Where old license plates go depends on whether you own the plate or the state does

In most U.S. states, you own your license plate — it stays with you when you sell the car, and you can transfer it to a new vehicle. When you replace it with a new plate, you have several legal options: return it to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), keep it as a souvenir if your state allows it, or donate it to a charity or museum. The specific rules vary by state, so what you can do in one place may not be legal in another.

Some states treat plates differently. A few states own all plates and require you to return them when you no longer need them. Others let you keep old plates indefinitely. The safest approach is to check your state's DMV website or call their main office to find out what is required where you live — this takes five minutes and prevents you from accidentally breaking a rule you did not know existed.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states let you keep old license plates as souvenirs, but some require you to return them to the DMV within a set time frame.
  • Returning a plate to your DMV is usually free and can be done by mail, at a local office, or sometimes through an online request.
  • Donating old plates to charities, museums, or schools is legal in many states but requires checking your state's rules first.
  • Selling old plates online or to collectors is illegal in most states because plates are considered state property.
  • Destroying or altering a license plate is a crime in all states, even if you own it.

Returning plates to your state DMV

The most straightforward option is to return your old plate to your state's DMV. This is free and takes very little time. Most states accept plates by mail — you can drop them in an envelope and send them to the address listed on your DMV website. Some states also let you return plates in person at a local DMV office, and a few allow you to request a prepaid mailing label online.

Check your state's DMV website for the exact mailing address and any forms you need to include. Some states ask you to include a note with your name and driver's license number so they can match the plate to your record. Others straightforward want the plate itself. If you are unsure, call your DMV's main line — they can tell you exactly what to send and where.

Returning plates is optional in most states, but required in a few. Some states impose a small fee if you do not return a plate within a certain time after selling the vehicle or replacing it. Check your state's rules before deciding to keep an old plate.

Keeping old plates as souvenirs

Many states allow you to keep old license plates as personal mementos. This is legal in states like California, Texas, Florida, and New York, though the rules differ slightly from state to state. Some states let you keep as many old plates as you want; others limit you to one or two per vehicle.

If you want to keep a plate, do nothing — straightforward do not return it. However, you cannot use it on a vehicle. Displaying an old plate on a car, even as decoration, is illegal because it can be mistaken for a current registration. If you want to display a plate indoors as a souvenir, that is fine in most states. If you want to mount it on a vehicle for show, check your state's rules first — some states allow it only if the plate is clearly marked as non-functional or if it is from a certain number of years ago.

Donating plates to charities, schools, or museums

Some states allow you to donate old license plates to nonprofits, schools, or museums. Plates are sometimes used in art projects, educational displays, or fundraising events. Before you donate, contact the organization to confirm they accept plates and check your state's DMV rules to make sure donation is legal where you live.

A few states require you to notify the DMV before donating a plate, while others straightforward ask that you do not use it on a vehicle. Museums and historical societies sometimes collect vintage plates, and some schools use them in shop classes or art programs. Call ahead to ask whether the organization needs plates and what condition they should be in.

Why you cannot sell old license plates

Selling old license plates online or to collectors is illegal in most states, even if you own the vehicle the plate came from. License plates are considered state property in the eyes of the law, and selling them violates state vehicle code. This applies even to vintage or rare plates — the age of the plate does not change the rule.

The reason for this rule is security. License plates can be used to forge documents, create fake registrations, or commit identity theft. States treat plates the same way they treat currency — you cannot legally sell them, even if they are no longer in use. Violating this rule can result in a fine or criminal charges depending on your state.

What not to do with old plates

Do not destroy, alter, or deface a license plate, even one you no longer use. Defacing a plate — scratching off numbers, painting over them, or intentionally damaging it — is a crime in all states. This applies to old plates sitting in your garage just as much as it does to plates on vehicles.

Do not use an old plate on a vehicle, even temporarily or for display. Using an expired or transferred plate on a car is illegal and can result in a traffic citation. If you want to display a plate on a vehicle, confirm with your state DMV that it is legal to do so and follow any rules about marking it as non-functional.

Do not throw plates in the trash or recycling bin. While this is not technically illegal in most states, it wastes material and can cause problems at recycling facilities because plates contain metal and reflective material that do not process like standard aluminum. Return them to the DMV or donate them instead.

How to find your state's specific rules

Your state's DMV website has a section on license plate procedures that explains whether you must return old plates, whether you can keep them, and what to do if you want to donate them. Search for "[your state] DMV license plate return" or "[your state] DMV old plates" to find the page quickly.

If the website does not answer your question, call your state's DMV main line. Most states have a phone number on their website, and staff can tell you in a few minutes what you are allowed to do with old plates in your state. Some states also have an online chat or email option if you prefer not to call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my old license plate if I sell my car?

In most states, yes — you own the plate and can keep it as a souvenir. However, a few states require you to return it to the DMV when you sell the vehicle. Check your state's DMV website or call to confirm the rule where you live. If you can keep it, you cannot use it on another vehicle.

Is it illegal to display an old license plate on my car as decoration?

It depends on your state. Some states allow it if the plate is clearly marked as non-functional or if it is from a certain number of years ago. Others prohibit it entirely because it can be mistaken for a current registration. Contact your state DMV to ask whether displaying an old plate on a vehicle is legal where you live.

What happens if I just throw away an old license plate?

Throwing a plate in the trash is not illegal in most states, but it is wasteful and can cause problems at landfills and recycling facilities. Returning it to the DMV or donating it to a charity or school is a better option. Some states ask that you return plates, so check your state's rules first.

Can I sell a vintage license plate to a collector?

No. Selling license plates is illegal in most states because plates are considered state property. This applies to old, rare, or vintage plates as well as current ones. Violating this rule can result in a fine or criminal charges depending on your state.

Do I need to return my old plate before I get a new one?

In most states, no — you can get a new plate without returning the old one. However, some states require you to return old plates within a certain time frame after replacing them or selling the vehicle. Check your state's DMV website to see whether this applies where you live.