Forgot to return plates to DMV after I bought new car from dealer. Any penalty?

Question

I bought the new car two years ago in the dealer and didn't aware of returning the plate to NYS DMV. The old car was sold on the day I received my new car. But I did switched the old car's insurance to my new car at that time. So there shouldn't be any lapse of insurance. And I'm still driving the new car for two years. And my license is still valid. My question is: when I return the old plates to NYSDMV now, will there be any penalty? Im just so nervous that they gonna charge me some money. PLEASE HELP!

Answer 1

In IL we can just destroy them. I'm assuming if you've been validating your currently plates (ie. sticker tags on your plates) and haven't received notice you should be fine. I'd call them or go on their website to be sure.

Answer 2

there shouldn't be.   all they do is destroy them.

in MD you are not to keep old tags - but turn them in -- but I'm not aware of any punishment if you don't do it by a certain date.  

can you call your dmv and ask?

Answer 3

i havent turned in plates for ny in over 6 yrs and havent heard a peep

Answer 4

There shouldn't be--otherwise, you would have heard from NYS DMV.

When you switched insurance and bought the new car, NYSDMV should have been notified by your insurance company that you bought a new car and they were notified when you applied for new tags for the new car.

Some states ask for plates back and some don't.  

Plus, if your old plate was still valid, you'd be getting notification from NYS DMV on tag & tax info.

You can check their website and see what it says.  Most states have internet DMV sites.

I wouldn't worry if I were you.