Where to turn in your old plates

The fastest way to dispose of license plates is to return them to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — usually called the Secretary of State, Motor Vehicle Administration, or Department of Transportation depending on your state. Most DMVs accept plates at any office location during business hours, and you do not need an appointment.

If you cannot visit in person, many states allow you to mail plates to the DMV. Check your state's website for the mailing address and whether you need to include a form. Some states require you to submit a form like a "plate surrender" or "vehicle registration cancellation" document along with the plates themselves.

A few states also accept plates at vehicle inspection stations or through your insurance company, though this varies by location. Call your local DMV office to confirm what your state accepts and whether there are any fees involved — most states do not charge to return plates.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's DMV is the official place to return license plates, and most offices accept them during regular business hours without an appointment.
  • If you cannot visit in person, you can mail plates to your DMV along with any required form, which you can find on your state's website.
  • Some states allow you to destroy or recycle plates yourself only after you have officially surrendered them to the DMV.
  • Keeping old plates after selling a vehicle or canceling registration is illegal in most states, so turn them in promptly.

What happens after you surrender your plates

Once the DMV receives your plates, they are typically destroyed or recycled. The agency will process your vehicle registration cancellation at the same time, which stops you from being liable for registration fees or violations tied to those plates.

You will receive a receipt or confirmation that the plates were surrendered. Keep this document in case you need proof later — for example, if you are selling a vehicle and the buyer asks whether the plates were officially returned.

Destroying plates yourself (if your state allows it)

A small number of states permit you to destroy plates on your own after you have officially surrendered them to the DMV. This usually means cutting them in half, drilling holes through them, or otherwise rendering them unusable. However, you must check your state's rules first — destroying plates without permission is illegal in most states.

If your state does allow it, keep the destroyed plates until you receive written confirmation from the DMV that your registration is cancelled. Do not throw them away until that confirmation arrives, because you may need to prove you surrendered them.

Recycling old plates

If your state's DMV recycles plates rather than destroying them, you can ask whether you can pick up your old plates for recycling yourself. Some DMVs will give them back to you if you request it. Metal recycling centers will accept aluminum and steel plates, though they typically do not pay for them because the metal value is low.

Check with your local recycling program first to confirm they accept license plates. Some programs exclude them because of the reflective coating or fasteners. If your local recycler will not take them, the DMV will handle recycling when you surrender them.

What to do if you lost your plates

If your plates were lost, stolen, or damaged beyond recognition, you do not need to return them. Instead, report the loss to your DMV and request replacement plates. You will usually pay a small fee — typically five to twenty dollars depending on your state — and receive new plates by mail within one to three weeks.

If your plates were stolen, file a police report first and bring that report to the DMV. Some states waive the replacement fee if you can show a theft report. Keep the police report number for your records.

Timing: when to return plates

Return your plates as soon as you sell your vehicle, let your registration expire, or move out of state. Keeping plates after your registration ends can result in fines or penalties, because the state may still hold you responsible for violations or unpaid fees tied to those plates.

If you are selling a vehicle, return the plates before you hand over the title to the buyer, or ask the buyer to return them on your behalf. Some states allow the new owner to keep the plates if they register the vehicle in their name, but rules vary — check your state's policy.

Special cases: vanity plates and personalized plates

Vanity plates and personalized plates follow the same surrender process as standard plates. Return them to the DMV the same way you would any other plate. If you want to keep the vanity plate number for a future vehicle, ask the DMV whether you can reserve it before you surrender the physical plate — some states allow this, others do not.

If you are moving to another state and want to transfer a vanity plate, contact both your current state's DMV and the new state's DMV to learn the process. Most states do not transfer vanity plates across state lines, so you may need to request a new vanity plate in your new state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I throw old license plates in the trash?

No. You must return them to your DMV first. Throwing them away without surrendering them is illegal in most states and can result in fines. Once the DMV officially cancels your registration, they will handle disposal or recycling.

Do I have to pay to return my plates?

No. Returning plates to the DMV is free in all states. If you are replacing lost or damaged plates, you will pay a replacement fee, but surrendering plates you no longer need costs nothing.

What if I moved to a different state?

Return your old state's plates to that state's DMV before or shortly after you move. You can mail them if you cannot visit an office in person. Once you register your vehicle in your new state, you will receive new plates from that state.

Can I sell my old license plates?

No. License plates remain the property of the state, even after you stop using them. Selling them is illegal. You must return them to the DMV, which will destroy or recycle them.

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

Return them as soon as possible — ideally before or at the time of sale. Most states require you to return them within a set timeframe, often 10 to 30 days, though the exact important date varies. Check your state's DMV website for the specific important date.