Where to turn in old license plates

Most states require you to return old license plates to your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency—not throw them away or keep them. The exact process depends on your state, but the general rule is: if a plate is no longer valid, the state wants it back.

You can usually return plates in person at any DMV office during business hours. Some states also allow you to mail them back, though you may need to include a form or letter explaining that you're surrendering them. A few states let you return plates at authorized third-party locations like auto tag agencies or certain vehicle inspection stations. Call your state DMV or check their website to confirm what your state accepts and whether you need an appointment.

If you're returning plates because you sold your vehicle, the new owner typically handles the plate transfer or surrender. If you're keeping the vehicle but switching to new plates—because they're damaged, expired, or you want a different design—you'll surrender the old ones when you get the new ones issued.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states require you to return old license plates to the DMV rather than dispose of them yourself, though a few allow you to keep them as memorabilia if they're no longer valid.
  • You can return plates in person at a DMV office, by mail with the proper form, or sometimes at authorized third-party tag agencies, depending on your state.
  • If you sold your vehicle, the new owner is usually responsible for handling the plates, not you.
  • Keeping an old plate as a souvenir is only legal in states that explicitly allow it; check your DMV's rules before displaying one.
  • Some states recycle old plates or donate them to schools and nonprofits, so returning them serves a purpose beyond just compliance.

Keeping old plates as memorabilia

A few states allow you to keep old license plates as keepsakes or decorations, but only if they are no longer valid and you follow the rules. The rules vary widely: some states let you keep any plate that's expired, while others require you to request permission or fill out a form first.

Before you hang an old plate on your garage wall or use it as décor, contact your state DMV and ask whether it's legal to keep it. If the plate is still valid—meaning it's still registered to an active vehicle—you cannot legally keep it; it must be returned. If it's expired or you've surrendered it, you're usually in the clear, but confirming first takes five minutes and keeps you out of trouble.

Some collectors keep plates from vehicles they owned long ago, or from states they've lived in. This is generally fine as long as the plates are clearly not in use and you're not trying to register or display them on a vehicle.

What happens to plates after you return them

When you return old plates to the DMV, they don't straightforward disappear. Many states recycle the metal and plastic, breaking them down for scrap material. Others donate plates to schools, nonprofits, and vocational programs that use them for educational projects, art, or training exercises.

A small number of plates—especially those with unusual numbers or historical significance—may be kept by the state for archival purposes or sold at auction to collectors. But the vast majority are either recycled or repurposed. This is why returning them matters: it keeps them out of landfills and gives them a second life.

Returning plates when you sell your vehicle

When you sell a car, the responsibility for the plates depends on your state's rules and the terms of your sale. In most states, the seller (you) is responsible for removing the plates before handing over the vehicle, and the buyer is responsible for getting new plates registered in their name. Some states allow the buyer to transfer the existing plates to their name; others require new plates.

Check your state's DMV website or call before the sale to understand what's expected. If you're supposed to return the plates, do it before or when ready after the sale closes. If the buyer is taking over the plates, make sure they understand they need to re-register them in their name within a set timeframe—usually 10 to 30 days, depending on the state.

Never leave plates on a vehicle you've sold unless your state explicitly allows plate transfers and the buyer has agreed to handle the re-registration. Leaving plates on a sold vehicle can create confusion about who owns the car and who is responsible for traffic violations or parking tickets.

Damaged or unreadable plates

If your license plate is bent, faded, rusted, or otherwise unreadable, you don't have to wait for it to expire. Most states let you request a replacement plate at any time, and you'll surrender the damaged one when you pick up the new one at the DMV.

Some states charge a small fee for replacement plates—typically $5 to $20—while others replace them free if the damage is due to normal wear. If your plate was damaged in an accident or by vandalism, ask the DMV whether you're may be able to access for a free replacement. Bring the damaged plate with you or have it ready to mail back, depending on how your state processes replacements.

Special plates and vanity plates

Vanity plates and specialty plates (such as military, disabled veteran, or environmental plates) follow the same return rules as standard plates. When you no longer want or need the special plate, you can return it to the DMV and request a standard plate instead, or straightforward let it expire and return it at renewal time.

If you're returning a vanity plate because you're moving to another state, note that vanity plates are state-specific and cannot be transferred. You'll need to explore for a new vanity plate in your new state if you want one. The old plate should be returned to your previous state's DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I throw away an old license plate?

No. Most states require you to return old plates to the DMV. Throwing them away is illegal in most places. Return them in person, by mail, or at an authorized location, depending on what your state offers.

Is it legal to display an old license plate as decoration?

It depends on your state. Some states allow you to keep expired or surrendered plates as memorabilia, while others do not. Contact your DMV to confirm whether it's legal before you display one. Never display a plate that is still valid or registered to an active vehicle.

What if I lost my old license plate?

If you lost a plate and can't return it, contact your DMV and explain what happened. You may need to fill out a form or provide a police report if the plate was stolen. Most states won't penalize you for a lost plate as long as you report it and request a replacement if needed.

Do I have to return plates if I'm moving out of state?

Yes. Return your old plates to your current state's DMV before you leave or shortly after you arrive in your new state. Once you register a vehicle in your new state, you'll receive new plates. Check both states' DMV websites for specific timelines and procedures.

Can I sell old license plates online?

Selling valid or recently expired plates is illegal in most states. However, plates that are very old (typically 20+ years) or have historical significance may be legal to sell as collectibles in some states. Check your state's laws before attempting to sell any plate. When in doubt, return it to the DMV.