You cannot straightforward throw away old license plates — most states require you to return them or destroy them in a specific way
Old license plates are state property, even after your vehicle is sold, scrapped, or no longer needs registration. Throwing them in the trash or leaving them on an abandoned car can result in fines, and in some cases, the plates can be misused for fraud or to obscure a vehicle's identity. The rules vary by state, but the general requirement is the same: you must either return the plates to your state's motor vehicle department or have them officially destroyed.
The process is straightforward and usually free. Most states give you a few options depending on your situation — whether you're selling the car, letting registration expire, or straightforward want to dispose of old plates you no longer use. Knowing which route applies to you takes about five minutes, and completing it takes less than an hour.
Key Takeaways
- License plates remain state property and cannot be discarded in household trash or left on vehicles.
- Most states require you to return plates to the motor vehicle department or authorize their destruction when registration ends.
- If you sell your vehicle, the buyer typically handles plate return or transfer, but you should confirm this before handing over the keys.
- Some states allow you to keep personalized or special plates if you pay a fee and transfer them to a new vehicle.
- Destroying plates yourself is illegal in most states — the motor vehicle department or an authorized scrap facility must do it.
Return plates when you sell or donate your vehicle
When you sell a car, the new owner usually becomes responsible for the plates. However, the responsibility depends on whether you're transferring the registration to them or letting it lapse. If the buyer is registering the vehicle in their name, they will handle the plates as part of that process — your old plates will be removed and either returned or destroyed by the motor vehicle department.
If you're selling the vehicle but the buyer is not registering it when ready, or if you're donating the car to a charity, you should remove the plates yourself and return them to your state's motor vehicle department. Most states let you do this in person at a branch office or by mail. Check your state's website for the specific address and whether they want the plates sent in an envelope or a box. Some states charge a small fee for this service, though many do not.
Keep a record of the return — ask for a receipt if you return them in person, or request a tracking number if you mail them. This protects you if the plates are later misused, because you have proof you returned them.
Surrender plates when your registration expires or you stop driving
If you own a vehicle but are no longer registering it — because you're not driving it, it's being stored, or you're letting the registration lapse — you must return the plates. The timing depends on your state's rules. Some states require you to return plates within a specific number of days after registration expires; others allow you to keep them until you next interact with the motor vehicle department.
The easiest way to handle this is to return the plates at the same time you let your registration expire or when you notify the department that the vehicle is no longer in use. Many states now let you do this online or by mail, which means you can return the plates without visiting an office in person. If your state requires an in-person visit for any reason, you can combine the plate return with that trip.
Do not assume that letting your registration expire automatically returns the plates. It does not. You must take the additional step of physically returning them or authorizing the department to destroy them.
What happens if you keep plates after registration ends
Keeping old plates after your registration expires or after you sell the vehicle is technically illegal in most states, though enforcement varies. The risk is not usually a fine against you — it is that the plates can be misused. Someone could place them on a stolen vehicle, use them to obscure a vehicle's identity during a crime, or commit registration fraud. If that happens, the plates are registered to you, and you may be contacted by law enforcement.
The other risk is practical: if you ever need to prove you no longer own or operate a vehicle, you will need documentation that the plates were returned. Without that proof, you could face complications when explore for insurance, selling another vehicle, or dealing with parking tickets or traffic violations that occurred after you stopped using the car.
Returning plates takes minutes and costs nothing in most states. The small effort now prevents much larger problems later.
Personalized and special plates — keeping them for a new vehicle
If you have a personalized plate, a vanity plate, or a special plate (such as a military or disabled veteran plate), you may be able to keep it and transfer it to a new vehicle instead of returning it. This option is available in most states, though the process and any associated fees vary.
To transfer a special plate, contact your state's motor vehicle department and ask about plate transfer options. You will typically need to provide your current plate number, the new vehicle's information, and proof of registration for the new vehicle. Some states charge a transfer fee, usually between $10 and $50. The department will either mail you the new plate or allow you to pick it up at a branch office.
If you do not want to keep the special plate, return it along with your regular plates. Do not assume the department will automatically transfer it — you must request the transfer explicitly, or the plate will be retired when your registration ends.
Destroying plates yourself is not an option
You cannot legally destroy license plates on your own, even if you own the vehicle they came from. Plates are state property, and only the motor vehicle department or an authorized scrap facility can destroy them. Cutting, burning, or otherwise damaging plates to make them unusable is illegal in most states and can result in fines.
If you have old plates you want to get rid of and cannot return them in person, contact your state's motor vehicle department and ask about mail-in destruction. Provide the plate numbers and your vehicle identification number (VIN), and the department will send you instructions for mailing the plates. Some states will destroy them at no cost; others charge a small fee.
If your state does not offer mail-in destruction, you will need to visit a motor vehicle office in person or find an authorized scrap facility that handles plate destruction. Your state's website will list which facilities are authorized.
Plates from vehicles registered in other states
If you have moved and your vehicle is now registered in a different state, you may have old plates from your previous state. These should be returned to the motor vehicle department of the state that issued them, not your current state.
Contact the previous state's motor vehicle department and ask how to return out-of-state plates. Most states accept mail-in returns and will provide a mailing address. Include a letter with your name, the plate numbers, and your VIN so the department can match the plates to your vehicle record. Keep a copy of the letter and any tracking information from the mail carrier.
If you have moved internationally or cannot easily contact the previous state, contact your current state's motor vehicle department — they can sometimes facilitate the return or provide guidance on how to handle it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my old license plates as a souvenir?
Most states do not allow you to keep plates as souvenirs once registration ends, because plates are state property. However, some states have a process for obtaining retired or deactivated plates for display purposes. Contact your motor vehicle department and ask whether they offer a souvenir plate program — if they do, they will deactivate the plate so it cannot be used on a vehicle, and you can keep it legally.
What if I lost my license plates before I could return them?
Report the lost plates to your state's motor vehicle department as soon as possible. Provide your vehicle identification number and the plate numbers if you remember them. The department will deactivate the plates in their system so they cannot be misused. You will not be fined for losing them, but you should have a record of the report in case the plates are later found and used illegally.
Do I need to return plates if I'm scrapping the vehicle?
When you scrap a vehicle, the scrap facility typically handles plate return as part of the process. Before you hand over the vehicle, ask the facility whether they will return the plates or if you need to remove them first. If they handle it, ask for written confirmation that the plates were returned. If you must remove them, return them to your motor vehicle department yourself.
Can I sell my old license plates?
No. License plates are state property and cannot be sold. Selling plates is illegal and can result in criminal charges. If you have plates you no longer need, return them to your motor vehicle department or request that they be destroyed.
What if my vehicle was totaled — do I still need to return the plates?
Yes. Even if the vehicle is totaled and sent to a salvage yard, you should return the plates or confirm that the salvage facility will handle the return. Contact your motor vehicle department and explain that the vehicle was totaled — they can tell you whether the salvage facility is responsible for plate return or whether you need to do it yourself.