Where to turn in your old plates

Most states require you to return old license plates to your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or a local branch office when you no longer need them. You cannot straightforward throw them away or keep them. The plates remain the property of the state, and returning them closes out the registration record tied to that plate number.

The easiest route is to visit the same DMV office where you renewed your registration or got new plates. Bring the old plates with you and hand them to the clerk — the process takes less than five minutes. Some states also allow you to mail plates back, though you will want to confirm this option with your specific DMV first, since procedures vary by state.

If you sold your vehicle to a dealer or private buyer, the new owner is responsible for turning in the old plates and registering the vehicle in their name. If you donated the vehicle, the charity or towing service typically handles plate return as part of the donation process.

Key Takeaways

  • License plates belong to the state and must be returned to your DMV office rather than discarded.
  • You can usually return plates at any DMV branch during regular business hours without an appointment.
  • Some states allow you to mail plates back, but you should contact your DMV to confirm the mailing address and any required forms.
  • When you sell or donate a vehicle, the new owner or the charity is responsible for returning the old plates.
  • Keeping old plates or throwing them away can result in fines or continued liability if the plates are misused.

What happens if you keep old plates

Keeping old license plates after you no longer own the vehicle can create legal problems. If someone finds or steals your old plates and uses them on another vehicle, you may be held liable for traffic violations, parking tickets, or worse — even if you were not driving the vehicle. The registration record still ties those plates to you until you formally return them.

Some states impose fines for failing to return plates, ranging from $25 to $100 or more depending on how long you hold them. The safest approach is to return them as soon as you no longer need them, whether that is when you get new plates, sell the vehicle, or let a registration lapse.

Returning plates when you renew or change registration

If you are renewing your registration and keeping the same vehicle, you typically do not return the old plates — the DMV will issue new ones with updated expiration dates, and you straightforward replace the old plates on your vehicle. The old plates are destroyed by the DMV.

If you are switching to a different vehicle, you will receive new plates for the new car. Bring the old plates from your previous vehicle to the DMV when you register the new one, and turn them in at that time. This is the most common scenario and the simplest to handle.

If you are letting a registration expire and no longer own a vehicle, you should still return any plates you have. Contact your local DMV office to find out where and how to do this — some offices have drop boxes for after-hours returns.

Mailing plates back to the DMV

Not all states accept mailed plates, so check your DMV website or call ahead before you send anything. If your state does allow mail returns, the DMV will provide you with a mailing address and may require you to include a form or letter stating why you are returning the plates.

Use a tracked mailing method such as certified mail or a carrier that provides tracking, so you have proof the plates reached the DMV. Keep the receipt until you receive confirmation that the plates were received and processed. This protects you if the plates go missing in transit.

Mailing takes longer than in-person return — typically two to four weeks from the time the DMV receives them — so if you need to close out a registration quickly, visiting an office in person is faster.

Plates from vehicles you sold or donated

When you sell a vehicle to a private buyer, the new owner is responsible for registering it in their name and returning your old plates to the DMV. You should remove the plates before handing over the vehicle, or ask the buyer to return them to you so you can turn them in yourself. This ensures you are not held liable if the plates are misused after the sale.

If you sold the vehicle to a dealer, the dealer will handle plate return as part of their registration process. Ask them to confirm in writing that they have received and will return the plates.

For donated vehicles, the charity or towing service typically takes possession of the plates along with the vehicle and handles all registration and plate return. Ask the organization for a receipt showing they took the plates, so you have documentation that you no longer have them.

What to do with personalized or vanity plates

Personalized plates follow the same return process as standard plates — you must turn them in to the DMV. However, if you want to keep the same personalized number or phrase for a future vehicle, some states allow you to request a hold on the plate before you return it. Contact your DMV to ask whether this option is available and what the process is.

If you do not request a hold, the personalized plate will be returned to the pool of available plates and someone else may eventually receive it. If you think you might want to use the same personalization again, ask about a hold or transfer before you return the plates.

Damaged or unreadable plates

If your old plates are damaged, bent, faded, or unreadable, you can still return them to the DMV. Bring them in as they are — the DMV will destroy them properly. Do not attempt to repair or alter plates yourself, as this is illegal in most states.

If a plate is so damaged that you cannot safely transport it, contact your local DMV office and ask how they want you to handle it. Some offices may allow you to describe the damage over the phone and skip the in-person return, though this is rare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I throw away old license plates in the trash?

No. License plates are state property and must be returned to the DMV. Discarding them is illegal in most states and can result in fines. Plates also contain metal and should be recycled properly rather than sent to a landfill.

What if I lost my old plates before I could return them?

Contact your DMV and report the lost plates. Provide the plate number if you have it, or your vehicle identification number (VIN) so the DMV can look it up. The DMV will note the loss in their system and you will not be held liable for misuse after you report them missing.

Do I need an appointment to return plates at the DMV?

Most DMV offices do not require an appointment for plate returns, since the process is quick. However, some states or individual offices may require appointments for all transactions. Check your state DMV website or call ahead to confirm whether you need one.

Can I return plates from a vehicle I no longer own if I forgot to do it years ago?

Yes. Return them as soon as you realize you still have them. Contact your DMV, explain the situation, and turn the plates in. The longer you wait, the greater the risk that someone could misuse them, so do not delay.

What if my state does not have a DMV office near me?

Many states allow returns by mail, or you may be able to return plates at a satellite office, courthouse, or authorized third-party location. Check your state DMV website for all available return locations and methods in your area.