Transferring your license plate when registering a new vehicle in New York State is a process that every New Yorker should be familiar with. This is because it’s a requirement for all motorists to have a registered vehicle, and transferring your license plate helps streamline the registration process, saving you time and money.
To transfer your license plate when registering a new vehicle in New York, you must meet the following requirements: 1. You must have a valid license plate Before you can transfer your license plate to your new vehicle, you must ensure that your current license plates are still valid. If your license plate has been stolen, lost, or damaged, you will need to apply for a new one before transferring it to your new vehicle. If your plates are expired, they are unable to be transferred.
2. Both vehicles must be in the same name(s) To transfer your license plate to a new vehicle, both the old and the new vehicles must be registered in your name. If the old vehicle was in someone else’s name, you will need to register it in your name first before you can transfer your license plate to your new vehicle. The name(s) on the former registration must match that/those on the new registration. 3. The new vehicle must be of the same type as the old vehicle Your license plate can only be transferred to a new vehicle that is of the same plate type as the old vehicle. For example, if you had a motorcycle with MOT plates, you cannot transfer your license plate to a PAS vehicle; or if you have a COM plate, you cannot transfer it to a PAS vehicle, etc. 4. You must pay the registration fee When you transfer your license plate to a new vehicle, you will need to pay a registration fee. The amount of the fee varies depending on the type of vehicle you’re registering and how long the registration period is for. This fee will typically be lower than when you purchase new plates. 5. Your NY vehicle insurance must have a "Replacement Vehicle" notation
The barcoded insurance for the customer/vehicle must have a notation on the insurance card itself reading, "Replacement Vehicle." The insurance agency will be able to add or remove the notation if needed.
Transferring your license plate to a new vehicle can be a straightforward process if you meet the above requirements. By doing so, you can avoid having to purchase a new license plate and save valuable time and money. As always, remember to comply with NY state regulations and ensure your vehicle registration is up-to-date at all times.