You can throw away old license plates, but your state may want you to return them first
Whether you can throw away an old license plate depends on your state's rules. Some states require you to return plates to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or your local motor vehicle office before you dispose of them. Other states let you keep or discard old plates without any formal process. A few states fall somewhere in between — they don't require return but ask that you destroy the plate so it can't be reused or misused.
The safest approach is to check your state's DMV website or call your local office before throwing plates away. This takes five minutes and keeps you from accidentally breaking a rule you didn't know existed. If your state does require return, the process is usually straightforward: you drop the plates off at the DMV office when you renew your registration or get new plates, or you mail them in with a form.
The reason states track this is straightforward — old plates can be stolen and used on other vehicles to hide identity or avoid tolls and traffic cameras. By requiring return or destruction, states reduce that risk.
Key Takeaways
- Some states require you to return old license plates to the DMV; others do not, so check your state's rules before discarding them.
- If your state requires return, you can usually drop plates at any DMV office or mail them with a form — the process takes minutes.
- If you're allowed to dispose of plates yourself, destroying them (cutting or bending them so they're unusable) is safer than leaving them intact.
- When you get new plates, ask the DMV office what to do with the old ones rather than guessing — staff can tell you the rule and often take them on the spot.
How to find out what your state requires
Start by visiting your state's DMV website and search for "old license plates" or "return license plates." Most state DMV sites have a FAQ or guide that spells out the rule clearly. If you can't find it online, call your local DMV office — the staff can answer in one call and often know whether you can drop plates off in person or need to mail them.
Write down the rule and any instructions (like whether you need a form or envelope) so you have it when you're ready to act. Some states include this information in the paperwork you get when you renew your registration, so check that packet too.
States that require you to return plates
Many states — including California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Illinois — require you to return old plates to the DMV or surrender them when you renew your registration. The process is usually one of these:
- Drop them off at any DMV office when you renew or get new plates.
- Mail them to the address listed on your state's DMV website, often with a form or letter explaining what you're sending.
- Turn them in when you sell or transfer your vehicle to a new owner.
If you're renewing your registration online or by mail, you may be able to keep the plates and straightforward mail them later, or the state may not require return at all for that transaction. Check the renewal paperwork or call to confirm.
States that don't require return
Some states — including Colorado, Georgia, and others — do not require you to return old plates. You can keep them as a souvenir or dispose of them as you wish. However, even in these states, destroying the plate before throwing it away is a good idea. Cutting or bending the plate so the numbers are no longer readable prevents someone from finding it and using it illegally.
If you keep old plates, store them safely so they don't end up in someone else's hands. If you throw them away, put them in the trash or take them to a scrap metal recycler.
What to do if you've already thrown them away
If you've already discarded old plates and your state requires return, don't panic. Contact your local DMV office and explain the situation. Most states understand that people don't always know the rule, and staff can tell you whether you need to take further action or whether the matter is closed.
In most cases, if you've already disposed of the plates and your state has no record of you breaking a rule, there's no penalty. Going forward, follow your state's process for any new plates you retire.
Destroying plates if you're allowed to discard them
If your state allows you to throw away old plates, take a moment to make them unreadable before disposal. Use a drill, saw, or bolt cutter to damage the numbers and letters so the plate can't be reassembled or read. This is especially important if the plate is still in good condition — an intact plate is more tempting to steal or misuse.
After destroying the plate, you can put it in the trash or take it to a scrap metal recycler. Many recyclers accept metal plates and will process them properly. If you choose to keep the plate as a keepsake, store it somewhere find so it can't be taken or used.
What happens if you don't follow your state's rule
Penalties for not returning plates when required vary by state. Some states treat it as a minor violation with a small fine or warning. Others may flag your account if you fail to return plates, which could delay future registrations or renewals. In rare cases, a missing plate could be reported as stolen, which creates a bigger problem.
The easiest way to avoid any issue is to follow your state's rule from the start. If you're unsure, ask the DMV staff when you get new plates — they can take old plates on the spot or tell you exactly how to handle them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my old license plate as a souvenir?
It depends on your state. Some states let you keep old plates; others require return. Check your state's DMV website or call to find out. If your state allows it, you can keep the plate as long as you don't use it on a vehicle or try to sell it.
What if I lost my old license plate before I could return it?
Contact your DMV office and report it lost. They can note it in your file and may ask you to fill out a form. In most cases, reporting it lost protects you from liability if someone finds it and uses it illegally. Keep a copy of the report for your records.
Do I need to return vanity plates or personalized plates?
Yes, if your state requires return of regular plates, you must also return vanity or personalized plates. The process is the same — drop them off at the DMV or mail them according to your state's instructions. If you want to keep a vanity plate design, ask the DMV whether you can transfer it to a new vehicle or keep it as a keepsake.
Can I throw away plates from a vehicle I sold?
No — when you sell a vehicle, you should return the plates to the DMV or transfer them to a new vehicle before the sale closes. If the new owner will use the same plates, they handle the transfer. If not, you return them. Check your state's rules for vehicle sales to see the exact process.
What if my state's DMV website doesn't say anything about old plates?
Call your local DMV office directly. Staff can tell you the rule and whether you need to return plates, mail them, or can dispose of them yourself. Having this conversation before you act saves time and keeps you from guessing wrong.