You cannot throw old license plates in the trash — most states require you to return them or destroy them in a specific way

License plates are state property, even after you stop using them. Throwing them away violates state law in most places, and leaving them accessible to someone else creates a real risk: a stolen plate can be used on another vehicle to hide identity during a crime, rack up tolls or parking tickets in your name, or commit fraud. The safe and legal route depends on why you no longer need the plate and which state issued it.

The most common situations are: you sold or traded in a vehicle, you moved to another state, your registration expired and you're not renewing, or you're replacing a damaged plate. Each has a different process, and most take less than 15 minutes once you know where to go.

Key Takeaways

  • License plates are state property and cannot be thrown away; most states require you to return them to the DMV or destroy them under official supervision.
  • If you sold your vehicle, the buyer is usually responsible for the plate, but you should confirm this with your state's DMV before leaving it behind.
  • When you move to a new state, you typically surrender your old plates at your new state's DMV when you register your vehicle there.
  • Your state's DMV website lists the exact drop-off locations and any forms you need to complete before returning plates.
  • Some states allow you to destroy plates yourself at home if you make them unreadable, but rules vary widely by state.

Returning plates to your state DMV

The simplest legal option in every state is to return the plates to your DMV office in person. You can usually do this at any DMV location in your state, not just the one that issued them. Bring the plates and your driver's license; most offices do not require an appointment or form, though a few states ask you to fill out a short surrender form first.

Check your state's DMV website before you go — search "[your state] DMV return license plates" — because a small number of states do require paperwork. Some also let you mail plates back in a prepaid envelope, which is useful if you live far from an office. The DMV will destroy the plates or recycle them; you do not need to do anything after you hand them over.

What to do if you sold your vehicle

When you sell a car privately, the buyer typically takes the plates with them and registers the vehicle in their name. The new owner will then either keep the plates (if they stay in the same state) or surrender them when they move or register elsewhere. You are not responsible for the plates after the sale.

However, if you traded the vehicle in at a dealership, the dealer handles the plates — they will either reuse them or return them. Do not leave plates on a traded-in vehicle unless the dealer explicitly tells you to. If you sold the car and the buyer did not take the plates, you should return them yourself rather than leaving them on the vehicle or in the driveway, because an unclaimed plate can be picked up and misused.

Moving to a different state

When you relocate and register your vehicle in a new state, you will receive new plates from that state's DMV. You should return your old plates to your previous state's DMV before you leave, or within a set window after you move (usually 30 to 60 days, depending on the state). Some states let you mail them back; others require an in-person visit.

If you have already moved and still have the old plates, contact your previous state's DMV by phone or through their website to ask about mailing them back. Keeping plates from a state where you no longer live and own a vehicle can trigger notices or fines if the registration lapses, so handle this sooner rather than later.

Destroying plates yourself at home

A handful of states allow you to destroy plates yourself without DMV supervision, as long as you make them unreadable. This typically means cutting or grinding off the numbers and letters so they cannot be read or used. However, the rules are strict and vary significantly by state: some require you to file a form with the DMV after destruction, some forbid this method entirely, and some have specific rules about how the plate must be damaged.

Before you destroy a plate at home, check your state's DMV website or call to confirm it is allowed. If your state does not explicitly permit home destruction, return the plates to the DMV instead. Destroying a plate illegally or in a way that does not meet your state's standard can result in a fine.

Plates that are damaged, lost, or stolen

If a plate is damaged beyond use, you can bring it to the DMV and request a replacement. You will usually pay a small fee (typically $5 to $15) and receive a new plate on the spot or by mail. The damaged plate stays with the DMV.

If a plate is lost or stolen, report it to your local police department and then contact your DMV to request a replacement. Reporting the loss or theft creates a record that protects you if someone uses the plate illegally. The DMV will issue you a new plate, and you do not need to return the lost one since it no longer exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep an old license plate as a souvenir?

Most states do not allow you to keep a plate that is still registered to a vehicle you own. Once you sell the vehicle or stop using the plate, it must be returned or destroyed. A few states let you keep a plate after the registration expires and the vehicle is no longer in use, but you should confirm with your DMV first. If you want a decorative plate, purchase a novelty plate instead.

What happens if I just leave the plates on an old car in my driveway?

Leaving plates on an unused vehicle is risky. Someone can remove and use them on another car to hide their identity or commit fraud. Your name and address are linked to the plate, so you could be contacted about crimes or tolls. Return or destroy the plates to protect yourself.

Do I need to remove plates before I sell my car to a junkyard?

Check with the junkyard first — some require you to remove plates before drop-off, and others remove them for you. If you remove them, return them to the DMV. If the junkyard removes them, ask whether they will handle the return or if you need to do it yourself.

Can I throw away plates if I move out of the country?

No. Before you leave, return the plates to your state's DMV or mail them back if your state offers that option. This closes out your registration and prevents the plates from being misused. If you have already left, contact the DMV by phone or mail to arrange a return.

What if my state's DMV website does not say how to return plates?

Call the DMV directly — the phone number is on your registration or on the state's DMV website. Ask whether you can return plates in person, by mail, or both, and whether you need a form. Most states handle this quickly once you know the process.