Where to take old license plates

Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the primary place to turn in old license plates. Most DMV offices accept plates during regular business hours at no charge. You can walk in with your plates and hand them to the counter staff, or in some states, mail them in using a prepaid envelope the DMV provides.

If you cannot visit the DMV in person, check your state's DMV website for a mailing address. Some states include a return envelope with your registration renewal notice specifically for this purpose. A few states—including California, Florida, and Texas—allow you to request a prepaid mailing label online before sending plates back.

Local police departments and sheriff's offices sometimes accept old plates as well, though this varies by jurisdiction. Call ahead to confirm before making a trip. Some auto recyclers and scrap metal facilities will also take plates, though they are not your first choice since the DMV is free and designed for this task.

Key Takeaways

  • The DMV is the standard place to return old license plates, and most offices accept them during regular hours at no cost.
  • Many states offer prepaid mailing envelopes so you can return plates by mail instead of visiting in person.
  • Do not throw license plates in the trash or recycling bin—they contain metal and reflective material that should not go to a landfill.
  • If your plates were lost or stolen, report them to the DMV before turning in your replacement plates to avoid confusion with your vehicle record.
  • Removing your plates before selling or donating a vehicle prevents someone else from using them illegally.

Why you should not throw plates away

License plates are made of aluminum or steel with a reflective coating, and they do not belong in household trash or curbside recycling. Landfills are not equipped to process the reflective material safely, and it can contaminate sorting equipment at recycling facilities. The metal itself is recyclable, but only through proper channels.

More importantly, an old plate left behind or discarded can be found and misused. Someone could attach it to another vehicle to hide their identity during a crime or to avoid tolls and traffic cameras. Turning plates in to the DMV ensures they are destroyed or deactivated so they cannot be reused.

What to do before you turn in your plates

If your plates were lost or stolen, report the loss to your DMV before returning any replacement plates. This step prevents confusion in your vehicle record and protects you if someone uses a lost plate illegally. You can usually report a lost plate online or by phone.

If you are selling or donating your vehicle, remove the plates before handing over the keys. The new owner will need to register the vehicle in their name and obtain new plates. Leaving your old plates on the car creates a liability—if the new owner commits a traffic violation or crime with your plates still attached, the ticket or report may initially come to you.

Write down your plate number before you turn it in, especially if you plan to request the same number for a future vehicle. Some states allow you to reserve a plate number for a fee, but you need to know what number you had.

Mailing plates back to your state

If you choose to mail your plates, place them in a sturdy envelope or padded mailer. Do not bend or fold the plates—keep them flat. Include any paperwork your state requires, such as a form confirming you are returning the plates or a copy of your vehicle registration.

Use the prepaid mailing label your state provides if one is available. If not, send the package via first-class mail or a tracked service so you have proof of delivery. Mail to the address listed on your state's DMV website, not to a local office, unless your state specifies otherwise.

Keep your receipt or tracking number until you receive confirmation that the plates arrived. Some states send a letter confirming receipt; others do not. If you do not hear back within a few weeks, contact the DMV to verify the plates were received.

Returning plates when you sell your vehicle

When you sell a car, remove the plates before the sale is final. In most states, the plates stay with you, not the vehicle. The buyer will register the car in their name and get new plates. Hand the plates to the DMV or mail them in within the timeframe your state requires—usually 10 to 30 days after the sale.

If you are trading in a vehicle at a dealership, the dealer will typically handle plate removal and return. Ask them to confirm they will turn the plates in on your behalf. If you are selling privately, you are responsible for returning the plates yourself.

Some states allow you to transfer plates to a new vehicle you purchase. If you want to keep your plate number, ask the DMV about transfer options before you turn in your old plates. You may need to pay a fee to reserve or transfer the number.

Special cases: Vanity plates and personalized plates

If you have a vanity or personalized plate you want to keep, you can request to transfer it to a new vehicle. Contact your DMV before turning in the old plate and ask about the transfer process. Some states allow transfers at no extra cost; others charge a small fee. You may need to fill out a form or visit in person.

If you do not want to keep the vanity plate, turn it in like any other plate. The number will be retired and cannot be reused by someone else. If you think you might want the same number in the future, ask the DMV whether they hold retired vanity plates in reserve and for how long.

What happens to plates after you turn them in

Once the DMV receives your plates, they are deactivated in the system so they cannot be used on any vehicle. The plates themselves are typically destroyed or sent to a metal recycler. The reflective coating is removed, and the metal is melted down and reused in manufacturing.

Some states donate old plates to schools or nonprofits for art projects or educational programs. A few states have collector programs where people can request retired plates for display. Check your state's DMV website to see whether your plates might be reused rather than destroyed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my old license plate as a souvenir?

Most states do not allow you to keep an active plate, but some permit you to keep a deactivated plate after it has been officially retired from your vehicle record. Contact your DMV to ask whether you can request a deactivated plate for display. If allowed, you may need to pay a small fee or submit a form.

What if I lost my license plates and cannot find them to turn in?

Report the loss to your DMV by phone or online. The DMV will deactivate the plates in the system so they cannot be used. You do not need to turn in plates you cannot locate. Request replacement plates if you still need them for your vehicle.

Do I have to remove my plates before I donate my car?

Yes. Remove the plates before you hand over the vehicle to the charity or organization. The new owner will register the car in their name and obtain new plates. Leaving your plates on creates a liability if the vehicle is involved in a traffic violation or accident.

Can I throw old plates in the recycling bin?

No. License plates should not go in curbside recycling or trash. The reflective coating can damage sorting equipment, and the plates need to be deactivated in the DMV system before they are recycled. Take them to the DMV or mail them back instead.

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

This varies by state, but most require you to return plates within 10 to 30 days of the sale. Check your state's DMV website for the exact important date. Returning them promptly prevents confusion with your vehicle record and protects you from liability if the new owner uses the vehicle illegally.