Although this rule doesn’t apply to every state, some will require that you return your license plates back to the DMV under certain conditions, like when you’re trying to cancel your car’s insurance, are no longer using the car in question, or if you’re relocating to a different state altogether. If you’re reading this from New York, then good (or bad?) news; you’ll be returning your license plates back to the NY state DMV when it’s time, too.
Specifically, by New York law, it’s a legal requirement to return your license plates back to the NY DMV when you cancel your car’s insurance policy, or if you’re no longer using your car. Be warned though, if you don’t do this in time, you’re at risk of being fined, or worse, getting your car’s registration suspended. To be specific, you’ll have to return your plates back to the NY DMV if you’re trying to:
- Cancel your car’s current insurance policy.
- Sell your car, unless you’re transferring those plates to a new vehicle.
- Make it known that your car is no longer in use, or if it’s been taken off the road.
- Moving out of New York, and want to register your vehicle in another state.
Now, when you’re ready to return your license plates back to the NY DMV, there are two ways to do this: 1) returning your plates in person, or 2) returning your plates by mail.
1) Returning Your Plates In-Person
If you want to return your license plates to the NY DMV in person, you’ll have to visit any of the many New York DMV offices throughout the state. So, make sure that you check out the New York DMV’s official website to locate the nearest DMV office to where you are, as well as how you can contact them, as well as what their opening and closing hours are.
There are a few things you need to prepare before you visit the DMV:
- Obviously, make sure you bring both your car’s front and rear license plates.
- You’ll also have to bring along some form of ID, though the easiest is just using your driver’s license.
- Finally, you’ll have to fill out the Plate Surrender Application (Form PD-7), which you can find and download online on the NY DMV’s official website. You might as well do this before you visit the DMV to help you save some time.
Once you’re at the DMV and have completed returning your plates to the NY DMV staff, one great lifesaver I’ve found is requesting (and keeping) a receipt after surrendering your plates. This serves as proof that you’ve surrendered your license plates to the DMV, just in case you need to show someone, or if you need it as a reference in the future.
2) Returning Your Plates By Mail
Another alternative, if you can’t make it to the DMV in person, is to return your plates by mail. First off, you’ll have to package and mail your license plates to the following mailing address:
NYS DMV
6 Empire State Plaza
Room B240
Albany, NY 12228
Attn: Plate Surrender
There are a few things you’ll have to consider while you’re doing this, so pay close attention:
- First off, make sure you’ve filled out and included the Plate Surrender Application (Form PD-7) that I referenced earlier – again, you can find and download this form online through the NY DMV’s website – when you’re returning and mailing your license plates to the NY DMV.
- Just in case and to be 100% safe, I’d also highly suggest using a mailing option or courier that provides some form of tracking. This isn’t necessary, but for peace of mind, it does offer you the option to track your delivery and ensure that it’s been delivered to the DMV safely.
- When you’re prepping all that paperwork, it’s not a bad idea to make a copy of the completed Form PD-7 and all your mailing receipts. In case there are any issues or complications with mailing your plates to the DMV, you can use these copies as proof that you’ve done it.
3) Steps For Returning Your License Plates
Regardless of whether you opt to return your license plates to the NY DMV in person or by mail, there are a few other things you’ll have to consider:
- When you gather your license plates to surrender to the DMV, you’ll need to provide your front license plates. Depending on the situation, you may also have to return your rear plates, too. In addition, make sure that your plates are in good condition, and that you’ve removed any license plate frames or accessories before returning them to the NY DMV.
- Once you’ve returned the license plates back to the NY DMV, if it was done for car insurance purposes, I’d advise that you call up and notify your car’s insurance provider. For example, if you’re returning your plates to the NY DMV because you’ve canceled your car’s insurance, you’ll have to let the insurance company know.
- Here’s a tip I’ve learned recently: consider contacting the DMV for more details about refunds when you’re surrendering your license plates. You might be eligible for a partial refund of your registration fee if you surrendered your license plates to the NY DMV before the registration’s expiration date.
Oh, and while you’re at the DMV, be sure to double-check that your DMV records have been updated to show that you’ve returned your license plates to the NY DMV.
4) FAQs About Returning Your Plates To The DMV
Most of the time, returning your license plates back to the NY DMV should be a pretty normal and straightforward affair, but if you’re encountering any issues, these FAQs might be of help:
A. What should I do if my plates are damaged?
If your license plates are badly damaged, you’ll still have to surrender your plates back to the NY DMV, but you’ll also have to request replacements. There are additional forms to fill out for the damaged plates, and you’ll likely have to pay a replacement fee.
B. Can someone else return my license plates for me?
Yes, you can have someone else return your license plates for you on your behalf, if you can’t go to the DMV office in person. Just make sure that they bring with them the completed Plate Surrender Application (Form PD-7), and have valid ID on them.
C. Do I need to return my plates if I’m only moving out of state temporarily?
Most of the time, if you’re only temporarily going out of state and plan to return back to New York, you might not need to return your plates. With that in mind, I’d still recommend letting the NY DMV know of your temporary address (in the other state) to avoid any problems.
D. Can I keep my old license plates as a souvenir?
Some states – including New York – will let you keep your old license plates as a souvenir. But, you must make sure that those plates aren’t actively being registered to any vehicle, and that they have been de-commissioned by the DMV.