What happens if I don't return my license plates in NY?
Asked by: Dr. Frankie Altenwerth | Last update: July 31, 2025Score: 5/5 (40 votes)
Do NY license plates need to be returned?
You must surrender your vehicle registration and plates to the DMV before the New York State liability insurance is canceled. Once you surrender your New York State vehicle plates and register your vehicle in another state, you can get insurance in the other state.
What is the fine for not turning in license plates in NY?
While there are no fines and financial penalties for not turning in license plates in New York, you could face other penalties. In particular, if you do not return your license plates but let your auto insurance lapse, civil penalties for not having liability insurance could be assessed.
How long do you have to turn in plates after cancelling insurance in NY?
If you do not have liability insurance, you must surrender your vehicle plates to the DMV immediately.
Can I keep my old license plates in NY?
When you receive your new plates, you must destroy your old plates to protect against fraudulent use. Mark each plate with a permanent marker or cut each plate into pieces. Consider separating the plates when you recycle, putting one plate in your recycling bin each week.
How to surrender or return your plates to the DMV? No appointment needed
Is it illegal to have old license plates?
What constitutes an “old” plate? Any license plate issued in California in 1963 or later is still valid so long as the license fees are paid. Of course, if the fees have gone unpaid, the license plate isn't valid. You could get a citation for expired registration and possibly have the car towed.
Can I get a refund on my car registration in NY?
Applying For a Full Refund if the Registration Was Never Used. You can apply for a refund of the 2-year registration fee ONLY if the registration was never used and it is not more than 60 days from the date the registration was issued.
Does it cost money to surrender plates in NY?
Bring the plates and PD-7 to a DMV
County motor vehicle offices will charge you a $1 fee to process the surrender.
Can I cancel insurance without returning plates?
Keeping your license plates while dropping your car insurance might seem like a harmless move, but it can lead to severe repercussions. In many places, retaining your plates without insurance can result in the suspension of your vehicle's registration or even your driver's license. Here's why this matters: 1.
Do I get penalized for Cancelling car insurance?
Remember that most states require you to have at least the minimum coverage for your vehicle even if you're not driving it. When you cancel your car insurance too soon, you can be subject to fines and even have your license suspended.
Can your license be suspended for not turning in plates?
Drivers are supposed to surrender plates that are not in use, but that's really for a driver's own protection. There are no penalties for not turning them in.
Can you get pulled over for no front license plate in NY?
If you don't have a front license plate, you may be pulled over by law enforcement, ticketed, and fined.
Is expired plates a non moving violation?
Can I Get Pulled Over for Expired or Missing Tags? Yes, you can get pulled over for expired, missing, or non-visible registration tags on your car or motorcycle. This is considered a non-moving violation and can carry fines.
What is the fine for not turning in plates in NY?
Civil Penalty Fees
Example 1: If your insurance lapse is 25 days, you may pay a civil penalty of $200 ($8 per day for 25 days) and not turn in your plates, or you must surrender your plates and serve a registration suspension of 25 days.
Do you have to turn in license plates after selling a car?
States Where Vehicle Retains License Plate
States where the vehicle may retain your license plate include: Alaska. California. Delaware.
Which states require you to return license plates?
You are required to surrender your plates when you sell your car in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, ...
Can I cancel insurance before surrendering plates in NY?
6. What if I fail to surrender my plates when I no longer have insurance? If you do not have insurance coverage and you do not immediately surrender your plates to the DMV, your license and registration will be suspended indefinitely. Avoid this by taking your plates to DMV before your liability insurance lapses!
How do I deactivate my license plate?
Each state has its own form to initiate the cancellation of license plates. Use the correct form for the state in which the car is registered. Most states make their forms available for download as PDFs. They're usually formatted so that you can fill them out on your computer or device before you print them.
Do I have to cancel my old car insurance?
After you purchase a new policy, you should immediately contact your former insurer and cancel your old policy.
Do I have to return my old NY license plates?
If you get new plates at the DMV after registering your car, ask to leave the old plates with them. Make sure to only mail your plates in an envelope (no boxes) and take off all tags and plate accessories. You WILL need to complete a PD-7 when surrendering your plates to the DMV.
What do I do with my old license plates in New York?
#1 - Recycle
In most cases you should be surrendering your plates to the NYS DMV. Otherwise, they should go in the trash. They will be recovered at the Waste-to-Energy Facility and recycled.
Can I keep my plates when I sell my car in NY?
Finally, the buyer will submit Vehicle Registration / Title Application form MV-82. Remove Your License Plates & Registration Sticker: Before you hand over your vehicle, make sure to remove your license plates and registration sticker from your windshield.
Is there a fee to surrender license plates in NY?
Requires $1.00 in cash • If surrendering plates for someone else, please have the name of the registrant.
What happens if you don't renew your car registration in NY?
If your registration has been expired for less than 60 days the fine is at least $40 and can go up to $300 and an automatic $93 surcharge. If your registration has been expired for more than 60 days the fine is at least $70 and can go up to $300 along with the $93 surcharge.
How long do you have to return a car in NY?
There is no set number of days for returning a car since it is not a common occurrence. For the most part, once the contract has been signed, you cannot return the vehicle. That said, there are some used car dealerships, such as CarMax, that have a 10-day return policy, but those are the exception rather than the rule.