When you need to surrender plate(s) 
Before you end the vehicle's liability insurance coverage. If you do not turn in your plate , we will suspend your registration and can suspend your driver license. If you want to register your vehicle in another state. You must surrender your New York State vehicle plates to the New York DMV. 

How to surrender New York State plates 
Note: If you need to surrender plates from another state , you need to surrender them to that state's DMV not the New York State DMV. 

By mail 
Step 1 : Remove plates and stickers This includes the plate frames and fasteners - we will not accept plates with them attached. Destroy the registration and inspection stickers from your windshield. Do not give your plates to another person unless that person will surrender the plates for you. Step 2 : Complete the PD-7 application You must complete the Plate Surrender Application PDF [1] PD-7 for each set of plates you are surrendering. Step 3 : Mail the application with your plates to NYS DMV6 Empire State PlazaRoom B240Albany, NY 12228 We use the mail postmark date as the date that you surrendered your plates. To be notified by the US Postal Service that we received your plates, send them by registered or certified mail, and request a return receipt. We will mail you your FS-6 T receipt. 

At a DMV Office 
Step 1 : Remove plates and stickers This includes the plate frames and fasteners - we will not accept plates with them attached. Destroy the registration and inspection stickers from your windshield. Do not give your plates to another person unless that person will surrender the plates for you. Step 2 : Complete the PD-7 application You must complete the Plate Surrender Application PDF [1] PD-7 for each set of plates you are surrendering. Step 3 : Bring the plates and PD-7 to an DMV Find a DMV office [2] near you. County motor vehicle offices will charge you a $1 fee to process the surrender. If another person surrenders your plates for you , make s

user: I want to know about motorcycles and trailer plates.

user: Do I have to surrender my motorcycle's plates?

assistant: It's not needed to surrender motorcycle's plates, you only should make sure to have it insured if you ride it.

user: So, I have to get insurance for my motorcycle?

assistant: yes, you should keep your motorcycle insured if you ride it.

user: And what about trailer's plates, do I need to surrender trailer plates?

assistant: Some trailers do not need to have liability insurance but if your trailer doesn't have a valid registration, you must surrender the plates.

user: Will the DMV suspend my license if I don't surrender my trailer's plates?

assistant: Usually is not needed to surrender a trailer's plates, so the DMV won't suspend your license if you fail to surrender the plates, Is just recommended to surrender any unused vehicle's plates to make sure the plates are destroyed.

user: My plates were stolen.

assistant: What can I do if I have to surrender stolen plates?

user: yes, my plates were stolen.

assistant: You have to report the stolen plates and surrender the registration, then the DMV will give you new registration and plates.

user: how should I mail my surrendered plates?

assistant: mail the plates by registered or certified mail and ask for a return receipt.