What is the correct order?
New York DMV requires surrender of the plates and registration before liability insurance is cancelled. A sale or pickup alone is not plate surrender. If you intend to transfer the plates to another vehicle, arrange that transaction with DMV and your insurer instead of cancelling coverage first.
How do I surrender the plates?
DMV offers office and mail routes. For mailing, remove frames and fasteners, complete PD-7 for each set, and follow DMV’s packing and address instructions. Remove and destroy the windshield registration and inspection stickers as directed. Do not leave the plates with the buyer unless that person is surrendering them for you.
What record should I keep?
Keep the plate-surrender receipt with your sale and insurance records. Check the address on the registration so mailed confirmation reaches you. If plates are missing, follow DMV’s missing-plate instructions rather than treating the vehicle’s removal as proof of surrender.
Official sources.
Sources reviewed September 19, 2026. Use the current instructions for your vehicle and transaction.