Moving to New York? There are several things you need to know before crossing state lines with certain items. Many items that are perfectly legal to own in New York are regulated with strict laws when they’re transported across state lines — or moved in a vehicle at all. Plants, open containers of alcohol, firearms, and even pets come with extra regulations when bringing them into the state.
In 2024, an estimated 3.34% of all moves in the U.S. occurred in New York, so knowing these rules ahead of time helps you set up for a smoother moving experience. And keep in mind: even if you’re just passing through New York by car rather than moving there, you still have to follow the laws.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of items that require special consideration due to local or state laws. Whether you’re wondering about that beloved houseplant, your pet iguana, or how to bring your alcohol or marijuana along for the drive, we’ve got some answers.
Open Containers
In New York, any container of alcohol that has been opened at any point — even if you reseal it — is considered an open container. If the alcohol comes in a container meant to be closed, like a bottle with reattachable lids, it’s still an open container once you break the seal. That’s important to note because New York has strict laws regarding the possession of alcoholic beverages in vehicles on public roads.
In New York, it’s illegal to have open containers anywhere within reach of the driver’s seat. It doesn’t matter whether you’re pulled over, parked in a lot, or actively driving. Doing so can result in legal action, including jail time for a first-time offense. If you’re transporting open containers in New York, keep them in your car’s trunk. If you don’t have a trunk, they must be stored behind the seat, as far from the driver as possible.
“In 2015, the state enacted a sweeping ban on numerous plant species because they’ve proven to outcompete local vegetation. Many common garden plants, such as honeysuckle and bamboo, grow so vigorously that they crowd out native species…”
That doesn’t mean you have to abandon all the liquor in your home bar while moving to New York, though. You just have to ensure you’re transporting the alcohol legally. Movers typically won’t transport alcohol, so your collection should go with you in your personal vehicle.
Empty containers can pose just as much of an issue as an open one. That’s often enough for police officers to start up a DWI investigation, even if you’re sober. If you have a sentimental attachment to an empty container, consider making alternative arrangements and have someone ship it to your new home once you’re settled.
Pets
Proper vet care before moving to New York isn’t just good ownership — it’s the law. If you’re bringing a pet with you to New York, schedule a check-up with your vet the month prior. All cats and dogs brought into New York must have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) before entry. The CVI shows that your animal has been vaccinated for rabies (if it’s over 3 months of age). It also proves that your animal doesn’t have any evidence of infectious or communicable disease and hasn’t been exposed to any recently.
There are a few exceptions to this rule. If you’ll be in New York with your animal for less than 30 days or for an exhibition, you don’t need the CVI. Likewise, if you lived in New York with your pet within the past year, you won’t need one to return if the most recent New York license and rabies shots are still valid.
You should also plan on licensing your dog immediately upon moving. All dogs over the age of 4 months must have a proper dog license in the state. This assigns a municipal identification number and tag to your pet, which must be worn on a collar tag.
Which Animals Can I Bring to New York?
If you have exotic or caged pets, you still have to follow state laws, and certain animals that are legal in your home state may be prohibited in New York. Commonly permitted pets include (but aren’t limited to):
- Standard domesticated animals (dogs and cats)
- Some fish
- Horses
- Small animals and rodents (rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, rats, and chinchillas)
- Small birds (parakeets, parrots, pigeons, hens, canaries, etc.)
- Non-venomous turtles
- Some reptiles
- Honeybees
Keep in mind that New York and New York City have different rules surrounding acceptable pets. While you can usually bring your honeybees or hedgehogs to New York State, New York City prohibits them. Most of the city’s banned list includes wild, dangerous, or impractical animals, including large cats, bears, wolves, and coyotes. You also can’t tame a squirrel or raccoon and claim it as a pet.
Common household pets that can’t move to New York include:
- Ferrets
- Iguanas
- Pythons
- Tarantulas
- Roosters
- Farm animals (including pigs, goats, and sheep)
- Hedgehogs
- Honeybees
- Turtles less than four inches in length
The list of animals not permitted as pets in New York City is long, and most won’t apply to your move. Check out a more comprehensive list on the NYC Illegal Animal page, which includes some interesting species like lions, gorillas, vipers, and whales.
Unpermitted Guns
New York has the strictest gun laws in the U.S. Even if you’re a lawful firearm owner in your current state, moving to (or traveling through) New York requires some careful planning.
It’s unlawful to carry, possess, or transport a handgun in New York without a valid license. That includes:
- Pistols
- Revolvers
- Shotguns with barrels shorter than 18 inches
- Rifles with barrels shorter than 16 inches
- Assault weapons (defined as semi-automatic pistols or rifles)
Rifles and shotguns currently fall under a separate classification with fewer regulations.
Once you move with firearms, you have to go through the local law enforcement agency or the county clerk’s office to obtain one. This process includes passing a background check and completing a firearms safety course. You must also register your firearm within 60 days of moving to New York, which can be done at a local police station. Just keep in mind that, unlike many other states, New York doesn’t allow 18 to 20-year-olds to legally own a firearm. You must be at least 21 years old to get your license.
However, this doesn’t apply in New York City, where carrying handguns or assault weapons without proper city permits is strictly prohibited. There’s no grace period. Even if you’re just passing through with a gun in your possession, you’re technically breaking the law. Unlawful possession of a firearm in New York City is a Class E felony, which could lead to prison time and a $5,000 fine.
In other words, if you’re moving to New York City, it’s best to complete the application process before bringing your guns with you. If you have to travel through the state for your move and you’re bringing firearms with you, avoid New York City altogether.
Prohibited Plants
In New York, the main reason for banning and restricting various plant species is their invasive nature. In 2015, the state enacted a sweeping ban on numerous plant species because they’ve proven to outcompete local vegetation. Many common garden plants, such as honeysuckle and bamboo, grow so vigorously that they crowd out native species and spread far beyond homeowners’ properties. To combat this, the state issued a flat ban on them.
So before loading your potted or aquatic plants, take the time to research local regulations. While you likely won’t have a problem with most common indoor plant species, it’s still good to check beforehand to avoid surprises. Check out the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s list of regulated and prohibited plant species to confirm which plants you can and can’t bring with you.
The state outright bans possession of prohibited species. You can’t sell, import, buy, transport, propagate, or introduce these species within state lines. A few common species include (but aren’t limited to):
- Amur honeysuckle
- Canada thistle
- Border privet
- Chinese yam
- Fly honeysuckle
- Golden bamboo
- Japanese angelica tree
- Japanese barberry
- Japanese honeysuckle
- Sycamore maple
- Yellow grove bamboo
Some invasive plant species fall into the regulated categories. While you can bring them with you, you can’t introduce them into the wild, so think twice before planting them in your yard. These include:
- Black locust
- Burning bush
- Chinese silver grass
- Japanese virgin’s bower
- Norway maple
- Winter creeper
If you arrive at your New York home only to find one of these species growing in your yard, don’t panic. Many of these species have been banned because they’ve grown rapidly in the area. They may have started growing there long before the 2015 ban took place and are exempt.
Marijuana
Marijuana may be decriminalized in New York State, but you still have to follow certain regulations. First, you must be at least 21 years old to possess or transport marijuana in the state. An adult can grow and possess up to three mature and three immature cannabis plants at home at any given time. However, your home can’t have more than six total plants, even if multiple adults live together. You also can’t legally sell marijuana in New York without special licensing.
“All cats and dogs brought into New York must have aCertificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) before entry. The CVI shows that your animal has been vaccinated for rabies (if it’s over 3 months of age).”
In public, you can only have up to three ounces of cannabis or 24 grams of marijuana concentrates on your person. That can make it a bit trickier if you intend to move plants within the state. Keep in mind that movers won’t usually help you with marijuana, whether you’re moving within the state or crossing state boundaries.
But all of these considerations might be moot if you’re moving in from another state. Even if you’re moving across the country to a state where it’s legal, you can’t transport your marijuana. It’s federally illegal to cross state lines with marijuana, even when crossing borders between states that have legalized it. Crossing state lines with marijuana can trigger federal drug trafficking charges that come with penalties of up to $250,000 and a minimum of 5 years in prison. If you’re moving to a new state, leave the marijuana behind. You can replace it after you settle in.
If you’re planning to relocate with marijuana within state boundaries, check out our guide on how to transport marijuana during your move.
Other Legal Things to Check If You’re Moving to New York
Before you move to New York, you need a plan to handle all your legal paperwork. That includes residency, insurance, and taxes. It also extends to common practices, like many buildings in New York City requiring certificates of insurance (COIs) for your movers to help.
In New York, you’re considered a resident after 90 days, which means the clock starts ticking as soon as you arrive.
New York Driver’s License and Car Registration
You have 30 days from becoming a resident in New York to update your driver’s license. As long as your out-of-state license meets the requirements, it should transfer smoothly.
According to the New York DMV, your out-of-state license must:
- Have your photograph
- Be valid or less than 24 months expired
- Have been issued at least 6 months before applying for a New York license
Some states don’t include an issue date on their licenses, which can complicate things. You’ll need a certified driver’s license record or a letter from the issuing state that confirms when your license was issued.
If you can’t get that letter, you have to start the process all over as if you’re getting your first one. That means retaking and passing the knowledge and road tests.
Registering your car in New York follows the same process as registering and titling a new car. Again, you have 30 days to register your vehicle after becoming a resident.
Submit a completed Vehicle Registration/Title Application, along with an original copy of proof of ownership. You also must provide proof of valid New York auto liability insurance and proof of your identity and age. Expect to pay taxes, including potential sales tax (or proof you’ve already paid it in your original state) and county use tax.
After your application is processed, you get updated registration documents and vehicle plates.
Voting and Taxes
If you plan on voting anytime soon, you need to update your registration. To qualify for voter registration in New York, you have to be a resident for at least 30 days and meet the same standards as you would in other states. Registered voters can’t be in prison for a felony, deemed mentally incompetent by a court, or claim the right to vote anywhere else.
You can register online as long as you have a valid New York state driver’s license, permit, or ID card and your ZIP code is currently on record with the DMV. You also need to verify your Social Security number (SSN).
Once you become a resident of New York, you start paying state taxes. While a handful of states don’t impose income taxes, New York does.
If you live in New York City or Yonkers, you have to file city income taxes as well, so keep that in mind. If you’re unsure about how you’ll be taxed, seek guidance from a local tax professional. They know the laws and can help you avoid getting hit with financial penalties later.