The New York Salvage Vehicle Examination application is the form you mail to the DMV to ask the state to inspect your rebuilt salvage car before it can get a title and go back on the road. For years this was Form MV-899 (revision 4/11), and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has since folded it into the combined Salvage Examination/Title Application (MV-83SAL), which now handles the exam request, the title application, and the temporary permit request in one packet. Whether your packet says MV-899 or MV-83SAL, the job is the same: prove you own the vehicle, prove the parts are not stolen, and ask the DMV Division of Field Investigation to take a look.
This exam is not a safety check or an emissions test. It exists under New York’s Auto Theft Prevention Program to make sure your rebuilt vehicle is not stolen and does not contain stolen parts. Roughly 35,000 vehicles are branded salvage in New York in a typical year, and a single wrong box, a missing original document, or a used airbag can bounce your whole application back in the mail and cost you another $150 fee.
Here is what you will learn in this guide:
- 🚗 What the salvage vehicle examination is and exactly who must file it
- 📋 Every document, ID, and receipt to gather before you open the form
- ✍️ A line-by-line walkthrough of each box, with sample entries you can copy
- 🛠️ The airbag, parts-receipt, and “originals only” traps that sink most applications
- 💵 How to mail the form, what to pay, and what happens after you pass
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
The Salvage Vehicle Examination application is your written request asking the DMV to inspect a rebuilt salvage vehicle so the state can issue a clean (but branded) title. The form goes to one place only: the Auto Theft & Salvage Unit of the Division of Field Investigation in Albany. New York law requires this step before any rebuilt salvage vehicle can be titled or registered, and the resulting title carries the permanent brand REBUILT SALVAGE.
You must file this form if your vehicle was issued a New York State Salvage Certificate (MV-907A) and you have since rebuilt it for road use. You also must file if you bought a rebuilt salvage vehicle from most other states and want to title it in New York. The rule reaches passenger cars and most light vehicles that are eight model years old or newer at the time they were declared salvage, so a newer wreck triggers the exam while a very old car often does not.
The agency that receives the form is the DMV’s Division of Field Investigation, not your local county DMV office. The statute behind it is New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law salvage and anti-theft provisions, which empower the DMV to confirm a vehicle’s identity before it returns to the road. The deadline is practical rather than fixed: you cannot legally register or drive the rebuilt vehicle until it passes, so the “penalty” for skipping the exam is simply that you never get a valid title. Filing a false statement on the form is a misdemeanor, which is the sharpest legal edge on the page.
A common misconception is that the salvage exam doubles as a safety or emissions inspection. It does not. You still need a separate New York State safety inspection, and the salvage exam looks only at whether the vehicle and its parts are legitimately yours and legitimately sourced.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Gather every item below before you write a single letter on the form, because the DMV returns incomplete packets unopened in practice and you lose weeks. The official DMV salvage page and the form’s own instructions list each required piece, and missing any one is the top reason applications bounce.
- Original MV-907A Salvage Certificate or original proofs of ownership. This is your core proof you own the wreck; without the original (not a copy), the DMV cannot verify the chain of title and will reject the packet.
- Original MV-82TON, Application for Title. This pairs with the exam request so the title can issue right after you pass; leaving it out means no title even if the car passes.
- Original MV-901, Notice of Recorded Lien (if a lender is involved). This shows who holds a financial interest; skipping it when a lien exists stalls the title in a hold.
- Original MV-50, Retail Certificate of Sale (if you bought from a dealer). This documents the sale price and transfer; missing it can break the ownership trail.
- FS-6T showing sales tax was paid or is exempt. You get this at any DMV office; without proof of tax, the title cannot process and the packet returns.
- Proof of identity. Individuals send a photocopy of a current (or expired less than 2 years) NYS Driver License or Non-Driver ID, or 6 points of ID from form ID-82; weak ID stops the file cold.
- Original parts receipts showing the VIN and stock number of each replacement part. You bring these to the exam itself; receipts without the donor VIN can fail the inspection.
- Vehicle details: full 17-character VIN, year, make, model, color, and odometer reading. A wrong digit anywhere here mismatches DMV records and triggers a delay.
If you plan to drive the vehicle to the exam, add two more items: an original FS-20 or FS-21 New York State Insurance Identification Card and a receipt for a completed New York State safety inspection. These two unlock the optional five-day Temporary Transport Permit, and without them you must tow or flatbed the car instead.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
You can only get this form as a download or pickup; there is no online filing for the salvage exam. The current version lives on the DMV site as the Salvage Examination/Title Application (MV-83SAL), and the older standalone request is the Application for Salvage Vehicle Examination (MV-899), revision date 4/11. Always check the revision date in the bottom corner so you know you are holding the current packet.
Download the PDF, print it single-sided, and fill it out by hand in black ink or type it before printing. The form runs two pages, and both pages must be completed and signed, or the DMV returns it. You can also request the form by phone from the DFI Salvage Unit at 1-518-486-6560, open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
There is no county-by-county version of this form. It is a single statewide form processed in Albany, though you do choose among regional exam sites later on the form. A frequent misconception is that you can walk this into a local DMV office and file it there; you cannot, because the exam request must travel by mail to the Auto Theft & Salvage Unit. Bring patience too, since the mail-only design means the process moves at the speed of the post office plus DMV scheduling.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the Salvage Vehicle Examination Form Line by Line
Work through the form in the order the boxes appear. Use the exact field names printed on the form, write in all capital letters where possible, and keep your entries clean because a smudged VIN or a skipped box is the difference between a scheduled exam and a returned envelope.
Owner Type Checkboxes (Dealer / Individual / Vehicle Rebuilder / Dismantler)
This first row asks what kind of filer you are. Check the one box that matches your role: DEALER, INDIVIDUAL, VEHICLE REBUILDER, or DISMANTLER. Most people rebuilding a car they bought for personal use check INDIVIDUAL.
For example, Maria Lopez, who bought a flood-damaged Honda to fix and drive herself, checks INDIVIDUAL. A licensed shop fixing cars to resell checks VEHICLE REBUILDER instead.
The nuance is that your choice changes which proof-of-business documents you may need; a corporation must later attach a certified Certificate of Incorporation, while an individual just needs personal ID. A common mistake is a hobbyist checking VEHICLE REBUILDER because it sounds official, which then makes the DMV expect a DMV Facility Number you do not have. The misconception here is that the label affects how strict the exam is; it does not change the inspection, only the paperwork the DMV expects from you.
Owner’s Name
This field asks for the legal name of the person or business that owns the vehicle. Write your full legal name exactly as it appears on your driver license or ID, last name and first name spelled in full, and use the corporate name if a business owns the car.
For example, Maria Lopez writes LOPEZ, MARIA in clear capital letters.
The edge case is co-ownership: if two people own the vehicle, list both names as they appear on the proof of ownership so the title can issue in both names. A common mistake is using a nickname or a married name that does not match your ID, which causes the DMV to flag a name mismatch and hold the file. People wrongly believe the name here is just a label; in truth the DMV cross-checks it against your ID and your ownership documents, and any gap stops processing.
Owner’s Address, Apt. #, City, State, ZIP Code
This block asks where you live or where your business is located. Enter your street number and name, apartment number if you have one, then city, two-letter state code, and five-digit ZIP.
For example, Maria Lopez writes 418 GRAND ST, APT 3B, BROOKLYN, NY 11211.
The nuance covers a P.O. Box: if you get mail at a box, the form provides a separate legal-address line, so put your physical residence in the address line and the box in the alternate or legal-address area. A common mistake is entering an old address, which sends your exam appointment letter to the wrong place and you miss the date. Many filers think the address only matters for mail; it also ties to your identity check, so a mismatch with your ID can slow the whole review.
Home and Business Telephone Numbers, E-mail Address
These fields ask how the DMV can reach you with questions or scheduling issues. Write a working phone number with area code in the boxes and a current email address you check often.
For example, Maria Lopez writes (718) 555-0142 and mlopez.fix@email.com.
The edge case is no landline, which is fine; a cell number works in the home telephone box. A common mistake is leaving these blank, which means if the DMV has a quick question it must mail you instead, adding weeks of delay. Some people think the email is optional clutter; in reality it can be the fastest way the unit reaches you about a scheduling problem.
Alternate Address (Optional)
This section asks where to send the examination notice if it should go somewhere other than your home. Complete the name, address, and phone only if you want the appointment letter mailed elsewhere, such as to a shop handling the rebuild.
For example, Maria Lopez leaves it blank because she wants the letter at home, while a rebuilder might list the garage address here.
The nuance is that the alternate address only redirects the notice; it does not change the title’s mailing address. A common mistake is filling this in with the same address as your home, which adds confusion and can split your file. The misconception is that an alternate address hides your identity; it does not, because your legal owner information still drives the title.
Appointment Sites (First, Second, Third Choice)
This field asks where you want the exam to happen. Rank up to three of the listed locations using 1, 2, 3, choosing from sites such as Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Binghamton, Albany, Elmsford, Queens Village, and West Babylon, among others.
For example, Maria Lopez in Brooklyn writes 1 next to Queens Village, which serves New York, Queens, Kings, and Richmond counties.
The nuance is that some sites, marked with an asterisk like Horseheads or Canton, offer only occasional service, so picking one as your first choice can mean a long wait. A common mistake is listing only one far-off site, which limits scheduling and stretches your timeline. People wrongly assume they get the closest site automatically; you must rank them yourself, and the regional service zones matter for downstate filers.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
This field asks for the unique 17-character code that identifies your exact vehicle. Copy the VIN exactly from your title or salvage certificate, character by character, with no dashes or spaces.
For example, Maria Lopez writes 1HGCM82633A004352.
The edge case is a damaged or missing VIN plate; if the plate is altered or gone, you must check the matching box on page 2 and expect extra scrutiny at the exam. A common mistake is confusing the letter O with the number 0 or I with 1, which mismatches DMV records and can void the appointment. Many filers think a small VIN typo is harmless; in reality the entire exam hinges on the DMV confirming this number on the car, so one wrong digit can fail the file.
Year, Make, Model, Color
This field asks for the basic description of the vehicle. Enter the model year, the manufacturer, the model name, and the body color in plain words.
For example, Maria Lopez writes 2003, HONDA, ACCORD, SILVER.
The nuance is a repaint: if you changed the color during the rebuild, list the current color, not the original, so the investigator sees what they are looking at. A common mistake is guessing the year, which must match the VIN-decoded year or the file flags a discrepancy. Some people think color is trivial; it helps the investigator match the physical car to the paperwork on exam day.
Vehicle Body Type Checkboxes
This row asks for the shape and class of the vehicle. Check all boxes that apply, such as 2 Door, 4 Door, Hatchback, Pickup, Passenger, Motorcycle, Trailer, or Other.
For example, Maria Lopez checks 4 Door and Passenger for her Accord.
The edge case is an unusual body, like a stretch limousine or a converted vehicle; use the Other line to describe it plainly. A common mistake is checking nothing, which leaves the record incomplete and can delay scheduling. The misconception is that body type is just statistics; it tells the DMV what site equipment and inspector time your exam needs.
Odometer Disclosure Statement
This field asks you to certify the mileage at the time of transfer, as federal and state law require. Write the odometer reading in whole miles with no tenths, then check a box only if the reading “EXCEEDS MECHANICAL LIMITS” or is “NOT THE ACTUAL MILEAGE.”
For example, Maria Lopez writes 148,206 miles and leaves both warning boxes unchecked because the reading is true.
The edge case is a replaced cluster: if you installed a different dashboard during the rebuild, the mileage may not reflect actual miles, so you must check the “NOT THE ACTUAL MILEAGE” box. A common mistake is adding tenths or guessing, which is a false odometer statement and can carry fines or worse. People wrongly think mileage does not matter on a salvage car; a false statement here is a federal and state offense, so accuracy protects you.
Major Component Part or Parts Replaced
This section asks which big parts you swapped during the rebuild. Check every box that applies, including Engine, Transmission, Driver Air Bag, Passenger Air Bag, Other Air Bags, Nose (Complete), Body, Rear Clip, Cowls, Front Cut Off, and Frame (Repair or Replacement).
For example, Maria Lopez checks Driver Air Bag, Passenger Air Bag, and Body because her flood car needed those.
The nuance is airbags: you must install a new, vehicle- and model-specific inflatable restraint system, never a used one pulled from another car, or the exam fails. A common mistake is under-reporting replaced parts to seem less damaged, which backfires when the investigator finds parts you did not list and questions the whole file. The misconception is that checking many boxes hurts you; honesty here actually speeds the exam, while hidden swaps look like theft.
Type of Salvage
This field asks how the vehicle became salvage. Check all that apply among Recovered Stolen With No Damage, Recovered Stolen (indicate damage), Collision Loss (indicate damage), Flood Damage (indicate damage), and Other, then briefly describe the damage on the line.
For example, Maria Lopez checks Flood Damage and writes interior and electrical from storm flooding.
The edge case is a mixed history, such as a stolen-and-then-wrecked car; check both relevant boxes and describe each. A common mistake is vague descriptions like “damage,” which prompt follow-up questions and delay. People wrongly believe flood cars get a pass; flood vehicles draw extra electrical and airbag scrutiny, so describe repairs clearly.
Certification, Print Name, Signature, Date, and DMV Facility Number
This final block asks you to swear the form is true and sign it. Print your name, sign in full, write the date, and add a DMV Facility Number only if you are a licensed facility.
For example, Maria Lopez prints MARIA LOPEZ, signs in cursive, and dates it 06/02/2026, leaving the Facility Number blank.
The nuance is that both pages must be signed and complete; an unsigned page two voids the packet. A common mistake is forgetting to sign page two, which is the single most common reason a file returns. The misconception is that the certification is a formality; it states that any false statement is a misdemeanor, so your signature carries real legal weight.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Below are three common filers walked through the form from start to finish. Each shows what that person enters in the key sections.
Scenario 1: Maria Lopez, a DIY owner titling a flood-salvage Honda with a New York MV-907A
| Form Section | What Maria Enters |
|---|---|
| Owner Type | INDIVIDUAL |
| Owner’s Name | LOPEZ, MARIA |
| Owner’s Address | 418 GRAND ST, APT 3B, BROOKLYN, NY 11211 |
| Appointment Site (1st) | Queens Village |
| VIN | 1HGCM82633A004352 |
| Year/Make/Model/Color | 2003 HONDA ACCORD SILVER |
| Odometer | 148,206 miles, no warning box |
| Parts Replaced | Driver Air Bag, Passenger Air Bag, Body |
| Type of Salvage | Flood Damage – interior and electrical |
| Payment Enclosed | $200 (has MV-907A) |
Scenario 2: David Chen, an out-of-state buyer titling a collision-salvage truck bought in Pennsylvania
| Form Section | What David Enters |
|---|---|
| Owner Type | INDIVIDUAL |
| Owner’s Name | CHEN, DAVID |
| Owner’s Address | 27 ELM ROAD, ALBANY, NY 12203 |
| Appointment Site (1st) | Albany |
| VIN | 1FTFW1ET5DFA12345 |
| Year/Make/Model/Color | 2013 FORD F-150 BLACK |
| Odometer | 96,540 miles |
| Parts Replaced | Nose (Complete), Driver Air Bag |
| Type of Salvage | Collision Loss – front-end impact |
| Payment Enclosed | $205 (no NY MV-907A) |
Scenario 3: Anthony Russo, a licensed vehicle rebuilder needing a five-day Temporary Transport Permit
| Form Section | What Anthony Enters |
|---|---|
| Owner Type | VEHICLE REBUILDER |
| Owner’s Name | RUSSO AUTO REBUILD LLC |
| Owner’s Address | 900 INDUSTRIAL PKWY, BUFFALO, NY 14210 |
| Appointment Site (1st) | Buffalo |
| VIN | 5YJ3E1EA7JF000123 |
| Parts Replaced | Body, Other Air Bags, Frame (Repair) |
| Type of Salvage | Collision Loss – side impact |
| Transport Permit Items | FS-20 insurance card + safety inspection receipt |
| DMV Facility Number | 7001234 |
| Payment Enclosed | $200 (has MV-907A) |
How to File the Completed Form
There is exactly one filing channel for the salvage vehicle examination: mail. The DMV does not accept this application online, by fax, or in person at a local office, so plan to use the post office.
- Mailing address. Send the full packet to Auto Theft & Salvage, DFI, New York State DMV, P.O. Box 2105, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12220-0105, exactly as printed on the form.
- Fee. Enclose a check or money order for $200 if your proof of ownership is a New York State Salvage Certificate (MV-907A), or $205 if it is any other proof of ownership; the older MV-899 listed this as $150 for the exam plus $50 for the title, with an extra $5 when the proof is not an MV-907A.
- Payment method. Make the check or money order payable to Commissioner of Motor Vehicles; the DMV accepts no third-party checks and no starter checks, and the fee is non-refundable.
- Write on the check. Print the vehicle year, make, full VIN, and your Facility Number (if any) on the check or money order so the DMV can match the payment to your file.
- Processing time. After you pass, the DMV mails your title certificate in about 3 to 5 weeks, depending on volume.
- Proof of filing. Keep a full photocopy of both completed pages, copies of every enclosed document, and your check number or money-order stub so you can prove what you sent.
You can confirm whether your title has been issued through the DMV’s online title status tool once enough time has passed. If your packet is missing forms, fees, or signatures, the DMV returns the whole thing along with your check, so double-check before sealing the envelope.
What Happens After You File
After the DMV receives a complete packet, the Division of Field Investigation mails you a letter with the date, time, location, and directions for your examination appointment. If you asked for a Temporary Transport Permit, that same letter is endorsed with the permit, which you tape to the lower left of your rear window (or carry, for a motorcycle or trailer).
On exam day you arrive on time, because showing up more than 30 minutes late cancels the exam and costs another $150 fee. You open all the doors, the hood, and the trunk, describe the repairs and replaced parts, and hand over the original parts receipts that show each part’s VIN and stock number. The exam itself takes about 30 minutes, and it checks identity and parts, not safety or emissions.
If the vehicle passes, the DMV mails your REBUILT SALVAGE title certificate in roughly 3 to 5 weeks. By law the title must come by mail, so no one can hand it to you on the spot. Once the title arrives, you still must apply for a registration before you drive the car, because passing the exam alone does not put the vehicle legally on the road.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Sending copies instead of originals. The DMV needs original ownership and title documents, and copies cause an automatic return.
- Forgetting to sign page two. An unsigned second page voids the packet and sends it back unprocessed.
- Using a used airbag. Installing a salvaged inflatable restraint instead of a new one fails the exam outright.
- Parts receipts without the VIN. Receipts that omit the donor VIN and stock number can fail the inspection at the facility.
- Wrong or smudged VIN. A single mistyped VIN character mismatches DMV records and can void your appointment.
- Skipping the FS-6T sales-tax proof. Without proof tax was paid, the title cannot process and the packet returns.
- Underpaying the fee. Sending $200 when you owe $205 (no MV-907A) bounces the application.
- Using a starter or third-party check. The DMV rejects both, and your packet comes back unfiled.
- Listing an outdated address. Your appointment letter goes to the wrong place and you miss the exam.
- Under-reporting replaced parts. Hidden swaps discovered at the exam look like theft and stall the file.
- Arriving more than 30 minutes late. The exam is canceled and you owe another $150.
- Driving the car to the exam without a permit. Illegal plates can earn you a ticket and a vehicle hold.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Do send originals of your ownership and title documents, because the DMV verifies authenticity and rejects copies.
- Do install new airbags that are vehicle- and model-specific, because used restraints fail the exam.
- Do keep all parts receipts showing VIN and stock numbers, because you must produce them at the exam.
- Do photocopy your entire packet before mailing, because it is your only proof of what you sent.
- Do rank three exam sites, because limiting your choices stretches your wait time.
- Do write the VIN on your check, because it lets the DMV match payment to your file fast.
Don’ts
- Don’t sign just one page, because both pages must be signed or the file returns.
- Don’t guess the odometer, because a false reading is a state and federal offense.
- Don’t use a P.O. Box as your physical residence line, because identity checks need a real address.
- Don’t mail cash, because the DMV accepts only checks or money orders payable to the Commissioner.
- Don’t drive the car to the exam without a Temporary Transport Permit, because illegal plates risk a ticket and hold.
- Don’t hide damage, because the investigator inspects the car and unlisted repairs raise theft questions.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Many owners file the salvage exam application themselves, while others hire a service or a rebuilder to handle it. The trade-offs below help you choose.
Pros of filing on your own
- Lower cost, because you avoid service fees on top of the $200 to $205 DMV fee.
- Full control, because you confirm every box and document yourself.
- Direct knowledge, because you learn the process for any future salvage projects.
- No middleman delays, because you mail the packet the moment it is ready.
- Privacy, because your personal documents stay in your hands.
Cons of filing on your own
- Easy to miss a step, because one wrong box or missing original triggers a return.
- Time cost, because gathering FS-6T, originals, and receipts takes effort.
- No expert eye, because a pro spots airbag or receipt traps you might miss.
- Scheduling stress, because you manage the appointment and permit alone.
- Repeat fees, because a rejected packet or missed exam costs another $150.
FAQs
Do I have to mail the form, or can I file it online?
No. New York accepts the salvage vehicle examination application only by mail to the Auto Theft & Salvage Unit in Albany; there is no online, fax, or in-person filing option for this exam.
Do I send original documents or copies?
Yes, you send originals of your proof of ownership, MV-82TON, and any lien notice; the DMV returns most originals after processing but rejects packets that include only copies.
Do I write my full legal name in the Owner’s Name box, or a nickname?
Yes, write your full legal name exactly as it appears on your driver license or ID, because the DMV cross-checks the name against your ID and ownership documents.
Do I check the “Vehicle Rebuilder” box if I am fixing my own car?
No. A private owner fixing one personal car checks INDIVIDUAL; the VEHICLE REBUILDER box is for licensed facilities and implies a DMV Facility Number.
Do I have to install brand-new airbags?
Yes. You must install a new, vehicle- and model-specific inflatable restraint system; used airbags pulled from another vehicle will cause your exam to fail.
Do parts receipts need to show the VIN?
Yes. Receipts for replaced major parts must show the stock number and the VIN of the part, and you present these originals at the exam itself.
Do I write tenths of a mile in the odometer box?
No. Enter the odometer reading in whole miles with no tenths, and check a warning box only if the reading is not the actual mileage or exceeds mechanical limits.
Do I owe $200 or $205?
Yes, the amount depends on your proof of ownership: pay $200 if you have a New York MV-907A Salvage Certificate, or $205 if your proof is anything else.
Do I get to pick my exam location?
Yes. You rank a first, second, and third choice from the listed sites, but some asterisked locations offer only occasional service and may mean a longer wait.
Do I need a permit to drive the car to the exam?
Yes, unless you tow or flatbed it; the five-day Temporary Transport Permit requires an original NYS insurance card and a safety inspection receipt with your application.
Do I get my title at the exam if I pass?
No. By law the DMV mails the REBUILT SALVAGE title in about 3 to 5 weeks after you pass, and you must then register the vehicle before driving it.
Do I lose my fee if I miss the appointment?
Yes. If you skip a scheduled exam or arrive more than 30 minutes late, you forfeit the fee and must reapply with a new $150 examination fee.
Do older cars need this exam?
No, not usually; the salvage rules generally apply to vehicles that were eight model years old or newer when declared salvage, so very old vehicles often fall outside the requirement.
Do I have to sign both pages of the form?
Yes. Both pages must be completed and signed; an unsigned page two is the most common reason the DMV returns a salvage examination packet.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out New York Form NY DMV MV-349 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out New York Form NY DMV MV-7 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out New York Form NY DMV MV-82 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the Pennsylvania Reconstructed Title Application + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the Arizona MVD Restored Salvage Inspection (Form 96-0236) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the Colorado DMV Salvage Title Application (Forms DR 2424 & DR 2710) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Delaware DMV Application for Duplicate Title (Form MV213) + FAQs