Plate Surrender in New York

Moving out of state? Be prepared to surrender your NY license plates. Learn more about this scenario and other title-transfer situations by reading below.

Moving to New York

You have 30 days after becoming a New York state resident to register your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You do not need to surrender your old license plates, unless required by your former state’s DMV.

Before registering, check out New York’s list of specialized license plates.

For more on New York, your new home, visit our relocation guide.

Moving from NY

Surrendering your New York license plates is not an option, but a mandate. The DMV wants them back. You can drop them off at any DMV office before you move, or mail to:

• Riverhead Office―NYSDMV

• 200 Old Country Road, Route 58

• Riverhead, NY 11901

For additional relocation information, visit our Moving Out of New York page.

Selling a Used Car in New York

The license plates stay with you. Remove before handing over the car keys and signing over the title. You can then transfer the plates to a car that’s under your name and of the same type.

If you decide not to transfer, surrender the plates to any DMV location.

For the full scoop on selling your vehicle, jump over to our Vehicle Title Transfers page.

Buying a Used Car in NY

The seller removes the plates. They do not stay with the car. If needed, obtain an in-transit permit from your local DMV office. Valid for 30 days, the permit must be displayed in the car’s rearview window. Cost: $12.50.

Jump on to our Vehicle Title Transfers for more information on buying car procedures.

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