How to cancel a license plate
To cancel a license plate, you contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency—it may be called the Secretary of State, Registry of Motor Vehicles, or Division of Motor Vehicles depending on where you live), submit the plate itself, and request that the registration be terminated. The process takes a few minutes to a few weeks depending on whether you do it in person, by mail, or online. You will not get a refund for the unused portion of your registration, though some states offer a credit toward future registration if you cancel before the renewal date.
The reason you are canceling matters slightly. If you are selling the vehicle, the new owner registers it in their name and you do not need to cancel anything—the old registration straightforward expires. If you are scrapping the vehicle, keeping it off the road permanently, or moving out of state, you will want to formally cancel to stop paying registration fees and avoid liability if the vehicle is involved in an incident after you no longer own it.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to cancel; the agency name varies by state but handles all vehicle registrations.
- You must return the physical license plate—some states require both the front and rear plate—as part of the cancellation process.
- Cancellation can usually be done in person at an office, by mail with the plate and a form, or online in states that offer it; check your state's DMV website for the method available to you.
- You will not receive a refund for unused registration time, though a few states offer a credit toward your next registration if you cancel before renewal.
- If you are selling the vehicle, the buyer registers it themselves and you do not need to cancel the plate.
Canceling in person at the DMV
The fastest way to cancel is usually to visit your local DMV office in person. Bring your current registration card, the license plate (or both plates if your state requires front and rear plates), and a valid ID. Some states also ask for a form—often called a "Notice of Sale" or "Release of Liability"—which you can read from the DMV website or fill out at the office.
The staff member will take the plate, process the cancellation, and give you a receipt. The registration will end when ready. If you are canceling because you sold the vehicle, ask for a release of liability form at the same time; this protects you if the new owner gets a ticket or is in an accident before they register it in their name.
Canceling by mail
Most states allow you to cancel by mail. Visit your state's DMV website and look for the cancellation form—it is often called "process for Cancellation of Registration" or "Notice of Non-Operation." Fill it out, include both the form and the physical license plate (in a padded envelope), and mail it to the address listed on the form.
Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks. Keep a copy of the form and take a photo of the plate before you mail it, in case the plate is lost in transit and you need proof you sent it. Some states will send you a confirmation letter; others will straightforward stop billing you at your next renewal date.
Canceling online
A growing number of states offer online cancellation through their DMV website. You will log in with your driver's license number and registration information, request the cancellation, and then mail the physical plate to the address provided. A few states (including California and Texas) allow you to skip the plate return if you certify that it has been destroyed or lost, though you may need to pay a small fee.
Check your state's DMV website to see if online cancellation is available. If it is, you can usually complete the request in minutes, though you still need to mail the plate separately for the cancellation to be final.
What happens to your registration fees
Most states do not refund registration fees when you cancel mid-year. If you paid for a full year of registration and cancel after six months, that money is gone. However, a handful of states (including some that use a prorated system) will credit the unused portion toward your next registration or toward a new vehicle registration if you register one within a certain time frame.
Check your state's DMV website or call the office to ask about refunds or credits before you cancel. If a refund is available, the office can tell you how long it takes to process—usually 4 to 8 weeks if mailed, or when ready if you cancel in person and they issue a check on the spot.
Canceling a plate when you sell the vehicle
If you are selling the vehicle, you do not have to cancel the plate. The new owner will register the vehicle in their name, and your old registration will straightforward expire at the end of its term. However, you should file a release of liability or notice of sale with the DMV to protect yourself from liability if the new owner gets a ticket, is in an accident, or commits a traffic violation before they register it.
You can file this form at the DMV office, by mail, or online (depending on your state) at the same time you transfer the title. Keep a copy for your records. This form tells the state that you no longer own the vehicle and are not responsible for anything that happens to it after the sale date.
Canceling a plate when you scrap or donate the vehicle
If you are scrapping the vehicle, the scrap yard will usually handle the paperwork, but confirm this before you drop it off. Ask whether they will file the release of liability or whether you need to do it yourself. If you are donating the vehicle, the charity will typically register it in their name or the buyer's name, so again, you should file a release of liability to end your responsibility.
In both cases, contact your DMV to cancel the registration after the vehicle has left your possession. This stops you from being billed for registration on a vehicle you no longer own and removes any liability if the vehicle is involved in an incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to return the license plate to cancel?
Yes, in all states you must return the physical plate as part of cancellation. Some states require both front and rear plates; others accept just one. Check your state's DMV website or call to confirm what your state requires before you mail it in.
What if I lost the license plate?
Contact your DMV and explain that the plate is lost. Some states will cancel the registration without the plate if you sign a statement certifying it is lost or destroyed. Others may charge a small fee (usually $5 to $15) to process a cancellation without the plate. A few states require you to file a police report for a lost plate before they will cancel.
Will I get a refund if I cancel before my registration expires?
Most states do not refund unused registration fees. A few states offer a credit toward your next registration or a new vehicle registration if you cancel before the renewal date. Contact your state's DMV to ask whether a refund or credit is available in your state.
Do I need to cancel if I am selling the vehicle?
No, you do not need to cancel the registration when you sell. The new owner will register it in their name. However, you should file a release of liability or notice of sale to protect yourself from liability for anything that happens to the vehicle after the sale.
Can I cancel online in my state?
Some states offer online cancellation through their DMV website; others require you to cancel in person or by mail. Visit your state's DMV website and search for "cancel registration" or "cancel license plate" to see what methods are available to you.