How to apply
To register your vehicle with vintage plates, you must have actual plates that were valid in New York State in the year the vehicle was manufactured. If it was a metal tab year, you must have the metal tab.
- The plates must be original.
- If New York State issued only one plate in the year of manufacture, that plate must be mounted on the rear of the vehicle. If New York State originally issued two plates in that year, you must use both matching plates.
- A motorcycle plate must be used on a motorcycle. Otherwise, any plates issued in the year the vehicle was manufactured may be used on any type of vehicle.
Learn more about vintage plates
Requirements
You must apply for vintage plates by mail, and are required to submit the following documents:
- completed Vintage License Plates form (MV-440V)
- completed Application for Registration/Title (MV-82)
- color photograph of the vintage plate(s)
- photocopy of your driver license
- proof of ownership
- proof of insurance
- Sales Tax Receipt if the vehicle has never been registered in your name in New York State
- payment by check, money order or credit card
Mail all of the above to:
NYS DMV
Custom Plates Unit
P.O. Box 2775
Albany, NY 12220
Cost
Passenger Vehicles:
- If you already have a valid New York State registration for the vehicle in your name, the fee is $3.75 for the new document.
- If the vehicle is not currently registered in your name, the fee is $28.75.
- If the vehicle is a 1973 or newer model year and does not already have a New York State title issued in your name, there is an additional fee of $50.00 for the title.
- The standard yearly renewal fee for passenger vehicles is $28.75.
Motorcycles:
- If you already have a valid New York State registration with historical plates, the fee is $3.75 for the new document.
- If you have a valid standard motorcycle registration, the fee is $11.25 ($3.75 document fee plus a prorated registration fee of $7.50).
- If the motorcycle is not currently registered in your name, the fee is $25.
- If your motorcycle is a 1973 or newer model and does not have a New York State title issued in your name, there is an additional title fee of $50.00.
- The standard yearly renewal fee motorcycles is $25.00.