Where to turn in old license plates
Most states require you to return license plates to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or your state's equivalent agency when you no longer need them. The plates belong to the state, not to you, even after you've paid for them. Keeping them without permission is illegal in many places.
You can usually return plates in person at any DMV office, by mail, or sometimes through an authorized agent like a car dealership or tag office. Some states offer prepaid return envelopes or will accept plates dropped off at satellite locations. Call your state's DMV directly or check their website to find the exact process for your state, since procedures vary widely.
If you're selling or trading in a vehicle, the dealership often handles plate return as part of the paperwork. If you're keeping the vehicle but changing plates—for example, switching from standard to specialty plates—you'll surrender the old ones when you register the new ones.
Key Takeaways
- License plates are state property and must be returned to your DMV when no longer in use, not kept as souvenirs or discarded.
- Most states let you return plates by mail, in person, or through a dealership, and the process takes a few minutes to a few weeks depending on method.
- Specialty plates, vintage plates, and personalized plates have different return rules in some states and may have resale value.
- Recycling programs exist in some states, but standard plates typically go to the DMV first rather than directly to a recycler.
- If you're unsure whether your old plates are still valid or what to do with them, your state DMV can answer in one phone call.
When you can keep old plates instead of returning them
A few states allow you to keep expired plates as personal property once they're no longer valid for road use. This is rare and depends on your state's specific law. Even in states that permit this, the plates must be clearly expired and no longer registered to a vehicle.
Personalized and specialty plates sometimes have different rules. Some states let you keep a retired personalized plate if you've paid for it outright and it's no longer active. Check with your DMV about whether your specific plate type can be retained legally.
The safest approach is to assume you must return them unless your state's DMV explicitly tells you otherwise. Keeping plates without permission can result in fines or other penalties, and it's not worth the risk.
Selling or transferring old plates
In states where personalized or vintage plates have resale value, you may be able to sell them privately, but only after they're officially retired from your vehicle. The buyer would then need to register that plate number with the DMV in their own name, following the state's standard registration process.
Standard white or colored plates issued by the state have little to no resale value and cannot be transferred between owners. Specialty plates—such as those supporting a cause, commemorating a historical event, or featuring a design—sometimes attract collectors, but you must first confirm with your DMV that the plate can legally change hands.
Never sell a plate that is still registered to a vehicle, even if the vehicle is no longer in use. The registration must be officially closed first, and the plate must be returned or retired through proper channels.
Recycling old license plates
Some states have recycling programs that accept old license plates and process them for scrap metal. The plates are typically made of aluminum, which is recyclable, but most standard recycling centers won't accept them because they contain reflective material and other coatings that complicate the process.
If your state has a formal plate recycling program, the DMV will direct you to it when you return your plates. A few states shred or recycle returned plates automatically as part of their disposal process. Contact your DMV to ask whether recycling is an option in your state and whether you need to do anything special to participate.
Do not attempt to recycle plates through a standard metal or curbside recycling program without checking first. The reflective coating and fasteners can damage equipment or contaminate the recycling stream.
What happens to plates after you return them
Once you return plates to the DMV, the state typically stores them, recycles them, or destroys them depending on their condition and the state's inventory needs. Some states reissue plates that are still in good condition, while others melt down or shred all returned plates.
The DMV will remove your name and vehicle information from the plate's registration record when ready or within a few days. This protects you from liability if the plate is ever misused after return. You should receive written confirmation that the return was processed, especially if you returned plates by mail.
Returning plates when you move out of state
If you're moving to another state, you must return your old state's plates before registering your vehicle in the new state. Most new-state DMVs will not issue plates until you provide proof that the old plates have been returned or that the vehicle's registration in the previous state has been closed.
You can usually return plates by mail to your old state's DMV before you move, or you can return them in person if you're still in the state. Keep the return receipt or confirmation number for your records, as you may need it when registering in your new state.
Plates from vehicles you no longer own
If you have plates from a vehicle you sold or disposed of years ago, you should still return them to the DMV. Even old or expired plates belong to the state and should not be kept indefinitely.
Contact your DMV and explain that you have plates from a vehicle no longer in your possession. They can tell you whether the plates are still registered to you (which would be unusual) or whether they can straightforward be destroyed. In most cases, you can return them by mail without any paperwork, though some states may ask for a brief explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my old license plate as a souvenir?
In most states, no—plates are state property and must be returned. A few states allow you to keep expired plates after they're officially retired, but you need to check your specific state's DMV rules. Keeping plates without permission can result in fines.
What if I lost my old license plates?
Contact your DMV and report them lost. You won't face penalties for losing plates, but you should document the loss in case the plates are later misused. The DMV will close out the registration and remove your liability.
Do I need to return decorative or novelty plates?
If they were issued by your state's DMV as official plates, yes. If they're aftermarket frames or covers you added yourself, no—only the official state plate needs to be returned. Ask your DMV if you're unsure whether a plate is official.
Can I return plates without the vehicle registration paperwork?
Yes. You don't need the registration document to return plates. Bring the plates themselves and your driver's license or ID. If returning by mail, include a brief note with your name and address so the DMV can match the return to your record.
How long does it take to return plates by mail?
Mailing typically takes one to three weeks depending on postal delivery and DMV processing time. Keep the receipt or tracking number from your mailing. You can call the DMV after two weeks if you haven't received written confirmation of the return.