Official License Plate Guide For All 50 US States

After several months in search of a car buyer, or maybe weeks of consulting and comparing prices with a car dealer, finally, you were able to sell your car! It may be too early to celebrate, but if you think it all ends here, think again! You might want to check out your LICENSE PLATES. We couldn’t just leave it in our cars, as there are still legal responsibilities attached to them. We must be mindful of what laws are implemented per state when it comes to license plates before handing over your vehicle to its new owner.

License Plates in the U.S.

Vehicle Registration Plates in the United States, also known as license plates are issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles, an agency of the state or territorial government, or in the case of the District of Columbia, the district government. Some Native American tribes also issue license plates. These plates are required per state and need to be attached to any automotive vehicle for official identification purposes and security reasons. It helps the authorities to identify the owner if it gets involved in traffic violations or unfortunate accidents. In the land of the free, there are overall 50 license plates that differ by design per state from standard to personalized plates. And with that, they also have different rules and regulations when it comes to keeping or discarding these metal tags.

What do I do with my Plates after I sell my Car?

Being responsible with your license plates is vital. Not being cautious with it, can lead you to face certain charges like paying for a fine or worse, getting your driver’s license suspended. You might want to make sure that you always go by the rules. Let your respective State know that you have sold your car or transferred your plates is extremely important as you are making them aware that you are no longer responsible and associated with your old vehicle. Generally, most State laws suggest removing the plates before you turn over the car to the new owner. Some States require the plates to stay with the vehicle. Some will allow you to keep it then transfer it to a new car. Always refer to the guidelines of the State Division of Motor Vehicles before completing the sale. We have compiled some information about what to do with your license plates after selling the vehicle per State.

ALABAMA

You need to remove the license plates. Keep it as you may transfer it to your newly acquired vehicle. There would be a $1.25 transfer fee. They may also charge you a local fee in some counties. Visit the Alabama Department of Revenue to know more.

ALASKA

Please note that Standard Plates are non-transferable and stay in the car. You may remove Specialized or Personalized Plates from the vehicle if you have one. You can transfer the said plates to a new car that you owned. A transfer fee of $5 is applied to most specialized plates except Disabled Vet, Gold Star Family, Disability, Prisoner of War, or Pearl Harbor Survivor plates. You can learn more about this through the Alaska DMV.

ARIZONA

Remove the plates. You can transfer them to another vehicle you own, within 30 days, this will also transfer any remaining credit on the registration. If you have no use for them, you may return it to the Motor Vehicle Division office to have it discarded or destroyed. For any unused credits, you may request a refund through the Arizona DOT (Department of Transportation).

ARKANSAS

You must remove the plates. You can transfer the plates to another vehicle within 30 days for a $1 transfer fee. Pay the difference if your new car belongs to a higher weight category. If you do not plan to use the plates, you will need to return it to the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles. For a helpful guide, you may also click here.

CALIFORNIA

The Standard Plate stays with the vehicle. The owner can submit a form to the California DMV if he wants to keep the same plates. For Personalized Plates, it stays with the owner.

COLORADO

Remove and keep the license plates as you may transfer it to your new vehicle. The transfer fee costs $1, and you just need to submit certain documents. Please refer to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles for more details. For some helpful guide about license plates in Colorado, you may also check dmv.org.

CONNECTICUT

You must remove the plates. You may transfer it to your new vehicle with the help of the Connecticut DMV. Transfer the remaining time from your old registration to the new one. Canceling of the registration online or by mail is required if you will no longer use the plates. Be sure to print and keep the receipt as proof of canceling and returning the plates. You will need to contact your local Assessor's Office, who may need a copy of this receipt and other information to adjust your tax bill. You can return the plates by mail.

DELAWARE

The plates stay with the vehicle. The new owner can acquire it provided he is a resident of Delaware. If not, you need to return the plates to Delaware DMV. You can keep your plates by bringing the title to the Delaware DMV before completing the sale and pay a $35 retaining fee.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

You must remove the license plates. You may transfer the plates to your new vehicle. If not, you will need to surrender it to the District of Columbia DMV. Failure to do so may lead you to be responsible for any ticket infractions incurred on the tags.

FLORIDA

You will need to remove the license tags, and you may transfer it to your new vehicle. Return the plates to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles if you will not be using it. Keep in mind that failure to return it can result in the suspension of your driver’s license.

GEORGIA

Remove the plates. You may keep it, and transfer it with a fee of $5 to your newly acquired vehicle provided that it is within the same category. You can surrender the plates and cancel the registration online or at to Georgia Department of Revenue if you have no plans to transfer it. Like other state laws, please note that you must cancel the registration first before canceling the insurance to avoid fines as per the Georgia law requiring insurance coverage. 

HAWAII

The plate stays with the vehicle. You may submit a request to your county to keep the tags and transfer them to your new car. It is upon Director’s discretion to grant the said request. Plate registrations and transfers are processed per county, not by the state. Please refer to the Hawaii DOT for more details.

IDAHO

Remove the plates from the vehicle as you may transfer it to a new one. The amount of time remaining on your registration will also be applied. For more information about titling and registration, please visit the Idaho Transportation Department.

ILLINOIS

You will need to remove the plates and transfer them to your new vehicle if you plan to. Transfer fee costs $25 or $150 with the title. Otherwise, you will need to return it to the Illinois Secretary of State. For some helpful guide, you may visit dmv.org.

INDIANA

Take the plates off from the vehicle. You may transfer it to your new car. Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles does not require returning the plates after selling your vehicle.

IOWA

Do not forget to remove the plates as you may transfer it to your new vehicle. If not, you can return it to the County Treasurer’s Office. You may also receive a refund for the unused portion of your registration provided that it is $10 or more.

KANSAS

Remove and keep the plate as you may transfer them to a new vehicle if you plan to buy one. You will be given a 60-day time frame from the date of purchase to process the said transfer at the County Treasurer’s Office. You may also visit, Kansas Department of Revenue for more details.

KENTUCKY

Remove the plates as you need to return it to your County Clerk’s Office. This rule also applies to the personalized and specialized plates. The said plates can be re-issued for a transfer fee of $3 by the said office if the owner requests to transfer it to a new vehicle of the same class. You may visit Kentucky’s Official Website for more details.

LOUISIANA

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles requires the plates to be returned or destroyed except for prestige plates. Only the license plates of trucks and trailers, stay with the vehicle and can be transferred to the new owner.

MAINE

Need to remove the plates. You may transfer it to a new vehicle as long as you have registered your new car the same year that you canceled the old registration. You may return and submit a cancellation form to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicle’s Office for the plates that will not be in use.

MARYLAND

Remember to remove the plates. You may use and transfer them, provided that the new car has the same class, and the owner has the same address. If you do not plan to purchase a new vehicle, you can surrender the plates and registration card to any  Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration offices, keep the receipt for proof then cancel the insurance coverage.

MASSACHUSETTS

Remove your license plates. You may transfer the plates to your new car within seven days of selling the old vehicle through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicle’s Office. You do not need to surrender the plates as the State does not require it, may cancel it online if you will not use them.

MICHIGAN

You must remove the plates. You can transfer them to a new vehicle for a transfer fee of $8 by following the Michigan Secretary of State’s Guidelines. An immediate family member can acquire the plates with the car. Surrender the plates to the Michigan Secretary of State if not needed. Visit dmv.org for more information.

MINNESOTA

The Standard license plates and its registration taxes stays with the vehicle or its new owner. The Seller has ten days to notify and advise the transfer of the plate according to Minnesota Statutes. Custom or Personalized plates can only be kept by the owner in which he can transfer it to his new vehicle. Click here for some helpful guidelines.

MISSISSIPPI

The plates are registered to both the vehicle and the owner. Plate transfers are not allowed, so you must remove and surrender them to County Tax Collector’s Office. You will need to register a new plate if you plan to buy a new car within seven days from the date of purchase.

MISSOURI

You will need to remove your plates. You may have it transferred to your newly purchased vehicle provided in the same class. If not, you may destroy or recycle them or have them surrendered/mailed at Missouri License Office. You may receive a credit for the unused period of your registration.

MONTANA

Remove the license plates. You can transfer the plates to your new vehicle within 20 days from the date of purchase, according to the Montana Vehicle Services Bureau. For plates not in use, surrender and mail them to the Montana Motor Vehicle Division. You may request a refund for any remaining credits of your registration. You may also click here for some helpful guidelines.

NEBRASKA

Return the license plates to Nebraska County Treasurer’s Office, in exchange for the new registration of your new car. Any remaining credits will be also be applied or can be refunded if you have no replacement vehicle.

NEVADA

You will need to remove the plates according to the Nevada DMV. You can have them transferred to your new vehicle, or you can return them for cancellation within 30 days from the date of sale. You may return custom plates within 60 days.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Keep the plates as you may transfer it to your newly acquired vehicle that is under your name. You will need to bring your current registration of the plate and proof of ownership for the new vehicle to the town or city clerk where you reside. You may visit the New Hampshire DMV page for more information. For surrendering your plates, you will only need to return it if you will move out of state or change to a personalized plate.

NEW JERSEY

Seller keeps the license plates. You may transfer this to a new vehicle that is under the same name. To transfer, you must visit a licensing center near you as per the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. You will need to surrender the plates if you will not use them. It is also important to keep the receipt as proof that you have returned the plates.

NEW MEXICO

Remove the plates and have it surrendered to New Mexico’s MVD (Motor Vehicle Division) within 30 days to have it destroyed or you can submit an application to have it assigned to a new vehicle.

NEW YORK

Please be sure to remove the plates as you can still use and transfer them to your new vehicle as per New York DMV If not, you should surrender them via mail or at a New York DMV Office. Click here to know more about returning your plates.

NORTH CAROLINA

Remove the license plates. You can assign it to your new or another vehicle as long as it’s under the same class. If not, you may cancel and surrender them to the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. Keep in mind to have it returned before you cancel the insurance. Click here for some helpful guidelines about North Carolina License Plates.

NORTH DAKOTA

You will need to remove the license plates and transfer it to your new replacement vehicle. You may visit the North Dakota Department of Transportation for further assistance. Any unused credits from your registration will also be transferred. If you will no longer use the plate, you may cancel its insurance and return it to North Dakota DOT.

OHIO

You can transfer the plates to your newly acquired vehicle provided that it is of the same class so be sure to remove your plates. You can also cancel the registration and surrender the plates to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. You may click here for some helpful guide about Ohio License Plates.

OKLAHOMA

As per the Oklahoma Tax Commission’s Motor Vehicle Division’s updated law (July 2019), the seller can keep the plate and transfer them to their new vehicle. Otherwise, plates can be surrendered at their local OTC tag agent. Click here for Oklahoma license plate guides.

OREGON

Be sure to remove the plates. You may transfer the said plates to another vehicle that you own as long as they are under the same class. The remaining time of the registration can also be transferred to your new vehicle. Meanwhile, you can destroy the license plate or surrender them to the Oregon Department of Transportation in case you will no longer use it.

PENNSYLVANIA

You may remove and keep the plates or return it to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation if you will not transfer it to another vehicle.

RHODE ISLAND

Remember to remove the plates. You may transfer it to a new vehicle as long as the name in the registration stays the same as per the Rhode Island DMV. The remaining time of the registration will also be transferred to the new vehicle. If you will not use the license plates, you can surrender them in person or by mail to Rhode Island DMV.

SOUTH CAROLINA

You will need to remove the plates and you must transfer it to your new vehicle within 30 days from the date of sale. The transfer fee costs $10 plus tax and title fees. If not, you will need to return it to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. Click here for more information.

SOUTH DAKOTA

Remove the license plates. You may transfer it to your new vehicle of the same type, you just need to bring the plates with you at your County Treasurer’s Office. It is important that you register the new car before the plate expires. If the plate expires, it can no longer be transferred or renewed. You may surrender the plates at your local County Treasure’s Office if you will no longer use them.

TENNESSEE

You must remove the plates as it stays with the owner. You may also transfer your license plates to a new vehicle for a $1 transfer fee. The new vehicle must be under the same weight and class. If not, registration and plates should be returned to the County Clerk as per the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

TEXAS

Should I remove the license plate when selling a car in Texas? Remove the plates and the registration sticker. You may transfer the plates to your newly acquired car for FREE. Thanks to the Texas DMV! Please note that upon transferring your plates the County Clerk will issue you a new registration sticker. If you will no longer use them, you need to surrender them at your local Texas tax assessor/collector office.

UTAH

Should I sell my car with license plates on? Please remember to remove your plates as you may still transfer them to another vehicle that you own or if not, it must be returned to Utah Department of Motor Vehicles to be destroyed.

VERMONT

As a seller, it is your responsibility to remove the plates, as it is registered to you not the vehicle. You can transfer the tags to your new car. Please visit the Vermont DMV's local office or website for guidelines.

VIRGINIA

Keep the plates as you may transfer them to another vehicle under your name. If not, you may return the plates to any DMV Customer Service Center for recycling or you may destroy and dispose of them yourself. Please note that you can be eligible for a refund if you have at least 6 months remaining in your registration period. You can submit a form to be eligible for the said refund. For more details, you may visit the Virginia DMV.

WASHINGTON

Remove the plates. You may transfer the said plates to another or new vehicle as long as it’s titled and registered under your name. The vehicle must be, of course, registered in Washington. You can learn more about the transfer process through the Washington State Department of Licensing.

WEST VIRGINIA

Do not forget to remove your license plates as you may transfer it to another vehicle under your name. You must notify West Virginia DMV as they will send you the new registration certificate.

WISCONSIN

You may keep the plates then transfer it to your new vehicle of the same type. You can do this through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. License Plates of the vehicles that are more than 10,000 lbs. stays with them when they are sold.

WYOMING

You must remove the plates. You can transfer the plates and the remaining credit of the registration (if any) to your newly acquired vehicle. Wyoming Park County Treasurer can further assist you with this.

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