You can return old plates to your DMV, destroy them yourself, or keep them as memorabilia — the rules depend on your state
When you get new license plates, your old ones don't automatically disappear. Most states let you choose what happens to them: return them to the Department of Motor Vehicles, destroy them at home, or hold onto them as keepsakes. A few states require you to turn them in. The specific rules vary by state, so checking your DMV's website or calling before you act saves you from doing something that turns out to be against the law where you live.
The reason states care about old plates at all is that they're government property and they can be misused — someone could try to use an old plate on a vehicle they don't own, or forge documents claiming ownership. That's why some states have formal surrender processes and why others prohibit keeping plates without permission.
Key Takeaways
- Most states allow you to keep old plates as long as they're not currently registered to a vehicle, but a few require you to return them to the DMV.
- If your state requires surrender, you can usually drop plates off at a DMV office or mail them in — check your state's DMV website for the exact process.
- Destroying plates yourself is legal in many states, but some require that you cut or drill through the numbers to make them unreadable before disposal.
- Keeping a plate as a souvenir is allowed in most states as long as it's not attached to a vehicle and the registration has ended.
Return your plates to the DMV if your state requires it
Some states — including California, New York, and Texas — ask drivers to return plates when they're no longer in use. The process is straightforward: take the plates to your local DMV office during business hours, or mail them in if your state offers that option. You'll typically need to bring your vehicle registration or a form showing the plates are no longer registered.
Check your state's DMV website to see whether return is required or optional. If it's required and you don't return them, you could face a fine, though enforcement varies. If return is optional, you can choose whether the hassle is worth it to you — some people return them anyway to avoid any possibility of confusion later.
A few states have specific mail-in addresses or forms for plate surrender. California, for example, lets you mail plates to the DMV with a form, and some states include a prepaid envelope with your registration renewal notice if they want the old plates back.
Destroy the plates yourself if your state allows it
In states where plate return is optional, you can destroy the plates at home before throwing them away. This prevents someone from finding them and attempting to use them. The standard method is to drill or cut through the numbers and characters so they're no longer readable, then dispose of the metal in your regular trash or at a metal recycling facility.
A power drill works quickly — drill several holes through the numbers on both sides of the plate. A hacksaw, angle grinder, or even heavy-duty tin snips will also work if you don't have a drill. The goal is to make the plate impossible to read or use, not to destroy it completely. Wear safety glasses if you're drilling or cutting, since metal shavings can fly.
Some states specifically permit this method and mention it on their DMV websites. Others don't address it, which generally means it's acceptable as long as the plate is no longer registered to any vehicle. If you're uncertain, a quick call to your local DMV office can confirm whether destroying plates yourself is allowed in your state.
Keep old plates as memorabilia if you want to
Many states allow you to keep old plates as long as they're not attached to a vehicle and the registration has ended. People keep them for sentimental reasons — a plate from a car they loved, a vanity plate with personal meaning, or plates from a state they used to live in. As long as the plate isn't currently registered and you're not trying to use it on a vehicle, having it hanging in your garage or office is fine in most places.
The key rule is that the plate cannot be attached to any vehicle you're driving. Once a plate is deregistered, it's just a piece of metal with no legal connection to any car. Some people even collect vintage or unusual plates from different states and eras.
If you're keeping a plate and you move to a different state, bring it with you — there's no rule against having old plates from other states. Just don't attach it to a vehicle or try to register it.
Check your state's specific rules before you act
License plate rules are set by individual states, so what's allowed in one state might not be in another. Your state's DMV website will have a page about what to do with old plates, or you can call your local office and ask. It takes five minutes and prevents you from accidentally breaking a rule you didn't know existed.
Some states post this information on their registration renewal notices or include it in the paperwork when you get new plates. If you got new plates recently, check the envelope or documents that came with them — the answer might already be there.
What happens if you don't do anything with old plates
In states where return is optional, nothing happens if you keep old plates. They're no longer registered to any vehicle, so they have no legal status. You can store them indefinitely without penalty.
In states where return is required, not returning plates can result in a fine, though how strictly this is enforced varies. Some states actively track unreturned plates, while others only penalize you if you're caught during a traffic stop or registration renewal. The safest approach is to follow your state's rules, but if you've kept old plates and your state requires return, you can still turn them in at any time — there's no important date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an old license plate as a decoration on my house or garage?
Yes, as long as the plate is not attached to a vehicle. Hanging old plates on a wall, fence, or garage door is fine in all states. The restriction is only on using them on cars — they cannot be attached to any vehicle you're driving or parking on a public road.
What if I lost my old plates and can't return them?
Contact your DMV and explain that the plates are lost. Most states will not penalize you for lost plates — they understand that plates get damaged, stolen, or misplaced. You may need to fill out a form or provide your vehicle registration number, but this is a routine situation for DMVs.
Do I need to return vanity plates when I stop using them?
Follow the same rules as regular plates: if your state requires plate return, vanity plates must be returned. If return is optional, you can keep them. Some people keep vanity plates as keepsakes because they're more meaningful than standard plates.
Can I sell old license plates online?
This depends on your state. Some states prohibit the sale of license plates because they're government property. Others allow it as long as the plates are no longer registered and clearly cannot be used on a vehicle. Check your state's DMV website or call before listing plates for sale — selling them illegally could result in a fine.
What if I moved to a new state — do I need to return my old state's plates?
No. Once you register a vehicle in your new state, your old plates are no longer active. You can keep them, destroy them, or contact your former state's DMV if you want to return them, but there's no requirement to do so. Many people keep plates from states they've lived in as mementos.