Other Vehicle Registrations in New York

By Javier Marín, Editor·Last reviewed September 2026·How we check this

Beyond ordinary passenger cars, the New York DMV registers trailers, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, recreational vehicles, and a small fleet of historical and vintage cars. Each category has its own form, plate type, and inspection rule — and a few are registered through agencies other than the DMV.

Trailers

Every trailer with a gross weight over 1,000 pounds must be registered in New York, including utility, boat, horse, and travel trailers. Smaller trailers are registered when used on a public road. The application is the same MV-82 used for cars, but the fee schedule is based on weight rather than vehicle type. Travel trailers used as RVs are registered separately under the recreational-vehicle category. Most trailers in New York are exempt from the annual safety inspection if they have a gross weight under 10,000 pounds, but they still need a current registration sticker.

Motorcycles

Motorcycle riders need a Class M license endorsement (taken on top of, or in place of, a Class D license — see the driver license page). Motorcycle registration uses the standard MV-82 with insurance proof, sales-tax form, and the smaller-format motorcycle plate. Fees:

Standard motorcycle: $17.50 for one year.
Title certificate: $50 (one-time).
Plate fee: $25 for new motorcycle plates.

Helmets are mandatory for every rider and passenger in New York under VTL §381(6). Annual safety inspection is required at any licensed motorcycle inspection station, currently capped at $6.

ATVs

All-terrain vehicles are registered with the New York DMV but cannot be operated on public roads except for limited highway crossings. Owners file an MV-82ATV form, pay $12.50, and receive a registration sticker. ATVs do not require a title certificate but must be insured for liability if operated on any property other than the owner's. Riders under 16 must complete an ATV safety course; riders under 14 cannot operate an ATV with an engine larger than 70cc. The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation maintains the list of approved ATV trails.

Snowmobiles

Snowmobiles in New York are registered through the DMV using form MV-82SN. The fee is $45 for one year ($100 for non-residents who buy a season pass). Members of a state-recognized snowmobile club pay the discounted resident rate of $10. A separate trail-permit fee is paid through the New York State Snowmobile Association. Helmets are required, and operators must be at least 14 years old (or 10 with an adult).

Recreational vehicles

Self-propelled motorhomes (Class A, B, C) are registered like passenger vehicles but on a separate weight schedule. Travel trailers and fifth-wheels are registered as trailers. New York's annual inspection applies to all RVs registered in the state, with the same emissions program in the metropolitan and Hudson Valley counties. Out-of-state RV owners staying in New York for less than 90 days do not need to register, but those establishing residence have the standard 30 days.

Historical and vintage plates

New York issues two collector-vehicle plate types:

Historical plate — for vehicles 25 years or older that are used only in parades, exhibitions, or for occasional pleasure driving (not regular transportation).
Vintage plate — for vehicles manufactured between 1903 and 1972 that match the year of an authentic year-of-manufacture plate. Owners can use a real or reproduction plate from the original year as long as the number is registered with the DMV.

Both plate types require an annual inspection and standard liability insurance, but the registration fee is reduced to $28.75 per year. The application is form MV-82H for historical plates and MV-82V for vintage plates.

Mopeds and limited-use vehicles

New York classifies mopeds and limited-use motorcycles into three categories (A, B, C) by maximum speed and engine displacement. Class A and B require a standard driver license; Class C (top speed 20 mph or less) requires only a learner permit. Each class has its own registration plate and a $25 annual fee. Helmets are required for all moped operators under New York law.