Why and when you need to remove your license plate

You remove your license plate when you sell your car, surrender it to the state, or transfer it to a different vehicle. In most states, the plate stays with you rather than the car — you keep it when you sell and move it to your next vehicle, or you return it to your state's motor vehicle office when you no longer need it. Some states let you keep a plate as a souvenir after you formally retire it, but you cannot legally use it on any road.

The actual removal takes five minutes and requires only a screwdriver. The harder part is knowing what to do with the plate afterward, because the rules vary by state. Returning it matters: some states charge you a fee if you do not, and using an old plate on a new car — even by accident — can create registration problems.

Key Takeaways

  • License plates attach with screws, usually Phillips-head, and come off with a standard screwdriver in a few minutes.
  • Most states require you to return plates to the motor vehicle office or your local DMV branch, though a few let you keep them as souvenirs after formal retirement.
  • If you are selling your car, remove the plates before handing over the keys so the new owner cannot use them on another vehicle.
  • Check your state's motor vehicle website to learn whether your plates must be returned and whether there is a fee for not returning them.

The basic steps to remove a license plate

Locate the screws holding the plate to your car's bumper or frame. Most plates have two screws — one at the top and one at the bottom, or one on each side. Look for the small holes or slots in the metal frame around the plate itself.

Use a Phillips-head screwdriver (the one with an X-shaped tip) to unscrew each bolt. Turn counterclockwise and remove the screw completely. If a screw is stuck or rusted, spray it with penetrating oil like WD-40 and wait a few minutes before trying again. Once both screws are out, gently pull the plate away from the bumper. It should come free without force.

If your car has a front and rear plate, repeat the process on the back. Some states require both plates; others require only the rear plate. Check your registration documents or your state's motor vehicle website to know which ones you need to remove.

What to do with your plate after removal

Contact your state's motor vehicle office or visit their website to learn the return process. Most states have a specific procedure: you may need to mail the plate in, drop it at a local branch, or surrender it when you renew your registration. Some offices accept plates at any time; others have specific windows or require you to include a form.

A few states — including California, Colorado, and a handful of others — let you keep a plate as a souvenir after you formally retire it through the motor vehicle office. You fill out a form, pay a small fee (usually under $10), and the office marks the plate as retired so it cannot be used on any vehicle. If you want to keep your plate this way, ask the office about their souvenir plate program when you contact them.

If you do not return a plate when required, some states charge a penalty or fee on your next registration renewal. Others may flag your account if someone uses an old plate you did not return. The safest approach is to return it promptly — it takes one trip and costs nothing.

Removing plates when you sell your car

Remove your plates before you hand over the keys to the new owner. This prevents the buyer from accidentally or intentionally using your plates on another vehicle, which creates a liability and registration problem for you. Even if the new owner plans to register the car in their name right away, they should not drive it with your old plates.

If you are selling to a private buyer, remove the plates at the time of sale and explain that they will need to get new plates from the motor vehicle office. If you are trading the car in at a dealership, ask whether they want you to remove the plates or whether they will do it. Most dealerships remove plates themselves, but confirming takes one phone call and prevents confusion.

Removing plates when you surrender or scrap your car

If your car is being scrapped or junked, remove the plates before you hand it over to the scrap yard or junk dealer. The yard will not need them, and you are responsible for returning them to the state. Take the plates with you when you leave.

Some people forget this step and assume the scrap yard handles it. The yard does not — they crush the car and send it for metal recycling, and your plates go with it. You then have an unreturned plate on your record. Return the plates to your motor vehicle office within a few weeks of scrapping the car, and bring your title or a letter from the scrap yard showing the car's VIN and the date it was scrapped. This documentation helps the office close out your registration.

Transferring plates to a new vehicle

If your state lets you keep and reuse your plate on a new car, you can transfer it yourself. Remove the plate from your old vehicle using the steps above, then attach it to your new car in the same location using the same screw holes (or new holes if the bumper design is different). Use the same Phillips-head screwdriver and tighten the screws firmly so the plate does not rattle or fall off.

After you transfer the plate, you must notify your state's motor vehicle office that the plate is now on a different vehicle. This usually happens when you register the new car — you tell the office you are transferring an existing plate rather than requesting a new one. Bring your old registration, the title to the new car, and proof of insurance. The office updates their records so the plate is linked to the new vehicle's VIN.

Not all states allow plate transfers. Some issue new plates with every vehicle registration, and old plates must be returned. Check your state's rules before you assume you can move a plate to your next car.

Tools and tips for stuck or damaged plates

If a screw will not budge, spray it with penetrating oil and wait 10 to 15 minutes. Try again with steady, even pressure — do not force it or you may strip the screw head. If the screw head is already damaged, try a rubber band: place a wide rubber band over the stripped screw head, press your screwdriver firmly into it, and turn. The rubber fills the gaps and sometimes gives you enough grip to turn the screw.

If the plate itself is bent, cracked, or faded, you may need a replacement from your motor vehicle office. A bent plate can sometimes be straightened gently with a rubber mallet, but if it is cracked or the numbers are no longer visible, order a new one. Most offices charge $5 to $15 for a replacement plate and can mail it to you or let you pick it up at a local branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove my license plate myself or do I need to go to the DMV?

You can remove it yourself with a screwdriver — it takes five minutes. You only need to visit the motor vehicle office to return the plate or transfer it to a new vehicle, not to remove it from your current car.

What happens if I do not return my old license plate?

Rules vary by state. Some charge a fee on your next registration renewal, and others may flag your account if someone uses the unreturned plate. The safest approach is to return it to your motor vehicle office within a few weeks of selling or scrapping your car.

Do I need to remove both the front and rear license plates?

It depends on your state. Some require both plates, others require only the rear plate. Check your registration documents or your state's motor vehicle website to know which plates you need to remove and return.

Can I keep my old license plate as a souvenir?

Some states have a souvenir plate program that lets you keep a retired plate after you formally retire it through the motor vehicle office and pay a small fee. Contact your state's motor vehicle office to ask whether this option is available and what the process is.