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What to do with Louisiana plates after moving to Utah

The answer can be return, cancel, destroy, recycle, or keep. Follow the reviewed Louisiana instruction only after the Utah registration and insurance handoff are safe.

Utah comes first

Complete the replacement record

Register the vehicle in Utah within 60 days after meeting a listed residency trigger, including establishing a permanent home, accepting nonseasonal work, or obtaining a Utah license.

Maintain required motor-vehicle liability coverage before operating and registering the vehicle in Utah.

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Cancel the Louisiana plate before ending its insurance

After the destination registration is active, cancel the Louisiana plate online, at an OMV office, or by mail before canceling liability insurance. If canceled online, remove and destroy the plate after saving confirmation.

Open the official Louisiana instructionReviewed 2026-07-31
  1. 1. Activate acceptable destination coverage

    Confirm the effective date with the new insurer.

  2. 2. Register in Utah

    Keep the issued registration or official receipt.

  3. 3. Complete the Louisiana plate action

    Keep the surrender, cancellation, mailing, destruction, or retention record the state provides.

  4. 4. End or rewrite the old policy

    Ask the insurer to use dates that do not create an uncovered active registration.

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