Where to turn in old license plates
Most states let you turn in old plates at your local Department of Motor Vehicles office, and many also accept them at county tax collector offices or sheriff's departments. Some states run mail-in programs where you can send plates back without a trip. A few states don't require you to turn them in at all — they straightforward expire when your registration ends.
The fastest way to find out what your state requires is to call your DMV directly or check their website for "license plate disposal" or "plate return." Have your vehicle's VIN and current registration number ready when you call. The staff can tell you whether turning in plates is mandatory, where you can do it, and whether you need an appointment.
If you're selling or donating your vehicle, the new owner typically handles the plates. If you're scrapping the car, the salvage yard usually takes the plates as part of the process. The complication arises when you keep the vehicle but no longer need the plates — for example, when you let your registration lapse or move out of state.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's DMV is the primary place to turn in old plates, though county tax collectors and sheriff's offices often accept them too.
- Some states require plate return when registration ends; others do not, so check your state's specific rules before assuming you must turn them in.
- If you're moving out of state, contact your new state's DMV about what to do with your old plates before you leave.
- Never throw plates in the trash or recycle bin — they contain reflective material and metal that requires proper handling.
- Keep a record of when and where you turned in your plates in case questions arise about the vehicle later.
What happens if you don't turn in your plates
The consequences depend on your state's rules. In states where return is mandatory, keeping plates after registration expires can result in a fine, though enforcement is inconsistent. More importantly, if someone finds or steals your old plates and uses them on another vehicle, you could be contacted by law enforcement or receive tickets issued under your plate number.
Liability is the real risk. If a vehicle bearing your old plates is involved in a hit-and-run, parking violation, or toll violation, you may be initially identified as the owner. While you can prove the vehicle wasn't yours at the time, the process is time-consuming and stressful. Turning in plates eliminates this exposure.
If you've already discarded plates or lost track of them, contact your DMV and explain the situation. They can note in their system that the plates are no longer in your possession. This creates a record that protects you if the plates surface later.
Turning in plates when you move out of state
If you're relocating and keeping your vehicle, you'll need to handle your old plates before or shortly after you arrive in your new state. Most states require you to register your vehicle within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency, which means you'll get new plates anyway.
Contact your old state's DMV and ask whether you can mail in the plates or must turn them in in person before you leave. Some states will let you return them by mail with a straightforward form; others require a trip to an office. If you're leaving the state and can't return in person, ask whether the DMV accepts plates from out-of-state residents or if you can designate someone to turn them in on your behalf.
Keep documentation showing when you returned the plates or mailed them. If your old state later sends you a ticket or notice tied to those plates, you'll have proof that you no longer possessed them.
Plates from vehicles you no longer own
If you sold or donated your vehicle and the new owner didn't take the plates, you're responsible for handling them. Don't leave them on the vehicle — remove them and turn them in to your DMV. The new owner should have registered the vehicle in their name and obtained new plates, but that's their responsibility, not yours.
If you donated the vehicle to a charity, ask the charity what they do with plates. Most will remove them and handle disposal, but confirm before you leave. If you sold the vehicle privately and the buyer never registered it, you're still liable for the plates. Turn them in yourself rather than waiting for the buyer to do it.
Some people keep old plates as souvenirs or memorabilia. This is legal in most states as long as the plates are no longer registered to an active vehicle. However, you cannot use them on a vehicle or display them in a way that suggests they're currently valid. If you want to keep a plate for sentimental reasons, ask your DMV whether you need to deface it or if straightforward removing it from service is sufficient.
Recycling and disposal options
License plates are made of aluminum or steel with reflective coating and cannot go in standard recycling or trash. The reflective material is hazardous and the metal requires industrial processing. Your DMV is the safest option because they handle disposal properly.
Some scrap metal facilities will accept plates if you bring them in, but call ahead to confirm. They may charge a small fee or accept them free depending on the facility and current metal prices. Never assume a recycling center takes plates — many will refuse them because of the reflective coating.
If you have multiple old plates or plates from a deceased relative's vehicle, the DMV can handle them all in one visit or mailing. Bring or send them together with a brief note explaining the situation.
Special situations: Vanity plates and personalized plates
If you have a vanity or personalized plate you want to keep, you don't have to turn it in when your registration ends. Instead, you can request to have it held by your DMV for future use. The process and fees vary by state — some hold plates free for a set period, others charge an annual storage fee.
Contact your DMV and ask about their plate retention program. You'll typically need to submit a form and may need to pay a fee. If you decide not to keep the plate, you can turn it in at any time. If you want to use it again on a new vehicle, you can reactivate it when you register that vehicle.
If you're moving out of state and want to keep a vanity plate as a keepsake, ask your old state's DMV whether you can keep it without registering a vehicle. Some states allow this; others require active registration. If they won't let you keep it, take a photo of the plate for your records before you turn it in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to turn in my plates in person, or can I mail them?
It depends on your state. Some DMVs accept plates by mail with a straightforward form; others require in-person return. Call your DMV or check their website to find out which method they accept. If you mail plates, use a tracked service and keep the receipt as proof of delivery.
What if I lost my old plates and can't find them?
Contact your DMV and report them lost. They'll note it in their system so you're not held responsible if the plates surface later. You may be asked to file a report or sign a form stating they're missing. This protects you from liability if someone uses the plates illegally.
Can I keep my old plates as a souvenir?
Yes, in most states you can keep retired plates as long as they're not registered to an active vehicle. Some states ask you to deface them first so they can't be mistaken for valid plates. Ask your DMV what their policy is before you take plates home.
What if I'm selling my car privately — do I remove the plates before the buyer takes it?
Yes. Remove the plates before the sale is complete. The buyer should register the vehicle in their name and obtain new plates. You're responsible for turning in your old plates to your DMV, not the buyer. This protects you from any violations or tickets tied to those plates after the sale.
Do I need to turn in plates if I'm scrapping my vehicle?
The salvage yard will usually remove and handle the plates as part of the scrapping process. Confirm this with the yard before you drop off the vehicle. If they don't handle it, remove the plates yourself and turn them in to your DMV.