What "removing a license" means and when you need to do it
Removing a license usually means one of two things: taking off your license plate from a vehicle, or formally surrendering your driver's license to your state's DMV. The reason matters, because the steps are different. If you're selling a car, moving out of state, or your license was suspended or revoked, you'll follow different procedures. This guide covers both situations so you know which one applies to you.
Most people remove a license plate when they sell a vehicle, let their registration expire, or stop using a car temporarily. Surrendering a driver's license is less common but happens when you move permanently, lose driving privileges, or choose to give up your license voluntarily.
Key Takeaways
- Removing a license plate takes five minutes and requires a screwdriver; keep the plate if you plan to transfer it to another vehicle, or turn it in to your DMV if you're done with it.
- When you sell a vehicle, remove the plate before the buyer takes it, or ask your DMV whether the buyer can keep it and register it in their name.
- Surrendering your driver's license requires a visit to your DMV office with your current license and a form of ID; your state will mail you a surrender receipt.
- If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward remove it—you must follow your state's reinstatement process or formal surrender procedure.
- License plate removal and driver's license surrender are separate processes; removing a plate does not affect your driving privileges.
Removing a license plate from your vehicle
To physically remove a license plate, you need a screwdriver (usually Phillips head) and about five minutes. Locate the bolts or screws at the top and bottom corners of the plate—most states use two bolts per plate. Unscrew them, pull the plate away from the bumper, and set it aside. If the plate is stuck, spray a little penetrating oil around the edges and wait a few minutes before trying again.
Once the plate is off, you have two choices. If you're transferring it to another vehicle you own, keep it in a safe place until you're ready to install it on the new car. If you're done with the plate—because you sold the vehicle, let registration lapse, or your state issued you a new plate—contact your DMV to find out whether you should mail it in or drop it off at a local office. Some states require you to return plates; others do not. Your registration paperwork or your state's DMV website will tell you the rule in your state.
What to do with the license plate after removal
If you sold the vehicle, check your state's rules about plate ownership. In most states, the plate belongs to you (the registered owner), not the buyer. You can keep it, transfer it to another vehicle you own, or return it to the DMV. Some states let you sign the plate over to the new owner so they can register the vehicle in their name without getting a new plate. Contact your DMV before the sale to confirm what's allowed where you live.
If you're returning the plate, your DMV will tell you whether to mail it or bring it in person. Keep any receipt or confirmation number they give you, in case questions come up later about your registration or insurance.
Surrendering your driver's license to the DMV
Surrendering your driver's license is a formal process that ends your driving privileges in that state. You might do this if you're moving permanently to another country, you no longer want to drive, or your license was revoked and you're completing a required surrender. Visit your local DMV office in person with your current driver's license and one form of government-issued ID (passport, state ID, or birth certificate).
Tell the DMV staff that you want to surrender your license. They will take your license, record the surrender in the system, and give you a receipt. Keep that receipt—it's proof that you formally surrendered the license on that date. Your state will mail you an official surrender document within a few weeks. If your license was suspended or revoked, follow your state's specific reinstatement or surrender requirements, which may include paying fees or completing a hearing.
Surrendering a license after suspension or revocation
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward walk in and surrender it. Suspension is temporary—your license will be restored after a set period or once you meet certain conditions (like paying a fine or completing a course). Revocation is permanent, and you may need to reapply for a license after a waiting period.
Contact your state DMV to find out your specific status and what steps you must take. If revocation is final and you want to formally surrender rather than wait out the period, ask whether you can do so and what paperwork is required. Some states require a hearing or written request. Do not straightforward throw away your license—the DMV needs an official record of the surrender.
Removing a license plate when you move out of state
If you're moving to another state and keeping your vehicle, you'll need to register it in your new state and remove the old plate. First, register your vehicle with your new state's DMV—you'll need your current registration, proof of insurance, and a vehicle inspection (required by some states). Once your new registration and plate arrive, remove the old plate and return it to your former state's DMV according to their rules.
If you're moving and not taking the vehicle with you, remove the plate before you leave and return it to your current state's DMV, or ask the new owner to handle it. Do not leave a plate on a vehicle you no longer own or register.
What happens after you remove a license plate
Once you remove a plate, your vehicle is no longer registered to drive on public roads in most states. If you drive without a plate, you can be cited for operating an unregistered vehicle. If you removed the plate because you sold the car, that's fine—the new owner will register it. If you removed it because your registration expired and you're not using the vehicle, keep it parked off the road until you renew registration or formally surrender the vehicle.
Removing a license plate does not affect your driver's license or your driving record. It only ends the registration for that specific vehicle. You can still drive other registered vehicles you own, and your driving privileges remain the same unless your license itself was suspended or revoked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove my license plate myself, or do I have to go to the DMV?
You can remove the plate yourself with a screwdriver—it takes five minutes. You only need to visit the DMV if your state requires you to return the plate or if you're transferring it to another vehicle and need paperwork to do so. Check your state's DMV website to see whether returning the plate is required.
What if I lost my license plate and can't return it?
Contact your DMV and report it lost. They will note it in the system and may issue you a replacement plate if you still own the vehicle and want to keep it registered. If you've sold the vehicle, tell the DMV that too so they don't hold you responsible for the missing plate.
Do I need to notify my insurance company when I remove a license plate?
If you're removing the plate because you sold the vehicle or are no longer using it, yes—contact your insurance company and ask them to cancel or suspend coverage for that vehicle. If you're just transferring the plate to another car you own, you may not need to call, but check your policy or call to confirm.
Can I surrender my driver's license if my license was suspended?
You can ask the DMV whether you're allowed to surrender instead of waiting out the suspension period. Some states allow it; others require you to complete the suspension term first. Contact your state DMV to find out what applies to your situation.
What if I move to another country—do I need to surrender my license?
You don't have to, but you may want to. If you're moving permanently and won't be driving in your home state again, surrendering formalizes that and prevents confusion later. If you think you might return and drive, you can keep it. Check whether your new country recognizes your U.S. license for an international driving permit.