Where to take old license plates

The safest way to get rid of old license plates is to return them to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. Most states accept plates at any DMV office during regular business hours, and the process takes just a few minutes. Some states also allow you to mail plates in, which works if you don't have a DMV location nearby.

If you're replacing plates because you sold your vehicle, the new owner may need to handle the return themselves—check your state's rules. If you're keeping the vehicle but switching to new plates, you can return the old ones when ready after the new ones arrive.

A few states run mail-in programs specifically for this. For example, some allow you to drop plates in any official mailbox with prepaid postage, or you can request a return envelope from the DMV website. Contact your state DMV directly to confirm whether mail-in return is an option where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • Return plates to your state DMV office in person, or check whether your state offers mail-in return.
  • Do not throw plates in the trash or leave them on an abandoned vehicle—they remain registered to you until officially returned.
  • Request a receipt when you return plates, in case questions arise about the vehicle later.
  • If you move to a different state, return plates to your old state's DMV before registering the vehicle in your new state.
  • Plates with personalized or vanity text can sometimes be transferred to a new vehicle if you want to keep them.

Why you should not throw plates away

Leaving old plates in the trash or on an abandoned vehicle creates a legal problem: the plates remain registered to you until you officially return them. If someone finds your plate and uses it on another vehicle, or if the vehicle is involved in a crime, the registration still points back to your name and address.

Even if you've already sold the car and the new owner has registered it in their name, your old plates are still your responsibility. The DMV's records don't automatically clear them when a vehicle changes hands. Returning them closes that loop and protects you from liability.

What happens if you move to another state

When you relocate and register your vehicle in a new state, you'll receive new plates from that state. Return your old plates to your previous state's DMV before or shortly after the move. Some states require this before they'll issue new registration, while others straightforward ask that you do it within a set timeframe.

If you're moving and still owe money on the vehicle, or if there's a lien on the title, contact your lender or the DMV to confirm the plate return process. In rare cases, a lender may need to be notified before plates are returned.

Keeping personalized or vanity plates

If you have custom plates with a personalized design or message, you may be able to transfer them to a new vehicle instead of returning them. Most states allow this, but the process and fees vary. Some states charge a small transfer fee, while others include it in your regular registration renewal.

Contact your state DMV to ask about plate transfer options before you return the old ones. If you want to keep the plates but are selling the vehicle, you'll typically need to remove them from the vehicle before the sale and hold them until you buy a replacement car. The new owner will need to get their own plates.

Damaged, lost, or stolen plates

If your plates are damaged, lost, or stolen, you don't need to return them—you need to report the situation to the DMV and request replacements. A damaged plate can be turned in at the DMV office, but a lost or stolen plate should be reported to both the DMV and your local police department. The police report protects you if the plate is later found on another vehicle.

Once you report a plate as lost or stolen, the DMV will deactivate it in their system. You can then order replacement plates, which usually arrive within one to three weeks depending on your state.

When to return plates after selling your vehicle

If you sold the vehicle privately, return the plates to the DMV as soon as the sale is complete. You don't need to wait for the new owner to register it. In fact, returning them promptly protects you: it shows the DMV that you no longer own the vehicle, which can help if a dispute arises later about registration or violations.

If you sold the vehicle to a dealership, ask whether they'll handle the plate return or whether you need to do it yourself. Some dealerships collect plates from trade-ins, but others expect the seller to return them. Get this in writing if possible, so you have proof of who was responsible.

Getting a receipt for your records

Always ask for a receipt or confirmation when you return plates to the DMV. This document shows that you officially surrendered the plates on a specific date, which protects you if questions come up later about the vehicle or the registration. Keep the receipt with your vehicle records.

If you mail plates in, request a tracking number or delivery confirmation so you have proof they arrived. Some states provide a confirmation letter by mail after they receive returned plates; if yours does, file it with your receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I throw old license plates in the recycling bin?

No. Plates must be returned to the DMV or disposed of through an official program. Throwing them away leaves them registered to you and creates a liability risk if someone finds them and uses them illegally.

What if I lost my old plates and can't find them to return?

Report them as lost to the DMV and file a police report. The DMV will deactivate them in their system, and the police report protects you if the plates are later used on another vehicle. You don't need to physically return plates that are lost.

Do I need to return plates if I'm junking the vehicle?

Yes. Even if the vehicle is being scrapped, remove the plates and return them to the DMV. The junkyard will not do this for you. Returning them ensures the registration is officially closed and you're not liable for anything that happens to the vehicle afterward.

Can I keep my old plates as a souvenir?

No. Plates must be returned to the DMV. Keeping them is illegal in most states because they remain registered property of the state. If you want to keep a memento of a vehicle, take a photo of the plate before returning it.

How long do I have to return plates after selling my car?

Return them as soon as possible after the sale. Most states don't set a strict important date, but the sooner you return them, the sooner you're officially clear of liability. Some states ask that you return them within 30 days; check your state DMV website for the specific timeframe.