You can remove your own license plate with basic tools in about five minutes

License plates bolt to your vehicle with two to four screws or bolts, usually Phillips-head or hex. You need a screwdriver or wrench that fits, a small container to hold the fasteners so you don't lose them, and sometimes a plastic pry tool if the plate frame is stuck. The plate itself doesn't require any permission to remove — it's your property once it's on your car — but what you do with the vehicle afterward depends on your state's registration rules.

The reason most people remove plates is to transfer them to a different vehicle, sell a car, or store a vehicle temporarily. Each situation has different legal requirements, and your state's DMV website will tell you what paperwork you need before or after the removal. The physical removal is straightforward; the legal part is what matters.

Key Takeaways

  • License plates attach with two to four screws or bolts that you can remove with a Phillips screwdriver or hex wrench in about five minutes.
  • Removing a plate from a vehicle you own is legal, but what you do next — transfer it, store the car, or sell it — requires following your state's DMV rules.
  • Keep the fasteners in a labeled container so you can reinstall the plate or transfer it to another vehicle without buying new hardware.
  • If you're transferring the plate to a new vehicle, most states require you to notify the DMV before or when ready after the move.
  • Some states allow plate transfers between personal vehicles; others require a new plate for each registration, so check your state's policy first.

Tools and materials you'll need

Gather these items before you start: a Phillips-head screwdriver or a wrench (usually 8mm or 10mm hex) that fits the bolts on your plate, a small container or plastic bag to hold the fasteners, and optionally a plastic pry tool or old credit card if the plate frame is glued or stuck. Most modern plates use Phillips screws; older vehicles or commercial plates sometimes use bolts. Check your plate before you begin so you have the right tool.

If the fasteners are rusted or stuck, spray them with penetrating oil (like WD-40) and wait 10 to 15 minutes before attempting removal. This prevents stripping the screw head or breaking the bolt. A headlamp or flashlight helps if you're working in low light, especially if the plate is mounted low on the bumper.

Step-by-step removal process

Start at one corner of the plate and loosen the first fastener by a quarter turn — don't remove it yet. Do the same for the other fasteners. This breaks the seal and prevents the plate from suddenly dropping when you remove the last bolt. Then remove each fastener completely and place it when ready in your container. If the plate frame is attached with adhesive or clips, gently pry it away from the plate using a plastic tool.

Once all fasteners are out, carefully pull the plate away from the vehicle. The mounting holes may have rubber grommets or spacers; leave these in place unless they're damaged. If you're transferring the plate to another vehicle, keep the fasteners and any spacers together in a labeled bag so you have matching hardware for the new installation.

What to do before transferring a plate to a new vehicle

Before you move a plate from one car to another, check your state's DMV website for transfer rules. Some states allow you to transfer an existing plate to a new personal vehicle without a new registration; others require a new plate every time the vehicle changes. A few states let you keep a plate if you're replacing a vehicle but require you to notify the DMV within a set number of days.

Most states that allow transfers require you to submit a form (often called a "Transfer of Registration" or "Vehicle Registration Change") before or within 30 days of moving the plate. You'll typically need the old registration, proof of ownership of the new vehicle, and proof of inspection if your state requires it. Some DMVs let you submit this online; others require an in-person visit or mail. Doing this before you move the plate prevents driving an unregistered vehicle, which can result in a ticket.

Storing a vehicle and keeping its plate

If you're storing a car temporarily and want to keep the plate, your state's rules vary. Some states allow you to remove the plate and store it with the vehicle registration for up to a year without penalty. Others require you to notify the DMV that the vehicle is off the road, which may involve a "non-operation" or "storage" declaration. A few states charge a small fee to keep a plate in storage; most do not.

Contact your state's DMV or check their website before you store the vehicle. If you don't notify them and someone reports the vehicle abandoned, you could face fines or have the registration suspended. Keeping the plate and registration together in a safe place makes it easier to put the vehicle back on the road later.

Reinstalling a plate on the same or different vehicle

To reinstall a plate, line up the mounting holes on the plate with the holes on the vehicle bumper or frame. Insert the fasteners by hand first to make sure they're aligned, then tighten them with your screwdriver or wrench. Tighten firmly but not so hard that you strip the screw or crack the plate. The plate should sit flat against the bumper with no gaps or tilting.

If you're installing the plate on a different vehicle, the mounting holes may not line up exactly. Most vehicles have multiple pre-drilled holes or rubber grommets that accommodate different plate positions. If the holes don't match, you may need to drill new ones or use adhesive-backed mounting brackets, which some states allow. Check your state's rules on plate mounting before you drill.

What happens if you remove a plate without updating registration

Removing a plate and driving the vehicle without updating your registration with the DMV is illegal in every state. If you're caught, you can be cited for operating an unregistered vehicle, which typically results in a fine ranging from $50 to $500 depending on your state and whether it's a first offense. The vehicle may also be impounded.

If you're transferring the plate to a new vehicle, the gap between removal and reinstallation should be as short as possible — ideally the same day. If you need to store the vehicle or sell it, notify the DMV before you remove the plate so there's no period when the registration is active but the plate is gone. This protects you if the vehicle is spotted or involved in an incident while you're in transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my license plate if I sell my car?

It depends on your state. Some states let you transfer a plate to a new personal vehicle; others require a new plate for each registration. Check your state's DMV website or call them to learn the rule. If transfers are allowed, you'll need to submit paperwork before or shortly after moving the plate to your new car.

Do I need permission from the DMV to remove my plate?

No. You can remove the plate from your own vehicle anytime. However, you cannot drive the vehicle without a valid plate, and if you're transferring the plate to a different vehicle, you must notify the DMV before or when ready after the move to keep the registration legal.

What if the fasteners are stuck or rusted?

Spray the bolts or screws with penetrating oil and wait 10 to 15 minutes. This loosens rust and makes removal easier without stripping the fastener. If a screw head is already stripped, a rubber band placed over the stripped head can sometimes give the screwdriver enough grip to turn it.

Can I drill new holes if the mounting holes don't line up on my new vehicle?

Some states allow it; others do not. Check your state's DMV rules on plate mounting before you drill. Many vehicles have multiple pre-drilled holes or rubber grommets that can accommodate different plate positions without drilling new ones.

What do I do with the fasteners after I remove the plate?

Keep them in a labeled bag or container. If you're transferring the plate to another vehicle, you'll need the same fasteners to reinstall it. If you're storing the plate, keeping the fasteners with it ensures you have matching hardware when you reinstall it later.