Where to take old license plates

The fastest way to dispose of old license plates is to turn them in at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office when you renew your registration, replace your plates, or surrender your vehicle. Most DMV locations accept plates at the counter with no appointment needed, and staff will destroy them on-site or send them to a recycling facility. This is free and takes a few minutes.

If you cannot visit the DMV in person, some states allow you to mail plates back. Check your state's DMV website for the mailing address and whether you need to include a form. A few states include prepaid return envelopes with renewal notices, but most do not — you would pay for postage yourself.

If your vehicle was sold, traded in, or scrapped, the new owner or the dealership is responsible for handling the plates. Do not leave plates on a vehicle you no longer own, and do not throw them in the trash or recycling bin — plates contain metal that requires industrial processing, and leaving them on an abandoned vehicle can create legal liability for you.

Key Takeaways

  • The DMV is the official place to turn in old plates, and most locations accept them at the counter during regular hours at no cost.
  • Some states allow you to mail plates back to the DMV, though you typically pay for postage unless your state provides a return envelope.
  • Never throw license plates in household trash or recycling — they must go to the DMV or an authorized metal recycler.
  • If you sold or traded your vehicle, the new owner or dealership is responsible for the plates, not you.
  • Removing plates before selling a car protects you from liability if the vehicle is later involved in a traffic violation or accident.

What happens to plates at the DMV

When you turn in plates at the DMV, staff typically scan or record the plate number to deactivate it in the state's system. This prevents anyone else from using that plate number and removes it from your registration record. The physical plates are then either destroyed on-site using an industrial shredder or collected and sent to a metal recycling facility.

The metal from old plates — usually aluminum with a steel backing — is melted down and reused in manufacturing. Some states have formal recycling contracts with metal processors; others handle it less formally. Either way, the plate is no longer usable as a license plate once it leaves the DMV.

Removing plates before you sell or trade your vehicle

You should remove your license plates before handing over a vehicle to a buyer, dealership, or auction house. This is your responsibility, not theirs. Leaving plates on a car you no longer own creates a paper trail linking you to the vehicle — if the new owner gets a speeding ticket, parking violation, or is involved in an accident, the citation or lawsuit could initially come to you.

After you remove the plates, take them to the DMV along with your title transfer paperwork. Some states require you to turn in plates when you file the title transfer; others do not, but doing so when ready protects you. Keep your receipt or a record of the transaction in case questions arise later.

Handling personalized or vanity plates

Personalized plates follow the same disposal process as standard plates — take them to the DMV. However, if you want to keep a personalized plate number for a future vehicle, ask the DMV about transferring it before you turn in the physical plate. Most states allow you to reserve a personalized number for a fee (usually $10 to $50 per year) while you are between vehicles, but you must request this before the old plate is deactivated.

If you do not plan to reuse the personalized plate, straightforward turn it in like any other plate. The number becomes available for other drivers to request after a waiting period that varies by state.

What to do if you cannot visit the DMV

If you live far from a DMV office or have mobility limitations, contact your state's DMV by phone or website to ask about mail-in options. Some states have regional offices or satellite locations that may be closer. A few states also partner with third-party vendors — such as AAA or certain auto insurance offices — to accept plate returns, though this is less common.

If your state does not offer mail-in returns and you cannot visit in person, ask whether you can authorize someone else to turn in the plates on your behalf. You would typically need to sign a form giving them permission. Keep documentation of who turned in the plates and when, in case you need to prove you no longer own them.

Plates from vehicles you no longer own

If you have old plates from a vehicle you sold years ago and never turned in, take them to the DMV now. The DMV can look up the plate number in its system and deactivate it if it has not been already. This removes any lingering connection between you and that vehicle and prevents the plates from being misused.

Do not assume old plates are already deactivated just because you sold the car. The new owner may have transferred the registration to their own plates, but the original plates could still be in the system under your name. A quick trip to the DMV clears this up and gives you peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I throw old license plates in the recycling bin?

No. License plates should not go in household recycling or trash. They contain metal that requires industrial processing and must be handled by the DMV or an authorized metal recycler. Putting them in the trash can also create security risks, as plates can be stolen and misused.

What if I lost my old license plates?

Contact your DMV and report them lost. The DMV will deactivate the plate number in its system so no one else can use it. You do not need to turn in the physical plates if they are lost — the important step is notifying the DMV so the number is removed from your record.

Do I need to remove plates before trading in my car at a dealership?

Check your state's rules and your dealership's policy. Some dealerships remove and handle plates themselves; others expect you to do it. Ask before you arrive. If you remove them yourself, take them to the DMV afterward. If the dealership removes them, confirm in writing that they will turn them in.

Can I sell my personalized plate number to someone else?

No. License plate numbers are not transferable between people. You can reserve a personalized number for your own future use, but you cannot sell it to another driver. Once you turn in a personalized plate, the number enters a waiting period before it becomes available for other drivers to request.

What if my state does not have a DMV office near me?

Contact your state's motor vehicle agency to ask about mail-in returns, regional offices, or authorized third-party locations. Some states allow you to mail plates with a form; others may have satellite offices or partner agencies closer to you. Your state's website lists all options available.