If you’ve recently renewed your vehicle registration, purchased a new car, or switched to special plates, you may find yourself holding a pair of old license plates you no longer need. Many drivers aren’t sure what to do with old license plates, and the answer can depend on your state, your personal preference, and how old the plates are.
While it may be tempting to toss them in the garage, it’s always best to handle them properly to avoid issues with personal information, state regulations, or security concerns. In this guide, we’ll explain what to do with old license plates safely, responsibly, and in a way that protects your identity.
Why You Shouldn’t Just Throw Old Plates Away
Before exploring your options, it’s important to understand why you shouldn’t simply throw old plates in the trash. Even though license plates don’t contain sensitive numbers like your driver’s license ID, they are still uniquely tied to your vehicle history. If someone else were to use your discarded plates improperly—such as placing them on another vehicle—it could lead to fines, toll violations, or even legal trouble connected to your name.
Additionally, old license plates are made of aluminum and can easily be recycled rather than ending up in a landfill. Recycling helps keep metal waste out of the environment, and many recycling centers accept plates.
What Do I Do With Old License Plates?
Here are several creative options for recycling your old license plates:
Option 1: Return Your Old Plates to the DMV (Recommended in Many States)
In many states, the safest option is to return your old plates to your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Some states require plates to be returned if you move, surrender your registration, or switch to specialty plates. Others do not require returns at all but still encourage it as a way to ensure plates are removed from circulation.
If you’re unsure whether your state requires this, you can visit your local DMV’s website or call for clarification. In Illinois, returning old plates is optional, but many residents still choose to do so for their peace of mind.
To return your old plates, you generally only need to bring them to a DMV or Secretary of State facility and hand them over at the counter. Some states even allow you to mail them in.
Option 2: Recycle Your Old License Plates
If you don’t need to return your old license plates, recycling is another excellent option. Aluminum is one of the easiest materials to recycle, and license plates can be processed by most municipal or private metal recycling programs.
Before recycling, it’s a good idea to remove or scratch through your registration sticker. This ensures that the plate cannot be reused or mistaken for a valid one. You don’t need to bend or deface the plate unless your local recycling center recommends it, but doing so can give you extra peace of mind.
If your city doesn’t accept plates in curbside recycling, many scrap-metal facilities will accept them directly.
Option 3: Keep Them for Personal Records
Some drivers prefer to keep their old plates as part of their vehicle history—especially if the plates were personalized, vintage, or attached to a memorable car. There is nothing wrong with hanging onto them as long as they are stored securely and clearly marked as no longer in use. Marking them with a permanent marker or drilling a hole through the sticker area helps ensure the plates can’t be misused.
This is a good option for collectors, car enthusiasts, or anyone who wants to save meaningful memorabilia.
Option 4: Repurpose Old Plates for Crafts or Décor
If you’re crafty or enjoy DIY projects, old license plates can be turned into unique decorations. Many people transform them into wall art, garage décor, picture frames, tabletops, or even birdhouses. Metal plates can add a nostalgic, rustic touch to workshops, basements, and game rooms.
If you choose this option, just be sure to remove the registration sticker or permanently mark the plate to show it is inactive.
This approach is especially popular with families who want a creative keepsake from their first car or long-time vehicle.
Option 5: Donate Your Plates to an Artist or School
Some art programs, shop classes, and community centers accept old license plates for metalworking or crafting projects. If you want to get rid of your plates responsibly but don’t necessarily want to create crafts yourself, donating them can help local artists or students working on hands-on projects.
Always verify that the organization accepts metal items before dropping them off.
Option 6: Destroy the Plates for Security Purposes
If you’re concerned about identity protection and want to guarantee your plates can never be misused, you can destroy them before disposal. Cutting them, drilling holes through important areas, or bending them significantly makes them unusable by anyone else. While not required, some drivers find this to be the safest option when they no longer need their plates.
After destroying them, you can place them in metal recycling if accepted locally.
Final Thoughts: Handle Old License Plates the Right Way
Learning what to do with old license plates helps protect your identity, supports recycling efforts, and keeps expired plates out of circulation. Whether you choose to return them, recycle them, save them, or repurpose them, taking the time to dispose of them properly is always the best choice.
If you ever need help with plate renewals, vehicle registration, title transfers, or other Illinois vehicle services, your local West Suburban Currency Exchange (WSCE) can help. We make vehicle services fast, convenient, and hassle-free—no long DMV lines required.
Visit WSCE today for quick, friendly service you can count on!
