Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Is your license plate peeling or deteriorating? You can get it replaced for free at the DMV.
“We are encouraging New Yorkers who have peeling license plates to get new ones, without any charge, to avoid the risk of being ticketed and having to pay a fine,” said DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder. “We do not want that to happen to our customers, so we made the process to replace peeling plates as easy as possible.”
Customers who want the next available standard plate number free of charge can email DMV at dmv.sm.peelingplates@dmv.ny.gov. They should include their current plate number in the subject line and the following information in the email:
-name as it appears on the registration
-address
-city, state, ZIP code
-daytime telephone number
-peeling plate number
-a photograph of the peeling plates
A new registration/windshield sticker will be mailed along with the new license plates, according to the NY DMV.
If you wish to keep the same license plate number, it will be a $20 charge. You must mail a completed Application for Replacement Plates - Keep Same Plate Number, a photograph of the peeling plates, and a $20 check or money order payable to ‘Commissioner of Motor Vehicles’ to: NYS DMV, 6 Empire State Plaza, Room 414A, Albany, NY 12228.
A new registration and windshield sticker will be mailed separately from the plates.
License plates showing natural aging, chips or cracks are not eligible for a free exchange. Customers wishing to exchange plates showing natural aging must pay the $28.75 replacement fee.
For more information on how to recycle your old plates, click here.