How to Discard Old License Plates so They Can't Be Stolen and Used Again

Once you replace the license plates on your vehicle, the old plates aren't valid anymore. They can't legally be used on another vehicle. So, the best thing to do is discard them. If you simply toss them in a trash can, though, the license plates can be stolen and reused. That will cause legal problems for you since your name, address, and other personal information is connected to them. You must destroy the information before you discard license plates to protect yourself.

Important Note: If you choose to return your old plates to your local Department of Motor Vehicles, they will take your old plates, destroy them, and recycle them.

How to Hide or Destroy the Information
1. Cover-Up or Mutilate the Month and Year Stickers
Use a permanent marker to cover-up the month and year stickers on the license plates. Or, use a sharp object such as a screwdriver blade, a knife, or a metal scraper to deface the stickers so the information on them cannot be read. If possible, completely remove the stickers and discard them.

2. Bend the License Plates Out-of-Shape
Bend the license plates up so they can't be stolen and used again. Since they are now made out of aluminum, you can bend the metal with your hands. Or, place them in a vise and use a hammer or a pair of pliers to mutilate them.

3. Cut-Up Old License Plates
You can also cut old license plates into pieces with a pair of tin snips before you discard them. Wear gloves and be careful of the sharp edges.

How to Discard Old License Plates
Now that you have taken the proper steps to erase the information on your license plates and bend them up so they can't be used again, you can dispose of them. You can recycle them. The older plates were made of galvanized steel, so they can be recycled as well. Or, you can simply toss them into your trash receptacle and let your trash service dispose of them.

Another Option-
If you're going to trade your vehicle into a dealership and not transfer the plates, they may dispose of the old license plates for you.

Resources
http://dor.mo.gov/faq/motorv/general.php#q33
www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/vehicle/plates.shtml#Disposal
http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/vehicles/plates/replaceplate.htm
http://www.dmv.ny.gov/cpl8faqs.htm