller must complete the odometer disclosure statement on the back of the title certificate. For vehicles manufactured in or before model year 2010 or a motor vehicle manufactured in or after the 2011 model year that is older than 20 model years, odometer disclosure is not required.
    • The damage disclosure statement on the back of the title certificate must be completed regardless of the vehicle’s age.

    IMPORTANT: THE DMV MUST EXAMINE EVERY VEHICLE IDENTIFIED AS "REBUILT SALVAGE" FOR STOLEN PARTS BEFORE THE VEHICLE CAN BE REGISTERED OR TITLED.

    Title Branding

    If a vehicle has been rebuilt, originally not manufactured to U.S. standards, or reconstructed, a branding notice must be printed in capital letters on the front of the New York State title certificate. A dealer must inform a customer, in writing, if a branded vehicle is being shown or sold to a retail customer. This may be a notice placed on the dealer's bill of sale or handed to the customer.

    You can also find a printed notice on the front of the title certificate if a vehicle previously had been returned to the manufacturer, its agent, or dealer because it did not conform to warranty. It also will be printed on the title after a final determination of a court finding or settlement under the state's Lemon Law. This notice will read:

    "IMPORTANT: THIS VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE MANUFACTURER OR DEALER BECAUSE IT DID NOT CONFORM TO ITS WARRANTY."

    The brands below may be printed on a New York State Certificate of Title (MV-999) for 1973 and newer vehicles:

    
    Rebuilt Salvage/NY

    A vehicle with this label has been rebuilt after being wrecked, destroyed or damaged in excess of 75 percent of its retail value at the time of loss, or originally had entered New York State under a branded out-of-state title. Previous branding includes Salvage, Rebuilt Salvage, Salvage Restored, Junk, Parts Only, Water Damage, or other description. The Rebuilt Salvage branding will remain on the title for as long as the vehicle exists, no matter how many improvements are made to the vehicle.

    
    Non-USA-STD

    A vehicle with this label was not originally manufactured in compliance with United States emissions or safety standards, or both.

    
    Reconstructed

    A vehicle with this label has been repaired or constructed with a glider kit, but not one manufactured in two or more stages. A glider kit includes all components of a vehicle except the power train. It is generally used to rebuild heavy trucks or tractors that have been extensively damaged. Passenger cars built from custom kits are not considered reconstructed vehicles.