License plates come off with basic tools in under five minutes
Removing a license plate is straightforward: locate the bolts or screws holding it to your vehicle (usually two at the top, two at the bottom), use a wrench or screwdriver to loosen them, and slide the plate away from the mounting bracket. The entire job takes longer to find your tools than to do the work. What matters is knowing when you should remove it and what you need to do afterward, because leaving a vehicle without plates or failing to notify your state creates legal problems.
You might need to remove your plate when you're selling the car, transferring it to a new vehicle, letting your registration expire, or preparing a vehicle for long-term storage. Each situation has different rules about what happens to the plate itself and what paperwork you need to file.
Key Takeaways
- Most license plates bolt on with two bolts at the top and two at the bottom; use a wrench or Phillips screwdriver to remove them, and keep the bolts in a safe place.
- When you sell your car, the buyer gets the plates unless your state allows you to transfer them to a new vehicle—check your state's DMV website for the specific rule.
- If you're letting registration expire or storing the vehicle long-term, you must notify your state's DMV that the vehicle is not in use, or you may face penalties for driving without valid plates.
- Never remove plates to avoid tolls, parking tickets, or traffic enforcement—this is a crime in every state and carries fines and possible jail time.
- Some states require you to surrender plates in person at the DMV; others allow you to mail them or destroy them at home, so confirm your state's process before you remove them.
The tools and steps to physically remove a plate
Start by gathering a wrench (usually 8mm or 10mm) or a Phillips screwdriver, depending on what fastens your plate. Most vehicles use bolts, but some use screws. Look at the four corners of your plate to see which you have. If you're unsure of the size, bring a small adjustable wrench or a multi-tool with both options.
Position yourself in front of or behind the plate so you can see all four fasteners clearly. Loosen the top two bolts or screws first, turning counterclockwise. Once they're loose enough to turn by hand, remove them completely and set them aside—you'll need them if you're transferring the plate to another vehicle. Repeat with the bottom two fasteners. Once all four are out, gently pull the plate straight toward you. It should slide free from the mounting bracket. If it doesn't move, check that you've removed all fasteners; sometimes a center bolt or clip holds it as well.
Keep the bolts and any mounting hardware in a labeled container. If your state allows you to keep and transfer your plates to a new vehicle, you'll reinstall them using the same bolts. If the plates are going back to the DMV or being retired, the hardware still matters—some states want it returned with the plates.
What to do with the plate after you remove it
Your state's DMV determines what happens to the plate next, and the rules vary. Some states let you keep your plate and transfer it to a new vehicle you register; others require you to surrender it. A few states allow you to destroy the plate at home or mail it to the DMV. The fastest way to find out is to visit your state's DMV website and search for "surrender license plate" or "return license plate."
If your state requires surrender, you typically have two options: mail the plate to the address listed on the DMV website, or bring it in person to a local DMV office. Mailing usually takes one to two weeks and costs nothing. In-person surrender is when ready but requires a trip. Some states ask you to include a form with the plate; check the DMV instructions before you mail anything.
If you're selling your vehicle and the buyer is registering it in the same state, the new owner usually keeps your plates and registers them under their name. If they're registering out of state or you're keeping the plates for a new vehicle you own, you'll handle the surrender or transfer yourself. Never leave a vehicle parked on public property without plates, even temporarily—it can be ticketed or towed.
Removing plates when you sell your vehicle
When you sell your car, the plates typically stay with the vehicle in most states, meaning the new owner registers them under their name. However, some states allow you to remove the plates and transfer them to a vehicle you're buying, or to keep them for a future purchase. Check your state's rules before you hand over the keys.
If your state allows plate transfer, remove them before the sale is final and keep them safe. You'll need them when you register your next vehicle. If your state requires the buyer to get new plates, leave them on the car. The buyer will handle the registration and plate assignment themselves.
In either case, notify your state's DMV that you've sold the vehicle. This step is critical: it removes you from liability if the new owner gets a ticket or is involved in an accident before they register it. Most states let you report a sale online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person. Do this within the timeframe your state requires—usually 10 to 30 days—or you may remain responsible for violations on that vehicle.
Removing plates from a vehicle you're storing or retiring
If you're putting a vehicle in long-term storage or retiring it from the road, you must notify your state that it's not in use. straightforward removing the plates and leaving the vehicle parked is not enough. Your registration remains active, and you can be fined for operating an unregistered vehicle if someone drives it or if it's discovered on public property.
Contact your state's DMV to request a suspension of registration or to formally retire the vehicle. Some states allow you to suspend registration for a set period (often 12 months) without paying renewal fees. Others require you to surrender the plates and cancel the registration entirely. The process varies, so check your state's website or call the DMV directly.
Once the DMV confirms the vehicle is off the road, you can remove the plates. If the state requires surrender, follow the mailing or in-person process described above. If you're allowed to keep the plates for future use, store them in a dry place where they won't be damaged or bent.
Why you should never remove plates illegally
Removing plates to avoid tolls, parking tickets, traffic cameras, or law enforcement is a crime in every state. It's typically charged as a misdemeanor and carries fines ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the state and the number of violations. In some cases, it can result in jail time, license suspension, or both.
Vehicles without valid plates are also subject to when ready towing and impound. If you're stopped by police, you face arrest. If the vehicle is parked, it can be towed within hours. The cost of impound and towing fees often exceeds the original ticket or toll you were trying to avoid.
If you have unpaid tolls or tickets, the legal path is to address them directly: pay the toll or ticket, request a hearing to contest it, or work out a payment plan. These options are far cheaper and safer than the consequences of driving without plates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove my license plate myself, or do I need to go to the DMV?
You can remove the plate yourself with basic tools—no DMV visit is required for the physical removal. However, you must notify your state's DMV about what you're doing with the vehicle (selling it, storing it, transferring the plate). That notification can usually be done online or by mail.
What size wrench or screwdriver do I need?
Most license plate bolts are 8mm or 10mm, which fit standard metric wrenches or adjustable wrenches. Some vehicles use Phillips screws instead. If you're unsure, bring an adjustable wrench or a multi-tool to your vehicle and test both sizes on one bolt before removing all four.
Do I have to return my license plate to the DMV, or can I keep it?
This depends on your state. Some states let you transfer plates to a new vehicle you own; others require surrender. Visit your state's DMV website and search for "license plate surrender" or "plate transfer" to find the specific rule. If surrender is required, you can usually mail the plate or bring it in person.
What happens if I remove my plates but don't tell the DMV?
Your registration remains active, and you remain liable for any violations or accidents involving that vehicle. If someone drives it or it's discovered on public property without plates, you can be fined for operating an unregistered vehicle. Always notify the DMV when a vehicle is no longer in use.
Can I drive without plates while I'm waiting for new ones?
No. Once you remove your plates, the vehicle cannot be driven on public roads. If you're transferring plates to a new vehicle, install them on the new vehicle before driving it. If you're waiting for new plates after a sale or registration change, the vehicle must stay parked until the new plates arrive.