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What to do with Maryland plates after moving to Virginia

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

Virginia comes first

Complete the replacement record

Title the vehicle, then register it and get Virginia plates at a Virginia DMV customer service center, each within 30 days of moving to Virginia. Some localities also require new residents to buy a local sticker or decal within 30 days of moving there. Also notify the destination locality for vehicle property-tax records.

Meet Virginia vehicle-insurance requirements before registering.

Maryland closeout

Return Maryland plates and wait for cancellation confirmation

Return the plates after the new registration is active. Maryland says to cancel insurance only after receiving confirmation that the plates were canceled.

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

    Confirm the effective date with the new insurer.

  2. 2. Register in Virginia

    Keep the issued registration or official receipt.

  3. 3. Complete the Maryland 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.

Sources for this closeout sequence

Open the complete routeCheck the insurance handoff