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Origin record closeout

What to do with West Virginia plates after moving to Louisiana

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

Louisiana comes first

Complete the replacement record

Apply for Louisiana registration within 30 days after establishing residency. State law also requires a valid Louisiana safety-inspection certificate within that period.

Bring proof of current liability insurance to the title and registration transaction.

West Virginia closeout

Return the West Virginia plate before canceling its insurance

After the destination registration is active, return the West Virginia plate to DMV and retain delivery, drop-box, or counter proof before canceling the West Virginia policy. If the plate cannot be surrendered because it is lost or stolen, use Form WV-4S and keep the accepted record.

Open the official West Virginia instructionReviewed 2026-08-21
  1. 1. Activate acceptable destination coverage

    Confirm the effective date with the new insurer.

  2. 2. Register in Louisiana

    Keep the issued registration or official receipt.

  3. 3. Complete the West Virginia 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