How to Renew a Car Registration in New York 

You can apply for your New York car registration renewal in several different ways. These application methods include online, mail-in or in-person renewals. 

Online renewal is typically the quickest and most convenient method for most applicants, but you may choose to apply in person or by mail if you prefer. In some cases, you may need to apply in person at a local office of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), especially if you are exempt from paying registration fees. 

Moreover, you may receive DMV registration renewal notices from the department as a reminder to renew your vehicle’s license plate stickers before they expire. 

If you do not receive a renewal notice for any reason, you must remember to renew your registration credentials before they expire. Otherwise, you could face penalty fees for illegally driving an unregistered motor vehicle. 

To learn more about the decal, plate and tag renewal application process, review the information below. 

Applying for a License Plate Renewal in New York

You can typically renew your registration online, in person or by mail, depending on your preferred application method and whether you qualify for electronic renewal. 

In New York, you cannot renew your registration credentials online if you qualify for a “no fee” renewal, or your vehicle’s credentials have been expired for more than one year. 

If you cannot apply for an online renewal, you must renew your vehicle’s registration materials in person at a local DMV office. During this time, you must submit additional documents along with your application, such as proof of your “no fee” registration status. 

Download our free guide for helpful instructions about performing a car registration renewal in New York. 

Renewing Online

You may apply for an online DMV car registration renewal in NY if you are eligible to do so and can provide a credit or debit card number as payment for your application fee. 

When renewing online, you must be able to provide the vehicle’s license plate number, registration class and your contact information. 

Before performing this task, you can check your vehicle registration status online through the New York DMV’s website. This is helpful if you do not know the date on which your registration credentials will expire, and you wish to verify this information before applying for renewal. 

After logging into your account, you may sign up for electronic renewal reminders or you may choose to receive reminders by mail and/or text messaging. 

In Person

For in-person registration tag renewals, you must submit a renewal notice or completed application along with payment for the applicable fee and. Depending on your situation, you may need to submit additional documents as well.  

Note: If you do not receive your new registration materials within 10 days of visiting your local DMV office, you can perform a New York car reg check by contacting the DMV.

By Mail

As for mailing your NY auto registration renewal request, you must have your  reminder notice from the DMV and application fee on hand. If you do not receive a reminder notice from the DMV, however, you may mail a completed application for renewal directly to the Department. 

After applying by mail, you may perform a car registration check if you do not receive your new license plate stickers within two weeks. 

To check the status of your application, you must send an email to the DMV with the subject of “Where is my registration?”

Want more tips on renewing your registration? Download our free guide.