How to recycle license plates? Dispose of old license plate — this is a question almost every car owner faces sooner or later.

You finally sold your old ride. Or maybe your state made you swap plates when you moved. Now you’re standing there holding that shiny rectangle of aluminum, asking:

• Can I throw away old license plates?
• Do I need to return them to the DMV?
• Can I recycle them or should I keep them as souvenirs?

I’ve been through this myself.
When I moved states, I had three plates stacked in a drawer. I thought about just tossing them in the trash. But then I started digging into DMV rules, recycling options, and even creative reuse ideas.

And let me tell you—what I found surprised me.
Turns out, there are right ways and wrong ways to handle old license plates.
And if you get it wrong, it can lead to DMV penalties, identity theft, or just unnecessary waste.

So, let’s break this down step by step.

What to Do with Old License Plates? A Complete Guide

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.
Every state has its own regulations. Some want the plates back. Some say recycle them. Others don’t care at all.

That’s why I’m giving you a practical, 5-step system.
Follow these steps and you’ll know exactly what to do with old number plates—no second-guessing.

But first, let’s talk about why you shouldn’t ignore them.

Understanding the Importance of Proper Disposal

Old license plates aren’t just scrap metal.
They carry a unique combo of letters and numbers that are tied directly to your car, your insurance, and your DMV record.

If someone gets their hands on your plate, they could:

• Put it on a stolen car to dodge tickets
• Commit toll fraud in your name
• Use it in identity scams tied back to you

And here’s the kicker—you’d be the one answering questions if the police come knocking.

So yeah, it matters.

Why Dispose of Old Number Plates?

Here’s why proper disposal is more than just a to-do list item:

• Legal obligations: Some states (like NY, MD, and FL) require you to surrender plates when you sell or move a car.
• Avoiding fines: Forgetting to turn them in can trigger DMV fees.
• Environmental responsibility: Plates are aluminum. If they end up in landfills, that’s just wasted metal.
• Peace of mind: Once they’re destroyed, recycled, or returned, you don’t have to worry about them anymore.

I learned this the hard way. I once kept an old plate in my trunk for six months. Eventually, I got a notice from the DMV saying my insurance cancellation wasn’t cleared until I surrendered the plate. Total hassle. Don’t do what I did.

Environmental Impact of License Plates

Let’s zoom out for a sec.

Every license plate = thin sheet of aluminum.
Aluminum is 100% recyclable.
Recycling aluminum saves 95% of the energy it would take to create new aluminum from raw materials.

That means your old plate could:

• Be melted down and reused in new plates
• Turn into parts for construction materials
• Or literally be the next soda can you drink from

So yeah, tossing plates in the trash isn’t just risky—it’s wasteful.

How to Recycle License Plates? Dispose Of Old License Plate in 5 Simple Steps

Here’s the system I wish someone had given me.

Step 1: Determine Your State’s Regulations

This is the first and most important step.
Every state is different.

Examples:

• Florida → You must return your plate if you cancel insurance or move. (They even have a “surrender Florida license plate form”).
• Maryland → Plates must be surrendered in person or mailed back.
• New York → You have to turn in license plates at a DMV office when canceling insurance.
• Texas & California → More relaxed. You can keep plates, recycle them, or even reuse vintage plates under certain rules.

👉 Action step: Google “dispose of old license plates [your state]” or go straight to your DMV website.

License Plate Laws by State

A few quick snapshots:

• California: Old plates usually stay with the car. But vintage license plates can sometimes be reused.
• Pennsylvania: Requires surrender for canceled registrations.
• Washington State: Encourages recycling plates when replacing.

Bottom line → don’t guess. Always check local rules first.

What to Look for at Your Local DMV

When browsing your state’s DMV page, look for:

• “Surrender plates” forms
• Mailing addresses for plate returns
• Instructions for recycling vs. destruction
• Any fees (some states charge if you don’t return plates)

Step 2: Explore Recycling Options

If your state doesn’t require surrender, recycling is the smartest play.

Where to recycle license plates:

• Municipal recycling centers (check your city’s website)
• Scrap metal yards (they love aluminum plates)
• License plate recycling near me (literally search it on Google Maps)

Some places want you to:

• Bend or cut the plates
• Scratch out or drill through numbers
• Remove any stickers before recycling

So always double-check their rules.

Step 3: Reuse or Upcycle Old License Plates

This is where it gets fun.

Instead of tossing plates, you can repurpose them into something useful or cool.

Creative ideas for upcycling:

• Garage wall art
• Man cave decorations
• Clocks made from plates
• Keychains from embossed letters
• License plate map (collect one from every state)

I once saw a coffee table made entirely of vintage plates sealed under resin. Looked epic.

How to Market Vintage License Plates

Believe it or not, vintage license plates sell.

Collectors love them.
Check out eBay, Etsy, or Facebook Marketplace.

Best sellers:

• Plates from the 1950s–1970s
• Rare colors or one-year-only designs
• Old California, Texas, or New York plates

If you’ve got one lying around, you could turn that scrap metal into cash.

Step 4: Dispose of License Plates Responsibly

Okay, maybe you don’t want to recycle or reuse.

If you’re going to toss them, do it right:

Before putting in the trash:

• Bend the plate in half
• Scratch off the numbers
• Drill a few holes through it
• Cut it with tin snips if you’ve got them

Why? Because whole plates can be stolen from trash and reused illegally.

So yes—you can throw old license plates in the trash. But only after destroying them.

Step 5: Return to DMV or Appropriate Agency

If your state requires it, this is your last step.

Options:

• Return license plates in person at your nearest DMV
• Use a “surrender license plate by mail form” to send them in

Always get proof of surrender.
Some states give a receipt. Others mail back confirmation.
Keep it in your glove box or email folder just in case.

Creative Ways to Repurpose License Plates

Still not sure what to do?

Here are some bonus ideas I’ve seen:

• Planter boxes with license plates as the siding
• Birdhouses topped with plates as roofs
• Gifts for gearheads—framed plates from their birth year
• Bar decor (think Route 66 vibe)

Trust me, people get creative.
Resources and Further Reading

• Wheels for Wishes: What to Do with Old License Plates by State
• Washington State DMV – Dispose of Old Plates
• New York DMV – Recycle or Destroy Old Plates

Final Word

So there you go.

The answer to how to recycle license plates? Dispose of old license plate comes down to 5 steps:

1. Check state laws
2. Find recycling options
3. Reuse or sell if possible
4. Destroy before trashing
5. Return to DMV if required

Do it once, do it right, and you’ll never stress about those old plates again.

Anamika

Anamika is a passionate writer for Eco365Store.com, specializing in topics that inspire a cleaner, greener world. With expertise in home cleaning, recycling, and eco-friendly solutions, she crafts engaging and informative articles that help readers adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives.