Department of Motor Vehicles

We are aware that some older license plates may show delamination (peeling) of their printed coating. 

We will exchange plates that are peeling for a new set of license plates free of charge.  If the plates show natural use, fading, chips or crash damage, you must pay to replace them.

Peeling plates

Examples of coating delamination (no fee required):

You can request a new set of plates at a DMV office or by contacting the Custom Plates Unit at 1-518-402-4838 between the hours of 8:00am - 4:00pm, Monday through Friday  and a telephone representative will walk you through the process. You may be asked to submit a photograph of the peeling plate.

Damaged

Examples of aging or damage (fee required):

If your plate shows damage from use, fading or cracking, and not delamination the DMV will issue you a new registration and replacement plates. 

You will need to pay $25 for the new plates, and a fee of $3.75 to issue a new registration, plus another $20 if you want your new plates to have your old plate number. 

Visit your local DMV office or contact the Custom Plates Unit at 1-518-402-4838 between 8:00am - 4:00pm, Monday through Friday.  

Can I keep my same plate number?

Yes.  If you want to keep your same plate number you will be charged a fee of $20.  

Call the Custom Plates Unit at 1-518-402-4838 between the hours of 8:00am - 4:00pm, Monday through Friday.