Can You Keep Your License Plate When You Sell Your Car

Yes, in most states you can keep your license plate when you sell your car—but it depends on where you live. While some states require plates to stay with the vehicle, others allow you to remove and reuse them on a new vehicle or transfer them to family members.

So, you’ve decided to sell your car. Maybe it’s time for an upgrade, or perhaps you’re switching to a more fuel-efficient model. Whatever the reason, one question keeps popping up: *Can I keep my license plate when I sell my car?* It’s a smart question—and one that many car owners overlook until it’s too late.

The short answer? It depends. And the “it” in that sentence is your state. License plate laws aren’t standardized across the U.S. Instead, each state sets its own rules about who owns the plates, whether they stay with the car, and what you need to do if you want to keep them. In most cases, you *can* keep your plates—but only if you follow the right steps.

Think of your license plate like a library book. In some libraries, you check it out and return it when you’re done. In others, you can keep it forever. Similarly, in some states, the plate belongs to the vehicle, while in others, it’s tied to the owner. Understanding this distinction is key to avoiding confusion, fines, or even legal trouble down the road.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about keeping your license plate when selling your car. We’ll break down state-by-state rules, explain the difference between standard and personalized plates, and give you practical tips to make the process smooth and stress-free. Whether you’re selling privately, trading in at a dealership, or gifting the car to a family member, this article will help you navigate the process like a pro.

Key Takeaways

• State laws vary widely: Whether you can keep your license plate depends entirely on your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regulations.
• Most states allow plate retention: In over 40 states, you can remove your plates when selling a car and use them on a new vehicle.
• Some states require plates to stay with the car: A handful of states, like New York and Illinois, require plates to remain with the sold vehicle unless you’re transferring ownership within the family.
• Personalized plates often stay with the owner: Custom or vanity plates are typically treated as personal property and can be transferred or reused.
• You may need to notify the DMV: Even if you keep your plates, you might need to report the sale and update your registration status.
• Keeping plates can save money: Reusing plates avoids registration fees and simplifies the process when buying a new car.
• Failure to follow rules can lead to penalties: Driving with improperly transferred or unregistered plates may result in fines or legal issues.

Understanding License Plate Ownership

Before you can decide whether to keep your license plate, it’s important to understand who actually owns it. This might sound simple, but the answer isn’t always straightforward.

In most states, the license plate is considered the property of the vehicle owner—not the car itself. That means when you register a car, you’re issued plates that are linked to your name and registration. When you sell the car, you have the right to remove those plates, as long as you follow state guidelines.

However, in a few states, the plates are considered part of the vehicle. This means they must stay with the car when it’s sold, unless special exceptions apply (like transferring ownership to a spouse or immediate family member). These states treat plates more like a VIN number—something that identifies the car, not the person.

For example, in New York, license plates must remain with the vehicle upon sale. If you try to take them, you could face penalties. But in California, you can remove your plates and reuse them on a new car, as long as you notify the DMV and update your registration.

So why the difference? It mostly comes down to how each state manages vehicle identification and registration. Some states want to ensure that every car on the road has a clearly identifiable plate that matches its registration. Others prioritize owner flexibility, especially for personalized or specialty plates.

Standard Plates vs. Personalized Plates

Not all license plates are created equal—and that affects whether you can keep them.

Standard plates are the generic, randomly assigned plates you get when you first register your car. These are usually state-issued and tied to your registration. In most states, you can keep standard plates when selling your car, but you may need to surrender them if you’re not planning to register another vehicle soon.

Personalized plates—also known as vanity plates—are a different story. These are custom plates you pay extra for, often with your name, initials, or a fun phrase. Because they’re uniquely yours, they’re almost always considered your personal property. That means you can keep them, transfer them to a new vehicle, or even give them to a family member.

For instance, if you have a plate that says “MYCAR1” or “DRIVE88,” you’ll likely want to keep it. Most states allow you to retain personalized plates and transfer them to a new car, sometimes for a small fee. Some even let you “reserve” the plate for a period of time if you’re between vehicles.

But here’s a pro tip: even if your state allows you to keep personalized plates, you should still notify the DMV. Failing to do so could result in the plate being reassigned to someone else after a certain period.

State-by-State Rules: Where You Can and Can’t Keep Your Plates

Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty: which states let you keep your license plate when you sell your car, and which don’t?

We’ve broken it down into three categories: states where you *can* keep your plates, states where you *can’t*, and states with special conditions.

States Where You Can Keep Your Plates

The majority of U.S. states allow you to remove your license plates when selling your car. These include:

– California
– Texas
– Florida
– Pennsylvania
– Ohio
– Michigan
– North Carolina
– Georgia
– Virginia
– Washington

In these states, the plates are considered your property. When you sell the car, you simply take the plates with you. You can then use them on a new vehicle, store them, or transfer them to a family member.

For example, in California, you must remove your plates before selling the car. The buyer will need to get new plates or transfer existing ones. You can then reuse your old plates on a new car, as long as you re-register them within a certain timeframe (usually 10–30 days).

In Texas, you can keep your plates and transfer them to a new vehicle. You’ll need to visit the DMV, pay a small transfer fee, and update your registration. The process is straightforward and can save you money on new plate fees.

States Where You Must Leave the Plates

A smaller number of states require plates to stay with the vehicle upon sale. These include:

– New York
– Illinois
– New Jersey
– Massachusetts
– Maryland (in most cases)
– Connecticut

In New York, for instance, license plates must remain with the car when it’s sold. The buyer is responsible for registering the vehicle and getting new plates if needed. If you try to take the plates, you could be fined.

Illinois has a similar rule. Plates stay with the vehicle unless you’re transferring ownership to a spouse or immediate family member. Even then, you may need to file special paperwork.

New Jersey requires plates to stay with the car, but allows exceptions for personalized plates. If you have a custom plate, you can often remove it and reuse it on a new vehicle.

States with Special Conditions

Some states have unique rules that fall somewhere in between.

In Maryland, plates usually stay with the car—but if you’re selling to a family member, you may be able to transfer them. You’ll need to complete a Plate Transfer form and submit it to the MVA.

In Washington State, you can keep your plates, but only if you’re registering another vehicle within 30 days. If not, you must surrender them to the DMV.

In Pennsylvania, you can keep your plates, but you must notify the DMV within 15 days of the sale. Failure to do so could result in penalties.

The takeaway? Always check your state’s DMV website before selling your car. Rules can change, and local offices may have additional requirements.

How to Keep Your License Plate When Selling Your Car

So, you’ve confirmed that your state allows you to keep your plates. Great! Now, how do you actually do it?

The process varies slightly by state, but here’s a general step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Remove the Plates Before the Sale

Don’t wait until after the sale to take off your plates. Remove them *before* handing over the keys. This ensures you don’t accidentally leave them behind or lose them in the transfer.

Use a screwdriver or socket wrench to carefully remove the bolts. Keep the screws in a safe place—you’ll need them when installing the plates on your new car.

Step 2: Notify the DMV of the Sale

Even if you’re keeping your plates, you still need to report the sale to the DMV. This protects you from liability if the new owner gets a ticket or is involved in an accident.

In most states, you can report the sale online, by mail, or in person. You’ll typically need the buyer’s name, address, and the date of sale. Some states also require a signed Bill of Sale.

For example, in California, you must file a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability within 5 days of the sale. This can be done online through the DMV website.

Step 3: Reuse or Transfer the Plates

If you’re buying a new car, you can often transfer your old plates to the new vehicle. Visit your local DMV office with:

– Your current registration
– Proof of insurance
– The new vehicle’s title or registration
– A completed plate transfer form (if required)

You may need to pay a small fee—usually between $10 and $30—depending on your state.

If you’re not buying a new car right away, you can store your plates. Some states allow you to “hold” personalized plates for up to a year. Check with your DMV to see if this option is available.

Step 4: Update Your Insurance

Don’t forget to update your auto insurance policy. Once you sell your car, you’ll need to remove it from your policy or switch coverage to your new vehicle.

If you’re keeping the plates but not the car, make sure your insurance reflects the change. Driving with expired registration or lapsed insurance can lead to fines.

Benefits of Keeping Your License Plate

You might be wondering: *Why bother keeping my plates? Isn’t it easier to just get new ones?*

Actually, there are several good reasons to keep your license plate when selling your car.

Cost Savings

New license plates often come with fees—sometimes $20 to $50 or more. If you reuse your old plates, you can avoid these costs. This is especially helpful if you’re on a tight budget or buying a used car.

Convenience

Transferring plates is usually faster and easier than getting new ones. You don’t have to wait for new plates to arrive in the mail or stand in line at the DMV. Just install your old plates and update your registration.

Personalization

If you have a personalized plate, keeping it means you don’t lose your unique identifier. Whether it’s your initials, a favorite number, or a fun phrase, your vanity plate is part of your identity as a driver.

Environmental Impact

Reusing plates reduces waste. Manufacturing new plates requires materials and energy. By keeping your old ones, you’re doing your part for the environment.

Continuity

Some drivers like the familiarity of their old plates. If you’ve had the same plate for years, it can feel like a part of your driving history. Keeping it maintains that connection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes when selling your car and keeping your plates. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

Leaving the Plates On the Car

If your state allows you to keep your plates, leaving them on the sold car could cause problems. The new owner might misuse them, or you could be held liable for any violations.

Always remove the plates before the sale—unless your state requires them to stay.

Not Reporting the Sale

Failing to notify the DMV of the sale can leave you on the hook for tickets, tolls, or accidents involving the old car. Even if you’ve removed the plates, you’re still legally responsible until the sale is reported.

Transferring Plates Without Updating Registration

Just putting your old plates on a new car isn’t enough. You must update your registration and insurance to match. Driving with mismatched plates and registration is illegal in most states.

Assuming All States Have the Same Rules

Don’t assume that because your friend in Texas kept their plates, you can do the same in New York. Always check your state’s specific laws.

Ignoring Time Limits

Some states require you to reuse or surrender your plates within a certain timeframe—often 30 to 90 days. Missing this deadline could result in fines or the loss of your personalized plate.

What to Do If You Can’t Keep Your Plates

If you live in a state where plates must stay with the car, don’t panic. There are still options.

Transfer to a Family Member

In some states, you can transfer plates to a spouse, parent, or child—even if the car is sold. Check with your DMV to see if this is allowed.

Use a Temporary Plate

If you’re buying a new car right away, you might be able to use a temporary plate while you wait for new ones. This keeps you legal on the road.

Request a New Personalized Plate

If you had a custom plate, you can often reorder the same combination on a new plate—though there may be a waiting period or additional fee.

Final Thoughts

So, can you keep your license plate when you sell your car? In most cases, yes—but it all comes down to where you live and how you handle the process.

The key is to do your homework. Check your state’s DMV website, understand the rules for standard and personalized plates, and follow the proper steps to remove, transfer, or report your plates.

Keeping your plates can save you money, time, and hassle. It also lets you hold onto a piece of your driving identity—especially if you’ve got a cool vanity plate.

But remember: rules vary, and mistakes can be costly. Whether you’re selling to a private buyer, trading in at a dealership, or gifting the car to a loved one, take the time to do it right.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to sell your car confidently, keep your plates legally, and hit the road in your new ride without a hitch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my license plate if I sell my car in California?

Yes, in California you can keep your license plate when you sell your car. You must remove the plates before the sale and can reuse them on a new vehicle. Be sure to file a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability with the DMV within 5 days.

Do I have to leave my plates on the car in New York?

Yes, in New York, license plates must stay with the vehicle when it’s sold. The buyer is responsible for registering the car and obtaining new plates if needed. Removing the plates could result in fines.

Can I transfer my personalized plate to a new car?

In most states, yes. Personalized or vanity plates are typically considered your property and can be transferred to a new vehicle. You may need to pay a small transfer fee and update your registration.

What happens if I don’t report the sale of my car?

If you don’t report the sale to the DMV, you could be held liable for any tickets, tolls, or accidents involving the vehicle. Even if you’ve removed the plates, you’re still legally responsible until the sale is officially reported.

How long do I have to reuse my old plates on a new car?

This varies by state. In Washington, you have 30 days to register your plates on a new vehicle. In other states, the timeframe may be longer or shorter. Check with your local DMV for specific deadlines.

Can I give my license plates to a family member?

In some states, yes—especially if you’re transferring ownership of the car to a spouse or immediate family member. However, rules vary, so contact your DMV to confirm whether a plate transfer is allowed.