This is a very niche question for my fellow Californians who have the Reviver electronic license plates — and are still making payments on them:
Did you include it in your bankruptcy?
I recently had this exact issue come up, and I understand the hesitation. It feels minor. It feels unnecessary. And frankly, it feels like it might complicate things.
Let’s break it down.
First: What Is the Reviver Plate Legally?
The Reviver plate (RPlate) is not a traditional asset you own outright. In most cases, it’s structured as:
- A subscription service
- A payment plan agreement
- Or a form of equipment lease
That distinction matters in bankruptcy.
If you are still making payments, you likely have an executory contract or lease — meaning both you and Reviver still have obligations under the agreement.
And executory contracts must be addressed in bankruptcy.
Do You Have to List It?
Short answer: Yes.
In bankruptcy, you are required to list:
- All debts
- All contracts
- All leases
- All assets (even unusual ones)
Even if:
- The balance is small
- You’re current on payments
- You want to keep it
Leaving it off doesn’t simplify things — it can actually create issues.
Full disclosure is always the safer route.
What Happens If You Include It?
That depends on the chapter you’re filing.
In Chapter 7:
You generally have two options:
- Assume the contract (keep paying and keep the plate)
- Reject the contract (stop paying and return it)
If you reject it, any remaining balance becomes dischargeable unsecured debt.
If you assume it, you continue making payments as agreed.
In Chapter 13:
It may be treated as:
- An ongoing secured or lease payment
- Or sometimes an unsecured claim, depending on how it’s structured
It becomes part of the repayment plan structure.
Why People Hesitate
I’ve heard clients say:
- “It’s attached to my car — won’t that mess up my vehicle?”
- “It’s not really a loan.”
- “I don’t want to overcomplicate the filing.”
- “It’s just a subscription.”
But bankruptcy isn’t about simplicity — it’s about completeness.
If you are making payments under a contract, it belongs in the schedules.
What If You Leave It Out?
Leaving a creditor out can:
- Risk the debt not being discharged
- Create confusion if they continue billing
- Cause issues if the trustee reviews recurring payments
- Undermine the integrity of your petition
Even small contracts matter.
Practical Considerations
Before filing, ask:
- How much is left on the contract?
- Is it cheaper to finish paying it off?
- Would returning it make sense?
- Is the monthly payment burdensome?
Sometimes the cleanest solution is including it and deciding formally whether to keep or reject it.
Bottom Line
If you’re a Californian with a Reviver electronic plate and you’re filing bankruptcy:
👉 Yes, you should disclose it.
👉 It usually will not “complicate” your case.
👉 It gives you options instead of creating risk.
When in doubt, disclose. Always.
Bankruptcy works best when everything is on the table.
If you’re considering bankruptcy and have unusual contracts, subscriptions, leases, or financed equipment, speak with an experienced consumer bankruptcy attorney to review your specific situation. Every case is different.
