Refunds and Transfer Credits for Surrendered Plates
Overview
When you surrender your vehicle plates to the DMV, you may be eligible to transfer the remaining registration (credit) to another vehicle you want to register, or get a refund for the registration fee. You cannot get a refund or registration transfer credit for
- 1 year registration fees (snowmoboles, motorcycles, or trailers)
- your vehicle plate fee
- title certificate fee
- any other fee or tax you paid when you registered the vehicle
Transfer Credits
If you transfer your remaining registration to another vehicle, your new registration will expire the same day as your old registration. You can only use the transfer credit for a new (original) registration. You cannot use it for registration renewal.
Refund Amounts
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Request a Refund
You can request a refund using Request for Refund (PDF) (MV-215) or DMV’s online refund request application if
- The registrant is deceased.
- You paid the wrong registration fee, or paid twice.
- You received custom plates and returned them unused, or cancelled a custom plate order.
- You entered military service after you registered your vehicle, and you will not use the registration.
- You told the DMV staff you planned to use the registration again, but you did not.
- The registration must be valid for 1 or 2 full years.