You cannot straightforward throw away old license plates — most states require you to return them or destroy them in a specific way
Tossing old license plates in the trash is illegal in most states. The reason is straightforward: license plates contain identifying information tied to your vehicle and registration history, and states want to track what happens to them. Some states require you to return plates to the DMV or a designated location. Others let you destroy them yourself, but only if you follow their method. A few states have no formal requirement but still discourage disposal in regular trash.
The exact rule depends on where you live and why you no longer need the plates. If you're replacing plates because you got new ones, selling your car, or the plates expired, the process differs slightly in each case. The safest approach is to contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before you do anything with the plates.
Key Takeaways
- Most states require you to return old license plates to the DMV, a county office, or an authorized location rather than throw them away.
- Some states allow you to destroy plates yourself by cutting them in half or removing the numbers, but only if you follow their specific instructions.
- If you sold your car, the new owner may be responsible for handling the plates, or you may need to return them before the sale is complete.
- Keeping old plates without a current registration is illegal in many states and can result in fines if discovered during a traffic stop or vehicle inspection.
- Contact your state DMV before disposing of plates to confirm the exact requirement in your jurisdiction.
Return plates to your DMV or county office
The most common requirement is to return plates in person or by mail to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or your county's motor vehicle office. You typically do this when you renew your registration, replace damaged plates, or surrender your vehicle registration. Some states include a prepaid envelope with your registration renewal notice specifically for returning old plates.
To return plates, locate your nearest DMV office or county clerk's office that handles vehicle registration. Call ahead or check the website to confirm they accept plate returns and whether you need an appointment. Bring the plates and your vehicle registration or ID. The process usually takes a few minutes. If you prefer not to go in person, some states allow you to mail plates directly to the DMV — check your state's website for the mailing address and whether you need to include any forms.
Destroy plates yourself if your state allows it
Several states permit you to destroy old plates at home instead of returning them, but only if you follow their rules exactly. The most common method is to cut the plate in half with a saw or grinder, making sure to sever the numbers and identifying information. Some states require you to remove the numbers with a drill or grinder. A few states ask you to deface the plate so the numbers are no longer readable.
Before you destroy a plate, verify your state's specific method on the DMV website or by calling. Some states have no formal destruction requirement but still ask that you render the plate unusable. If you destroy a plate incorrectly — for example, by just bending it or partially cutting it — you may still face a fine if caught with it. Once you've destroyed the plate according to your state's rules, you can dispose of the metal in regular trash or take it to a scrap metal recycler.
What to do if you sold your car
When you sell a vehicle, the responsibility for the plates depends on your state's law and your sales agreement. In some states, the seller must remove and return the plates before handing over the car. In others, the new owner is responsible for handling them. Check your state's DMV website or the bill of sale form to see who is responsible.
If you are the seller and your state requires you to return the plates, do so before the sale is final. If the new owner is responsible, make that clear in writing on the bill of sale. If you're unsure, contact the DMV — they can tell you who is legally responsible in your state. Leaving plates on a car you no longer own can create problems if the new owner gets a ticket or is involved in an accident, since the plates are still registered to you.
Keep plates if your state allows it
A small number of states allow you to keep old plates as long as they are no longer registered to an active vehicle. However, this is rare, and the rules vary. Some states let you keep plates for sentimental reasons (such as a plate from a classic car you owned years ago) but require you to store them at home and never display them on a vehicle. Other states have no specific rule against keeping them but still discourage it.
The safest approach is to assume you should not keep old plates unless your state explicitly says you can. If you want to keep a plate for a collection or memory, contact your DMV and ask whether it's permitted in your state. If it is, ask whether you need to do anything to the plate (such as marking it as non-functional) to make it clear it's not registered to a vehicle.
Avoid common mistakes when disposing of plates
Do not straightforward throw old plates in the trash without checking your state's rules first. This is the most common mistake and can result in a fine if discovered. Do not keep plates on a vehicle after you've sold it or after your registration has expired — this is illegal in most states and can lead to a traffic stop or citation.
Do not assume that because you destroyed a plate, you've completed the legal requirement. Some states want you to return the destroyed pieces to the DMV or document that you destroyed them. Do not give old plates to a friend or family member to use on another vehicle, even temporarily. Plates are tied to a specific vehicle and registration, and using them on a different car is illegal.
Find your state's specific requirements
The fastest way to know what to do with your old plates is to visit your state's DMV website and search for "license plate disposal" or "returning license plates." Most state DMV sites have a dedicated page explaining the process. If you can't find the information online, call your local DMV office or county motor vehicle office and ask directly.
When you call, have your state and county ready, and mention whether you're returning plates because you're renewing your registration, replacing damaged plates, or no longer own the vehicle. The staff can tell you the exact steps for your situation and whether you need to bring anything with you or fill out any forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I throw away license plates in the recycling bin?
No. License plates should not go in curbside recycling because they contain metal and plastic that can damage sorting equipment. If your state requires you to return plates to the DMV, do that first. If your state allows you to destroy them, you can then take the destroyed metal pieces to a scrap metal recycler, but do not put whole or partially destroyed plates in any bin without checking your state's rules first.
What happens if I get pulled over with old plates still on my car?
You can be cited for displaying expired or unregistered plates. The officer may also check whether the plates are registered to your vehicle. If they are not, you could face additional fines. Remove old plates before you drive the vehicle, or cover them completely if you're driving it to the DMV or a scrap yard for disposal.
Do I need to return plates if I'm just replacing them with new ones?
Usually yes, but it depends on your state. When you renew your registration or request new plates, the DMV will tell you whether to return the old ones. Many states include a prepaid envelope for returning old plates with your renewal notice. If you're unsure, contact your DMV before you destroy or dispose of the plates.
Can I keep my old license plate as a souvenir?
Some states allow you to keep plates for personal collections if they are no longer registered to a vehicle, but most do not have a formal permission process. Contact your state DMV and ask whether you can legally keep an old plate. If they say yes, ask whether you need to mark it or do anything else to make it clear it's not in use.
What if I lost my old license plates?
Contact your DMV and report them as lost. They may ask you to file a report or straightforward note it in your registration file. You do not need to replace lost plates unless your state requires all vehicles to have visible plates at all times. If you're concerned about identity theft or misuse, ask the DMV whether they recommend any additional steps.