- How Do You Dispose Of Old License Plates In California
- Dispose Of License Plates California Law
- Dispose Of License Plates California Dmv
- Old License Plates Disposal
- Dispose Of Old License Plates California
How do you get rid of old CA license plate? Well, this article discloses what to do with old license plates in California following state laws.
California License Plate Search. Vehicle owners in California must have a registered vehicle with the appropriate license plates. All rear plates must display a validation sticker that is up-to-date. Failure to do so leads to additional fees when renewing a vehicle. Sample California License Plate. Getting a License Plate in California. Dispose of car batteries at an auto parts retailer or hazardous waste collection site. Since car batteries contain lead acid, they can't be disposed of in the trash or tossed in with your recycling. Many retailers, like Home Depot or Auto Zone, will accept dead or used car batteries. You can also drop them off at recycling or waste disposal.
Recently, I called the California DMV to learn about how to dispose of my motorcycle license plate. Their response was, “California does not need old license plates.” I also asked whether I can sell it on eBay or Craigslist or give it away as a souvenir. The officer replied, “The license plate is not valid, so it’s up to you.”
You do not have to surrender your California vehicle plates when moving to a new US state. Your new US state may demand you surrender the plates to them upon titling and registering your car. You will however want to submit an address change to the CA DMV immediately after moving. Carpet, mattresses and paint recycling locators are managed by their respective stewardship organizations. The California Department of Public Health maintains a 'list of home-generated sharps consolidation points.' CalRecycle maintains a list of websites of county agencies that manage household hazardous waste.
But it does not end here; I have further information for you. The sections below disclose what you can do with your CA plate and how to notify CA when you are leaving the state or shipping your motor vehicle out of the country.
Can I keep my California license plate?
Yes, you can keep your California license plate. You do not have to surrender your CA license plates; you can destroy or keep them. Moreover, if you decide to re-register in another state, that state notifies California. The new state may also request your CA license plates when titling or registering the motor vehicle you move there. Endeavor to submit an address change to the California DMV after leaving the state.
Can you throw away license plates in California?
Yes. You can throw away your old California license plate.
What to Do with Old License Plates California
Garage Decoration
You can use your CA motorcycle or vehicle license plate as garage decorations. Use a rope to have them hanging, or nail them to the wall.
Souvenir
Why return your license plates to CA when you can keep them as souvenirs? If you visit an antique store, old license plates are highly sought after.
While in Queretaro, Mexico, recently, I rummaged through an antique store with various license plate collections. Of course, the view was electrifying. The same could be said of CA antique stores.
Creative Arts
You can create various artistic products with your CA license plate. Some of the creative arts to consider are:
- Bird feeder
- Wall hanging
- Purse
- Clipboards
- Bracers
- Birdhouse
- Skylines
There are lots more artworks to make. You can be inspired to build a simple frame for your pictures to retain beautiful memories.
Shop Deco
Visitors usually commend my license plate collections on the shop wall. Depending on the visitor, I give out one plate for the state I have double plates.
Can you keep your personalized license plate after selling your motor vehicle in California?
Yes, you can keep your personalized or vanity license plates in California. However, you must complete the Special Interest License Plate Application to notify the CA DMV that you intend to keep the plates. You will pay a yearly retention renewal fee depending on your plate type, although you do not use the plates on any motor vehicle. Also, you will not receive a billing notice for the retention renewal.
Endeavor to keep copies of your receipts when you pay for the personalized plate. Your personalized CA plate will be canceled if you fail to renew it yearly.
If you sold your motorcycle or vehicle and want to get rid of your personalized plates, you can notify the DMV by completing the Special Interest License Plate Application to release your interest in the CA plates and surrender it to your local DMV.
Note that it is not mandatory to surrender your personalized CA plates. But when you stop renewing it annually, the plate becomes invalid, and you can’t use them on another motor vehicle. Nobody will chase you for it.
What to do if you move out of CA and will be registering your motor vehicle in a new state
If you are moving out of California to register your motorcycle or vehicle in another state, complete the Change of Address (DMV 14) form to notify the CA DMV. Endeavor to tick the box labeled “check if registered outside of CA” to receive billing notices in the new state. The change of address must be done within 10 days.
How Do You Dispose Of Old License Plates In California
When you receive the motor vehicle registration renewal notice, indicate the date the motor vehicle was moved to another state and include the state name where you have a new registration. Return the envelope for your records to be updated; otherwise, collection efforts, including bank levies or wage garnishments, will continue.
What if you are shipping the motor vehicle out of the country? California expects you to surrender your license plate to the DMV with the transfer application. Refer to CA’s used vehicle report for further instructions regarding shipping the motor vehicle out of the country.
Final Thoughts
When you sell your motor vehicle, do not give your license plates to the buyer. Advise them to obtain the temporary tag and drive/ride home the used motorcycle or vehicle.
Never give your old CA plates to anyone once you no longer possess a motor vehicle.
Chapter 8: Report of Sale – Used Vehicles. DMV.CA.gov.
Online Change of Address System. DMV.CA.gov.
Special Interest Licence Plate Application. DMV.CA.gov.
i just registered my car in california and changed the plates, i’m not sure if i should throw the old ones away, or recycle them, or what. is there any chance someone could get them out of the garbage and use them for something that i could end up being held accountable for ?
Dispose Of License Plates California Law
6 Answers
Dispose Of License Plates California Dmv
Good question; I believe that in California you’re supposed to send them in or drop them off to the CA DMV so as to avoid the very thing you’re describing.
return to the DMV. Where I live its a requirement.
In NY you have to turn them into DMV
I have seen people get tickets for old plates cause of no registered insurance associated with them
You could always keep them and make them into something cool. Like fold up the sides and use as a napkin holder.
chaosrob has the right idea…Keep ‘em in tact for the next ten or twenty years and then sell ‘em to a classic car restorer….
Old License Plates Disposal
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Dispose Of Old License Plates California
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