Depending on your state’s rules, you can use license plates after selling your car. Most Western states are flexible in terms of returning license plates. However, the majority of the people didn’t return customized plates to the department because they have lots of memories attached to them.

California drivers never get pressurized for returning plates. Department will never make an issue; however, insurance companies will charge fines. Insurance companies are concerned about VIN. Your license plate numbers are not of any use to them.

On the other hand, most states have rules if you tend to fail in returning plates while canceling insurance, you will have to pay a fine each day for a whole month. Then, later on, as the third month starts, the fine gets tripled, and they may even suspend your license.

Well, if you plan to sell the vehicle out of state, the new owner will not be in the danger zone. Therefore, the new owner will not have to pay a fine to the insurance company.

When You Have to Return License Plates?

Right before the ending of liability insurance coverage of your vehicle, you have to return the license plates. In case of failure, your vehicle’s registration will be canceled along with your driver’s license. On the other hand, if you want to get your car registered in another state, you have to return license plates to the DMV.   

In PA, most people asked whether they have to surrender their plates or not. Well, as I already mentioned, each state has its rules and policies regarding license plates. If your plates are no more needed in Pennsylvania, you have to return them to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Your plate will be marked as a dead tag after the PennDot received it.

Talking about returning plates in SC, your license plates in SC will be sent to the DMV. You will also be able to get a refund of the property taxes you have paid at the time of registration.

You must return plates in NJ to MVC. For the cancellation of plates, MVC is the department to collect your plates. While returning, you will get a receipt. Save it for later use because it is proof that you have delivered plates and you are not responsible for any illegal activity.

In a nutshell, DMV will never cancel your driver’s license or registration of the vehicle just because you have not returned plates. However, DMV suggests you return plates to save yourself from any inconvenience.

So, what do you think about returning plates? Are you convinced to surrender plates?

Before the liability insurance coverage ends, you must return plates to the DMV. On the official website of DMV, you can find out how to surrender plates and what to do if your plates are stolen or lost.

How Long Do You have to Return License Plates?

Once again, it varies from state to state. Some states don’t force you to return plates, and you use them or return them to DMV. Usually, 30 days and 60 days are allowed to use the plates on another vehicle.

In Nevada as well, you are free to hand over plates to the DMV or use them on another vehicle. Your vehicle’s license plate type also matters a lot. For about 30 or 60 days, you can use plates on another vehicle. You have 30 days for special plates and 60 days for standard plates.

How to Cancel License Plates’ Registration

Through Internet

You can cancel a registration online using a MyDMV account. In case if you have sold the vehicle and have not operated it for a specific time, you can get help from the internet.

On the receipt, you will find registration fee credit.

In case of eligibility for a refund, you should request in person at a DMV office.

You don’t need to cancel it online.

You should use plates on another vehicle. Or else you can return to the DMV by using email or in person.

You will not be able to get a movement permit online, or you may transfer the plates to another vehicle after the transaction.

Though Mail

You can even use mail to send plates along with a cancellation request. You must use certified mail with a return signature. Always add a valid address and current phone number in case of an emergency.

Though In Person

You can bring plates to any DMV office and hand them over to a technician available in the office. Always hand them over to the related person and never put them in the box.

For this, you don’t need to confirm an appointment because it is not a time taking procedure. After the cancellation of plates, you can keep the plates with you.

It is entirely up to you and the state in which you have registered your plates with. Keep yourself secure and avoid being a part of illegal activities.