How to cancel your license plates
To cancel your license plates, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency) and tell them you want to surrender the plates. Most states let you do this by mail, in person, or online. You will need your vehicle registration number and the plate numbers. Some states require you to physically return the plates; others let you destroy them at home and send a photo as proof. The process usually takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on your state and method.
Cancelling plates matters because it stops your registration from renewing automatically and removes your liability for that vehicle. If you sell the car, trade it in, or straightforward no longer own it, cancelling the plates prevents you from being billed for registration fees you do not owe.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to start the cancellation process, either online, by mail, or in person.
- Have your vehicle registration number and plate numbers ready before you contact the DMV.
- Some states require you to mail the physical plates back; others allow you to destroy them and submit a photo instead.
- Cancelling your plates stops automatic renewal of your registration and removes your financial responsibility for that vehicle.
- The process typically takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on your state and whether you submit documents by mail or online.
When you need to cancel plates
You should cancel your plates when you no longer own the vehicle. This includes selling the car to a private buyer, trading it in at a dealership, donating it to charity, or scrapping it. Cancelling stops the state from billing you for registration renewal and removes you from liability if the vehicle is involved in an accident or traffic violation after you no longer own it.
If you are moving out of state, you may also need to cancel your current state's plates before registering the vehicle in your new state. Some states will not issue new registration until the old plates are officially surrendered.
Do not wait until your registration expires to cancel. Cancelling early prevents unnecessary renewal fees and keeps your record clean with the DMV.
How to cancel plates by mail
Most states accept cancellation requests by mail. Contact your state's DMV website to find the mailing address and any required forms. Typically you will need to send a letter or completed form that includes your name, address, vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration number, and the plate numbers you want to cancel.
Some states require you to mail the physical plates back in the envelope they provide. Others ask you to destroy the plates yourself (usually by cutting them in half) and include a photo of the destroyed plates with your mailed documents. Check your state's specific rules before you destroy anything.
Mail your documents to the address listed on the DMV website. Keep a copy of everything you send. Processing typically takes two to four weeks by mail, so plan ahead if you have a important date.
How to cancel plates online or in person
Many states now offer online cancellation through their DMV website. Log in to your account, find the vehicle registration section, and look for an option to surrender or cancel plates. You will enter your registration number and plate numbers, and the state will process the request electronically. Online cancellation usually takes three to five business days.
If your state does not offer online cancellation, visit a local DMV office in person. Bring your registration card, driver's license, and the plate numbers. Tell the clerk you want to cancel the plates. Some offices will accept the plates on the spot; others will give you instructions to mail them or destroy them at home. Processing in person is usually fastest — you may receive confirmation the same day.
What happens to your plates after cancellation
Once the DMV processes your cancellation, your registration ends and the plates are deactivated in the state system. If you mailed the plates, the DMV will store or recycle them. If you destroyed them at home, the state has no further use for them.
You will receive a cancellation confirmation letter or email, depending on your state and method. Keep this document for your records. It proves you surrendered the plates on a specific date, which protects you if the vehicle is later involved in a traffic violation or accident.
The cancelled plates cannot be reused by you or anyone else. Each plate is tied to a specific vehicle and registration period.
Cancelling plates when selling your vehicle
If you are selling your car to a private buyer, cancel your plates as soon as the sale is complete and the title has been transferred to the new owner. Do not wait for your registration to expire. The new owner will register the vehicle in their own name and receive new plates.
If you are trading in your vehicle at a dealership, the dealership usually handles plate cancellation as part of the paperwork. Ask the dealer to confirm in writing that they will cancel the plates on your behalf. If they do not, contact the DMV yourself to cancel them.
If you are donating the vehicle to a charity, ask the charity whether they will cancel the plates or whether you need to do it. Some charities handle the paperwork; others expect the donor to complete cancellation before handing over the keys.
Cancelling plates if you cannot find the physical plates
If you have lost or misplaced your plates, you can still cancel your registration. Contact the DMV and explain that the plates are missing. You will likely need to file a report or sign a statement saying the plates are lost. The DMV will cancel your registration without requiring you to return the physical plates.
Some states charge a small fee for lost plate cancellation, while others waive it. Ask the DMV about any fees when you report the plates missing. Processing may take slightly longer because the DMV will verify your identity more carefully, but the cancellation will go through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to return the physical plates, or can I destroy them?
It depends on your state. Some states require you to mail the plates back to the DMV. Others let you cut them in half and submit a photo as proof of destruction. Check your state's DMV website or call their customer service line to find out which method applies to you before you destroy anything.
What if I cancel my plates but still own the vehicle?
You can cancel plates and keep the vehicle — for example, if you are storing it and do not plan to drive it for a while. However, you cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads without active registration and plates. If you want to drive it again later, you will need to register it again and receive new plates.
How long does it take to cancel plates?
Online cancellation usually takes three to five business days. In-person cancellation at a DMV office may be processed the same day. Cancellation by mail typically takes two to four weeks, depending on mail delivery and DMV processing time.
Will I get a refund if I cancel my plates before my registration expires?
Most states do not refund registration fees when you cancel early. However, some states offer a prorated refund if you cancel more than a certain number of months before expiration. Contact your state's DMV to ask whether a refund is available in your situation.
Can I cancel plates for a vehicle I no longer have?
Yes. If you sold or donated the vehicle and did not cancel the plates at the time, you can still cancel them later. Contact the DMV with your registration number and plate numbers. You will not need the physical plates if you no longer have them.