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 to throw them away or keep them. The exact process and whether it is required varies by state. Some states make it optional; others fine you if you don't return them.
The fastest route is usually your local DMV office or an authorized sub-office (often found at tag agencies or vehicle service centers). You can also mail plates to your state's DMV if an office visit is not practical. A few states now accept plates at certain retail locations like auto parts stores, though this is less common. Check your state's DMV website for the specific address and whether you need an appointment.
You do not need to return plates if you are transferring them to a new vehicle in the same state — that is a separate transaction handled when you register the new car. But if the plates are no longer in use, returning them protects you from liability if someone else uses them and gets into trouble.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's DMV is the official place to return old license plates, and many states require it rather than allowing you to discard them.
- You can usually mail plates to your DMV if visiting an office is inconvenient, though some states charge a small fee for this service.
- Keeping old plates after they are no longer valid can create liability if someone else obtains and misuses them.
- If you are transferring plates to a new vehicle, that is handled as part of the new registration and does not require a separate return step.
- A few states allow you to keep plates as souvenirs if they are no longer valid, but you must confirm this with your DMV before keeping them.
Mailing plates instead of visiting the DMV
If you cannot visit a DMV office in person, mailing is usually an option. Most states accept plates by mail, though the process and any associated fees differ. Some states charge $5 to $15 to process returned plates by mail; others do it at no cost.
To mail plates, you typically need to include a letter stating your name, driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the reason for return (sold vehicle, moved out of state, plates damaged, etc.). Some states provide a form on their DMV website; others accept a straightforward letter. Place the plates in a padded envelope or small box to prevent damage in transit, and use certified mail or a tracked service so you have proof of delivery.
Check your state's DMV website for the mailing address before sending anything. Processing time is usually two to four weeks after the DMV receives your package. Keep your tracking number and any confirmation email until you receive written confirmation that the return was processed.
What happens if you don't return plates
Consequences vary by state. Some states impose no penalty if you straightforward stop using the plates and do not renew them. Others fine you if you fail to return plates within a set timeframe — fines typically range from $25 to $100, though this varies. A few states may suspend your registration or driver's license if plates are not returned after repeated notices.
More important than the fine is the liability risk. If you keep old plates and someone steals them or finds them, they could be used on another vehicle. If that vehicle is involved in a traffic stop, accident, or crime, the plates are registered to you. You could face questions from law enforcement or be held responsible for violations committed with your plates.
The safest approach is to return plates promptly, even if your state does not strictly require it. This creates a clear record that you no longer own or use them.
Keeping plates as souvenirs or collectibles
Some people want to keep old plates for sentimental or collector reasons — a plate from a childhood home, a vintage design, or a memorable registration number. Whether you can legally keep a plate depends on your state and whether the plate is still valid.
Most states allow you to keep plates that are no longer valid (expired or deactivated), but you must first officially retire them with the DMV. This means returning them or filing a form stating they are no longer in use. Once the DMV has deactivated the plate in their system, you can usually keep the physical plate as a souvenir without legal risk.
Do not keep a plate that is still active or valid — one that could theoretically be used on a vehicle. Contact your DMV to ask whether a specific plate can be kept as a souvenir. Some states have a formal process for this; others straightforward require written confirmation that the plate is retired.
Plates from vehicles sold or traded in
If you sold or traded in your vehicle, you are responsible for the plates unless you transferred them to a new vehicle. The dealer or buyer does not automatically take possession of them. You must either return them to the DMV or transfer them to your next vehicle during registration.
Many people forget this step and assume the new owner will handle it. The plates remain registered to you until you take action. If the new owner uses the vehicle without registering it in their name, or if the plates are misused, you could be contacted by law enforcement or held liable.
The safest practice is to remove the plates before handing over the vehicle and return them to the DMV within a few days. If you are transferring to a new vehicle, complete that registration at the same time so there is no gap in which the old plates are unaccounted for.
Moving out of state and your old plates
If you are relocating to another state, you must return your old plates to your current state's DMV before or shortly after you move. You cannot legally use them in your new state, and keeping them creates a record that you still own a vehicle in your old state.
The process is the same as any other return: visit the DMV office, mail them, or use an authorized location if available. Some people delay this step because they are busy with the move, but it is worth doing quickly. Your old state may send notices or bills to your address if the plates are not officially retired.
Once you have returned the old plates, register your vehicle in your new state. You will receive new plates from that state. Keep documentation showing when you returned the old plates in case there are any billing disputes with your former state.
Damaged, lost, or stolen plates
If your plates are damaged, lost, or stolen, you should report this to your DMV and request a replacement or retirement. For damaged plates, bring them to the DMV or mail them with a note explaining the damage. For lost or stolen plates, file a report with your DMV (and with police if they were stolen) and request a replacement.
If you are no longer using the vehicle and do not need a replacement, you can straightforward report the plates as lost or damaged and request that they be retired. This removes them from your record and prevents anyone from using them. There is usually a small fee for a replacement plate, but retirement is often free.
Do not ignore lost or stolen plates. If someone finds them and uses them, you need a clear record showing you reported them missing. This protects you from liability for violations or accidents involving those plates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I throw old license plates in the trash?
Most states require you to return them to the DMV rather than discard them. Even in states where it is not legally required, returning them is safer because it creates an official record that you no longer own them. Throwing them away leaves you liable if someone finds and misuses them.
Do I need to return plates if I moved out of state?
Yes. Return them to your old state's DMV before or shortly after you move. You cannot use them in your new state, and keeping them on record can result in bills or notices from your former state. Mail them if visiting the old DMV office is not practical.
What if I want to keep a plate as a souvenir?
Contact your DMV first and ask whether the plate can be kept as a souvenir. Most states allow it only after the plate is officially retired and deactivated in their system. You must return it or file paperwork to retire it before you can legally keep it.
Can I transfer old plates to a new vehicle?
Only if they are still valid and registered to you. If the plates are expired or you no longer own the original vehicle, you cannot transfer them. Register your new vehicle and request new plates, or ask the DMV whether your old plates can be reactivated for the new vehicle.
What happens if I sell my car and don't return the plates?
The plates remain registered to you until you officially retire them. If the new owner uses the vehicle without registering it, or if the plates are misused, you could be held liable. Return them to the DMV within a few days of selling the vehicle to protect yourself.