A 4-minute lesson from the New York course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Most New York registrations last two years. Knowing the refund rules, the renewal window and what to do when you sell a car can save you money and keep someone else's parking tickets off your record.
2 years
Validity of most registrations for vehicles of 18,000 lbs maximum gross weight or less
Fees can't be refunded if you used the plates or sticker even for one day. Plates and sticker returned unused within 60 days of registering get a full refund minus a processing fee. You may get a refund for the second year if you used them only in the first. Get a DMV Universal Receipt (FS-6T).
Transferring a registration to a replacement vehicle gives you credit for the remaining part of the current registration. The credit can't be applied to other vehicles registered to you.
Before you trade in or sell your old vehicle, remove the plates and the windshield registration sticker (it shows your plate number). This prevents parking tickets that aren't yours.
You are responsible for renewing on time, even without a reminder. If the expiration date falls on a weekend or legal state holiday, the registration is automatically extended to midnight of the next business day; keep liability insurance during the extension.
A change of address on a registration changes only that registration; use Form MV-232 to change all your DMV records. If your insurance company changed and you haven't answered a DMV Insurance Inquiry Letter, include your insurance card.
If someone else brings your application to the office (spouses included), they need their own original NY license, permit or ID and the original or a photocopy of yours. The registrant, not the messenger, signs the application.
You register a car, then change your mind and return the plates and sticker unused 45 days later. You get a full refund minus a processing fee. At 75 days, or after using the plates for a single day, you'd get no refund.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
How long is a standard passenger vehicle registration valid for a vehicle under 18,000 lbs GVW?
1 year
3 years
5 years
2 years
Answer: 2 years
Registrations for most vehicles with a maximum gross weight of 18,000 lbs or less are valid for two years.
You used your plates only during the first year of a two-year registration, then turned them in. What refund may you get?
A full refund, minus a processing fee
The second year's fee, minus a processing fee
No refund at all
Half of the first year's fee
Answer: The second year's fee, minus a processing fee
You may receive a refund of the fee for the second year of a two-year registration, minus a processing fee, if you used the plates only during the first year.