i need to transfer ownership of a car from my mom to me. is there a gap when we won't be able to use the car?

Question

i live in new york in the usa. my mom is giving me her car as a gift, but we use the car constantly. i can't find any details on the NYS DMV website but it seems that we have to surrender my mom's plates and registration as soon as we submit the transfer paperwork. how long will it be until we get the plates under my name? will there be a gap period when we won't be able to use the car because it won't have plates? is there any way to prevent this?

Answer 1

Single title transfer should not require new plates. Basically you're buying the car from her for cost of 1 penny (symbolic).

If you have a local AAA office and they offer DMV service ask them, easier than asking the DMV, provided that you're AAA member.

Answer 2

You do have to surrender the plates, you can only transfer them if they were on your name to begin with. If you live with your mom, dont bother transferring the cars ownership, since you can be covered under her insurance. But generally the plates cost ~$40, and you may get a lot of **** about it, but you won't have to pay taxes on the car itself, since it's a gift, but you will have to pay to get it registered.

There should be no gap, just gotta take a trip to the DMV to transfer ownership, get plates and make a phone call to the insurance company.

Answer 3

If your mom is giving you the car as a gift. Have your mom sign over the vehicle over to you in your name at the license branch so they see her do that. (thats tricky itself). I'll explain. They want both parties present to show ownership of the vehicle and you taking over the car. Make sure you have insurance in your name and have proof of it with you. When your mom signs the title of registration over to you. You should pay for the transfer fee and get a new title and registration and be able to drive away in the car the same day your at the BMV. At least I think you can. Depending on the state I believe. If you have proof of Insurance; all they have to do is mail you the original title to you at a later date.