Vehicle registration requirements - New York

License plate display

When two license plates are issued, one must be displayed on the front of the vehicle and the other must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle.

When only one license plate issued, it must only be displayed on the rear of the vehicle unless otherwise exempt. Trailers are issued one plate to display on the rear; however, tractors are issued one plate to display on the front of the vehicle.

International Registration Plan

New York is a member of the International Registration Plan (IRP). The IRP is a base state system for vehicle registration fees allowing a carrier to apply for vehicle registration and pay fees to a single jurisdiction.

Motor vehicles that qualify for apportionment consist of the following:

• A power unit having two axles and a gross vehicle weight (GVW) or registered weight in excess of 26,000 pounds;
• A power unit having three or more axles, regardless of weight; or
• A unit used in combination when the weight of such combination exceeds a GVW or 26,000 pounds.

Temporary permit: A temporary evidence of apportion registration (TEAR) is a 30-day permit issued to carriers with an established, paid IRP account which is in good standing for the current registration year. A TEAR allows established carriers to change their current IRP fleet, which includes — but isn't limited to — adding vehicles, transferring a plate, increasing registered weight, and replacing a lost or stolen cab card.

A temporary authority (TA) is an additional temporary permit which is valid for a maximum of 30 days that allows you to operate a vehicle in your fleet while your registration is being processed. To apply for a TA, you must have a valid, paid IRP account with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles for the current registration year.

Hunter's or unladen weight permit: A hunter's permit is issued to an owner-operator (lessor) who terminates a lease and has to surrender the apportioned license plate and cab card to the carrier (lessee). The permit enables a vehicle or combination of vehicles to use the highways in all jurisdictions for the purpose of finding a new job. The permit is only valid for vehicles operating at an unladen weight and is nontransferable. The permit is valid for 30 days for a fee of $12.50.

Agency: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, International Registration Bureau.

Fees: Registration fees for tractors, household goods tractors, trucks, and household goods trucks are based on maximum gross weight. Fees for buses are determined by the seating capacity.

Other

One stop credentialing and registration (OSCAR)

OSCAR allows motor carriers to do business online. Some benefits of OSCAR include the following:

• OSCAR will save time and money by allowing you to use your home or office personal computer to obtain credentials;
• You'll no longer have to fill out multiple forms, visit multiple state offices, or wait for the mail; and
• OSCAR is a free, secure service that does not require the installation of new software on your computer.

Multiple credentials are also available via OSCAR, including highway use tax, International Fuel Tax Agreement, International Registration Plan, and oversize/overweight permits.