What to Do With Your License Plates When Recycling Your Vehicle
When you recycle a vehicle, there’s one small but important detail that’s easy to overlook: your license plates. Leaving plates on a car that’s being scrapped or recycled can create unnecessary risks, from toll violations to registration issues.
Because license plate rules vary by state, it’s important to understand the general best practices and know where to confirm your state’s exact requirements.
Here’s what you should know before your vehicle is picked up.
Always Remove License Plates Before Recycling
In nearly every U.S. state, license plates should be removed from the vehicle before it is recycled, junked, or permanently taken off the road.
Plates are typically tied to:
- Your vehicle registration
- Your name and address
- State tolling and enforcement systems
Failing to remove them can expose you to liability if the plates are reused or reported incorrectly.
Option 1: Return License Plates to Your State DMV
In many states, you are required or strongly encouraged to surrender your license plates when the vehicle is sold, permanently taken off the road, scrapped, recycled, or the registration is canceled:
- Maryland requires return of plates to an MVA branch, drop box, or by mail; you can receive a receipt for your records (useful to avoid liability and for refunds/credits).
- New Jersey requires surrender of plates no longer in use — either in person at an MVC or by mail with receipt requested.
- Some states like Florida require surrendering tags when a vehicle is junked or the registration is canceled, and getting proof of cancellation.
Returning plates helps officially close out your registration and may protect you from future fees, tolls, or violations.
Best Practice:
If your state allows or requires plate return, keep any receipt or confirmation for your records.
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Option 2: Destroy and Recycle the Plates
If your state does not require plates to be returned, most DMVs and recycling authorities recommend destroying and recycling them.
Common guidance includes:
- Remove registration stickers
- Bend, scratch, or cut the plates so they cannot be reused
- Recycle the aluminum at a metal recycling facility
Several states explicitly advise residents to destroy and recycle old plates rather than returning them, treating them as scrap metal once they’re no longer registered.
This prevents fraud and ensures the aluminum is responsibly recycled.
State Specific Instructions for Destroying Plates
- New York DMV explicitly states to destroy old plates (mark with a permanent marker or cut them) and recycle them at a metal recycling center instead of returning them.
- Metal recycling guides say removing registration stickers and scrapping the plate as aluminum is typically acceptable; bending, scratching or cutting helps prevent reuse.
- Colorado requires documentation of destruction/recycling for scrap plates.
Option 3: Recycle Through DMV or Municipal Programs or Keep
Some states and municipalities offer license plate recycling programs, either through:
- DMV offices
- Secretary of State locations
- Approved recycling centers
These programs safely remove plates from circulation and ensure proper metal recycling. Availability varies by state and region.
Can You Keep Old License Plates?
In states that do not require plate return, you may be allowed to keep old plates as:
- Memorabilia
- Garage or workshop décor
- Repurposed art or signage
If you keep them, it’s still recommended to deface the plate so it cannot be used illegally on another vehicle.
The Safest Way to Handle License Plates (Quick Checklist)
Before the SHiFT Towing Partner arrives to pick up your vehicle:
- Remove both front and rear license plates
- Check your state DMV website for plate return rules
- Return plates if required
- If not required, destroy and recycle them
- Keep proof of surrender or recycling when possible
Final Tip: Check Your State DMV
Because license plate rules are set at the state level, the most reliable source of information is always your state motor vehicle agency. A quick search for
“What to do with license plates when junking a car in [your state]” will usually take you directly to official guidance.
Taking a few extra minutes to handle plates correctly helps protect you long after your car is gone.
