Turn in your old plate to your state's DMV or keep it if your state allows

What happens to your old license plate depends on your state's rules. Some states require you to return the plate to the Department of Motor Vehicles when you renew or replace it. Others let you keep it. A few states let you keep it only if you pay a fee. The safest move is to contact your state DMV before you do anything with the plate — a five-minute call tells you exactly what your state expects.

If your state requires return, the DMV will tell you how: some want you to mail it in, others want you to bring it to a local office, and some accept it at any renewal transaction. If your state lets you keep it, you can display it as a novelty, store it, or recycle it. The key is knowing the rule first, because turning in a plate your state lets you keep costs you nothing, but keeping a plate your state requires returned can result in a fine.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your state DMV to learn whether your state requires you to return old plates or allows you to keep them.
  • If return is required, the DMV will specify the method — mail, in-person drop-off, or submission during a renewal transaction.
  • If you can keep your plate, you may display it, store it, or take it to a scrap metal recycler.
  • Keeping a plate when your state requires return can result in a fine, so verify the rule before deciding.
  • Personalized or vanity plates often have different rules than standard plates, so ask about those specifically if you have one.

How to find out what your state requires

Visit your state's DMV website and search for "old license plate" or "return license plate." Most state DMV sites have a FAQ or a page dedicated to plate disposal. If the website does not answer the question clearly, call the DMV customer service line — the number is on the website. Have your state ready when you call, and ask: "When I get a new plate, do I need to return my old one, or can I keep it?"

Some states post the answer on their renewal paperwork or in the packet that comes with your new plate. If you received new plates in the mail, check the envelope and any included documents first. The answer is often there, and you will not need to make a call.

Returning your plate if your state requires it

If your state requires return, follow the specific instructions the DMV gives you. Most states offer one of three methods: mailing the plate to a DMV address, dropping it off at a local DMV office during business hours, or handing it over during a renewal transaction at the office. Some states accept return at any DMV location; others designate specific offices. The DMV website or your renewal paperwork will specify which method applies to you.

When you mail a plate, use a padded envelope or a small box to prevent damage in transit. Include a note with your name, driver's license number, and the plate number. Send it to the address the DMV provides. Keep the mailing receipt in case the DMV later claims it never arrived. If you drop it off in person, ask for a receipt showing the date and the plate number you returned.

Keeping your plate if your state allows it

If your state lets you keep your old plate, you have several options. Many people display it in their home, garage, or office as a keepsake or decoration. Some frame it or mount it on a wall. Others store it in case they want to display it later. There is no legal issue with keeping a plate your state permits you to keep, so the choice is entirely yours.

If you no longer want the plate and your state does not require return, you can take it to a scrap metal recycler. Most recyclers accept license plates because they contain aluminum and steel. Call ahead to confirm the recycler accepts plates and whether they charge a fee. Some recyclers take them for free; others may charge a small amount. This is a good option if you have limited storage space and do not want to keep the plate.

Special rules for personalized and vanity plates

Personalized or vanity plates — the ones with custom letters or numbers you paid extra for — sometimes have different rules than standard plates. Some states let you keep a vanity plate but require you to return a standard plate, or vice versa. A few states let you transfer a vanity plate to your new vehicle without paying the renewal fee again, while others treat it like any other plate.

If you have a personalized plate, ask the DMV specifically about that plate type when you call or visit. The rules vary enough that a general answer about "old plates" may not explore to yours. The DMV can tell you whether you can keep it, must return it, or can transfer it to another vehicle.

What not to do with your old plate

Do not use an old plate on a vehicle, even temporarily. Once your new plate is issued, the old one is no longer valid for road use. Driving with an expired or invalid plate can result in a traffic stop and a fine. If you want to display the old plate on a vehicle for decoration, make sure it is clearly not in the position where a license plate is normally mounted — for example, on a wall inside the vehicle or on a garage wall — so a police officer will not mistake it for an active plate.

Do not throw a plate in the trash or leave it on the side of the road. Plates contain personal information (your name and address may be visible on some older plates), and they are made of materials that should be recycled. If your state requires return and you do not return it, you may face a fine. If your state allows you to keep it but you do not want it, recycling is the responsible option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my old plate as a souvenir if my state requires return?

No. If your state requires return, keeping the plate can result in a fine. The rule exists because the DMV tracks which plates are in circulation. Contact your DMV to confirm the requirement, but do not keep a plate if return is mandated.

What if I lost my old plate before I could return it?

Contact your DMV and explain that the plate is lost. Most states will not fine you if you report the loss and provide your plate number. The DMV may ask you to fill out a form or provide a police report, depending on the state. Call ahead to ask what documentation they need.

Can I sell my old license plate online?

Only if your state allows you to keep it and only if the plate is not personalized or vanity. Even then, check your state's rules first — some states prohibit the sale of plates. If sale is allowed, remove any personal information before listing it. Many people buy old plates for decoration, but verify the legality in your state before attempting a sale.

Do I need to return my plate if I move to a different state?

Return the plate according to your old state's rules, not your new state's rules. Your old state issued the plate and tracks it. Once you move, contact the DMV in your old state to ask how to return it — they may allow you to mail it or may tell you to keep it. Then follow your new state's rules for your new plate.

What if my old plate is damaged or faded?

If your state requires return, return it anyway — the condition does not matter. If your state allows you to keep it, you can still keep it even if it is damaged. If you do not want to keep a damaged plate, take it to a scrap metal recycler. Do not attempt to repair or repaint a plate, as this may violate state law.