Just mail the plates back. Maybe you will get the refund maybe you won’t, but it’s not enough to be worth the hassle of your time.

I sold my car last week. I have the plates to turn in and the registration won’t expire until May 2022 so I want to request a partial refund.
According to the Virginia DMV website:
1. In order to get the refund, I have to surrender the plates in person.
2. Surrendering plates is not an option for scheduling appointments
3. Walk ins not allowed either
It looks like they are no longer answering calls.
What should I do? Make an appointment in January for another “reason” and turn in my plates then?
Can I mail in my plates and get a refund?
Has anyone had any luck talking to a person?