
New York Insurance Lapse Attorney
Handling Insurance Lapse Suspensions for 30+ Years
The NY DMV takes insurance lapses seriously because driving without liability insurance can be costly for both you and other drivers should you get into a car accident. It also gives your insurance company and the DMV an impression that you’re risky on the road and pose a threat to public safety.
What is Considered a Lapse in Auto Insurance?
Driving a registered vehicle without liability insurance, also called an insurance lapse, is illegal in New York. An insurance lapse can occur between the date your insurance is canceled and the date:
- your new insurance begins
- you surrender your vehicle plates
- your registration expires
- other proof of insurance is valid
- your insurance company reinstates your insurance coverage
An insurance lapse can also occur during the time between your vehicle registration and the beginning of your insurance coverage. If you can’t prove that you can take financial responsibility for the damages that you may cause from negligent or reckless driving, then you can’t get behind the wheel. If you do drive on an insurance lapse in New York, you could face serious penalties.
If you’re facing accusations for driving with an insurance lapse, or without liability coverage, you need to protect your driving privileges at all costs and contact (212) 235-1525 to retain legal representation.
What Happens If You Don’t Return Your License Plates in NY?
New York drivers must surrender their license plates before ending their vehicle’s liability insurance coverage or to register their vehicle in another state. This is because the DMV must destroy the plates to avoid duplications.
Thus, if you fail to surrender your plate before your liability insurance coverage ends, the NYS DMV will suspend your registration and may even suspend your driver’s license. If you need to surrender plates from another state, be sure to do so with that particular state’s DMV, not the NYS DMV. Failing to surrender license plates before registering a vehicle in a different state may carry administrative penalties as well.
How does this apply to motorcyclists? If you have a motorcycle, you do not need to surrender your motorcycle plates, although, you must be insured to ride it. You don’t have to surrender your motorcycle plates if there’s a lapse in your liability insurance coverage, either.
If you have a trailer, you must only return the plates if the trailer doesn’t have a valid registration. Trailers typically do not need liability insurance and the DMV won’t suspend your driver’s license or registration if you don’t return your plate.
How to Surrender Your New York State License Plate
So, how do you surrender your New York State license plate? If you handle it through the mail, follow the steps below:
Remove plates and stickers, including plate frames and fasteners.
Fill out the Plate Surrender Application (PD-7) for each set of plates you’re returning.
Mail the application with your plates in an envelope to the address below:
NYS DMV
6 Empire State Plaza
Room B240
Albany, NY 12228
If you want to return your plates at the DMV, complete the first two steps described above but instead of mailing the plates and PD-7, bring those items to a DMV office near you. You will pay a $1 processing fee and receive an FS-6T receipt afterward, so be sure to keep the receipt for your records.

Recent Reviews
Read What Our Clients Have to Say
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I almost never write reviews, but he did the impossible today which warrants a review.Phil
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I had 3 cell phone violations within 18 months, which by law subjects me to license suspension. Mr. Kron and I deferred our case 4 times which is the maximum. When we finally decided to plead me guilty, Mr. Kron did everything within his power to reason with the judge for leniency-and he succeeded!! I was found guilty, have to pay a fine, but will be able to keep on driving which is extremely important for me to maintain my lifestyle. Most importantly, during this process, I was a nervous wreck. Mr. Kron was immediate in his responses to my inquiries----almost replying to my texts before I hit send!! I cannot thank this man enough... I would refer him to anyone, anytime for anything. He did an absolutely wonderful job for me. One final thought. You know how you read about or see about everything else that works for other people but never works for you? This is a case where this guy was an angel and delivered me the best possible outcome. I am a very lucky man today because of Mr. Kron.Brian
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I'm happy to say today my wife was able to finally get her new license plates for NJ after the NY suspension was completely wiped from her record. Amazing turnaround. I like their no-nonsense approach.Eric D.
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Had tons of old traffic tickets in NYC. Mr. Kron got them reopened and thrown out. I got emails all the time telling what was going on but I never had to appear.Jack
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I would like to personally thank Mr. Martin Kron for his help in getting a no left turn moving violation dismissed. I had a clean driving record with no moving violation and after speaking with Mr. Kron he made no guarantees and was honest with regards to the whole matter and never gave me a false sense of security as to what the final turn out would be. He said he would only do his best and I gave him my case. I was extremely worried because it was an injustice based on the circumstances and Mr. Kron was able to get the moving violation to dismiss and I thank him very much. I recommend Mr. Kron for traffic violations without hesitation, and again I say "Thank You" Mr. Kron.Irving
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The team at Martin A. Kron exceeds excellence!!! Thank you so much, Naomi, for helping me in my situation concerning my DMV case! You're the best!!!Viana
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Mr. Kron was on top of my case like an eagle in the treetops and kept me informed the entire time of every change as well as every possible outcome. His attention to detail, professionalism, and demeanor is UNMATCHED.Spiro
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Mr. Kron he made no guarantees and was honest with regards to the whole matter and never gave me a false sense of security as to what the final turn out would be.Irving


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