By Mummy Grace 
In 2024, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) played a significant role in helping consumers recover stolen vehicles, stolen parts, services, and lost titles, totaling more than $11 million in recoveries. Among the key recoveries, the DMV helped retrieve 303 stolen vehicles valued at $8.35 million at the time of their theft. Additionally, $91,979 worth of stolen parts were recovered.
The DMV also assisted consumers in reclaiming vehicle titles, services, and refunds amounting to over $3 million, particularly addressing complaints against dishonest auto dealers and repair shops. This included cases where vehicles were sold without disclosing significant defects, where consumers were charged for uncompleted repairs, or where repairs were done unnecessarily. As a result, 474 consumers received refunds or repairs valued at $1.48 million.
In addition to these efforts, the DMV helped 67 car buyers recover vehicle titles, worth more than $1.56 million, for cars purchased from dealerships that either closed suddenly or withheld titles. A certificate of title is essential for proving legal ownership of a vehicle and is required to transfer ownership, remove liens, or take out loans on the vehicle.
The DMV also encouraged consumers to ensure they are dealing with registered repair shops, which display green and white “Registered State of New York Motor Vehicle Repair Shop” signs and possess a valid DMV registration certificate.
The DMV’s efforts come amid a broader trend of decreasing vehicle theft rates. According to the Council on Criminal Justice, nationwide vehicle thefts in 2024 were down by 24% compared to 2023. In New York City, the car theft rate dropped by 12% since 2019, while Rochester saw a 47% decrease. However, Syracuse experienced a 13% increase in thefts during the same period.
Lastly, in light of the growing risks of car sales scams on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, the DMV reminded consumers to exercise caution when buying vehicles online, particularly with respect to title transfers.
DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder emphasized the department’s dedication to assisting consumers in these matters, ensuring they receive necessary support, whether recovering stolen vehicles or addressing issues with repairs or dealership fraud.