Turn in your old plates to your state's DMV or authorized agent, or keep them if your state allows it

When you renew your driver's license or get new license plates, you have options for what happens to the old ones. Most states require you to return plates to the Department of Motor Vehicles, a county clerk's office, or an authorized agent like a car dealership or tag office. Some states let you keep them as long as you're not using them on a vehicle. A few states have no formal requirement at all, though keeping plates that are still registered to you can create liability problems.

The rule depends entirely on your state. There's no federal requirement, and what works in one state may be illegal in another. Before you toss old plates in a drawer or the trash, check your state's DMV website or call the office that issued them. The process takes minutes, and doing it correctly protects you from someone else using your old plate number.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states require you to return old license plates to the DMV, a county office, or an authorized agent within a set timeframe after getting new ones.
  • Some states allow you to keep old plates as souvenirs or for personal use as long as they're not mounted on a vehicle or registered to you.
  • Keeping plates that are still registered to your name can expose you to liability if someone uses them illegally or if a vehicle with your old plate is involved in a crime.
  • The easiest way to return plates is often at the same place you renewed your registration — a DMV office, county clerk, or authorized tag agent.
  • If you want to keep a plate for sentimental reasons, ask your DMV whether you can request it as a keepsake before turning in the rest.

Why states require plate returns

License plates are registered to you and your vehicle. When you stop using a plate, leaving it in circulation — even in your garage — creates a record mismatch. If someone finds your old plate and puts it on another vehicle, or if a plate is stolen and used in a crime, the registration still points back to you. Police and toll authorities trace violations to the registered owner first, which means you could face tickets, toll bills, or worse before the actual vehicle is identified.

States that require returns are trying to close that gap. By collecting old plates, they can deactivate the registration and make sure the plate number can't be misused. This is especially important for states with electronic toll systems, traffic cameras, and automated enforcement. A plate that's still in the system but not on your vehicle is a liability waiting to happen.

How to return plates in your state

The process varies slightly by state, but the basic steps are the same. First, check your state's DMV website for the specific requirement — search for "return license plates" or "old plates" and your state name. Most DMV sites have a page that tells you whether returns are required, where to return them, and whether you need an appointment.

Common places to return plates include your local DMV office, county clerk's office, or an authorized tag agent (often a car dealership or independent tag service). Some states let you mail plates back; others require in-person drop-off. A few states have you return plates when you renew your registration, so the process happens automatically. Bring your old plates and your vehicle registration or ID. There's usually no fee, and the whole transaction takes a few minutes.

If you're moving out of state, check both your old state's rules and your new state's rules. Some states require you to return plates before you leave; others don't care as long as you're not registering the vehicle there anymore. Your new state's DMV can tell you what they need from you.

States that let you keep old plates

A handful of states allow you to keep old plates as long as they're not registered to an active vehicle. The catch is that you can't use them on the road, and you need to make sure the registration is actually closed. Some states have a formal process where you can request to keep a plate as a keepsake — you fill out a form, pay a small fee (usually $5 to $15), and the DMV deactivates it so it can't be used.

If you want to keep a plate for sentimental reasons — a vintage plate, a personalized one you paid for, or one from a memorable year — ask your DMV whether they offer a keepsake program. If they do, request it before you turn in your plates. If they don't, you may still be allowed to keep it as long as you can prove the registration is closed. Get written confirmation from the DMV that the plate is deactivated, and keep that documentation with the plate.

What happens if you don't return plates

Consequences depend on your state's enforcement. Some states don't actively track whether you return plates, so nothing happens when ready. But if that old plate is ever used on another vehicle or involved in a traffic violation, the ticket or toll bill comes to you. You then have to prove you returned the plate or that it was stolen, which means gathering documentation and potentially going to court.

In states with strict requirements, not returning plates within the important date can result in a fine or a hold on your next registration renewal. Your DMV may refuse to renew your registration until you return the old plates or provide proof that you did. It's not worth the hassle — returning plates takes 10 minutes and costs nothing.

Plates from vehicles you no longer own

If you sold or traded in a vehicle, the plates should have been handled by the dealer or the buyer. When you sell a car privately, you're responsible for removing the plates before the buyer takes it. Some states let the buyer keep the plates and transfer them to their new vehicle; others require the seller to return them. Check your state's rules on private sales.

If you kept plates from a vehicle you sold years ago, treat them the same way as any old plates. Return them to your DMV, or if your state allows it, request a keepsake status. Don't assume they're deactivated just because you no longer own the vehicle — the registration may still be in your name until you formally close it.

Damaged, lost, or stolen plates

If your old plates are damaged or you can't find them, most states don't require you to produce them to close the registration. You can usually report them as lost or destroyed when you renew your registration or contact your DMV directly. Fill out a form (often called a "lost plate report" or "plate surrender form"), and the DMV will deactivate the registration without requiring the physical plates.

If your plates were stolen, report the theft to your local police and get a report number. Send that report to your DMV along with a request to deactivate the registration. This creates a paper trail that protects you if the stolen plates are ever used. Keep a copy of the police report and the DMV's confirmation that the registration is closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I throw old license plates in the trash?

It depends on your state. Some states have no formal requirement, so technically you can, but it's risky — if someone finds the plate and uses it, you're liable. The safer move is to return them to your DMV or request keepsake status. If your state allows it and you want to discard them, ask the DMV how to do it safely (some want you to deface them first).

What if I moved to a different state and still have old plates?

Contact your old state's DMV and ask whether they require returns from out-of-state residents. Many states let you mail plates back or will deactivate the registration without the physical plates if you provide proof of your move. Your new state's DMV doesn't care about plates from another state — they only care about your new registration.

Can I sell old license plates online?

Selling plates is illegal in most states because they're still state property, even after you stop using them. Some vintage or personalized plates have collector value, but you can't legally transfer them. If you have a rare or historic plate, ask your DMV whether they have a donation or museum program instead.

Do I need to return plates if I'm scrapping the vehicle?

Usually no — when you scrap a vehicle, the junkyard or scrap dealer typically handles plate removal and may return them to the DMV as part of the vehicle disposal process. But confirm this with the scrap yard before you drop off the car. If they don't handle it, remove the plates yourself and return them to your DMV.

What if my old plates have a personalized message I paid for?

Personalized plates are yours to keep in most states, but the registration is still the state's property. Ask your DMV about a keepsake program — many states will let you keep the physical plate as long as the registration is deactivated and you can't use it on a vehicle. If your state doesn't have a keepsake program, you may still be able to keep it as a souvenir once the registration is closed, but get written confirmation from the DMV first.