Dude, let's talk about those California license plates. You just sold your trusty steed, or maybe you're ditching the Golden State for greener pastures (and probably cheaper gas). Now you're staring at those iconic plates, wondering, "Do I gotta mail these back to the DMV? Is this going to be, like, a whole thing?"
Well, grab a non-fat, extra-foam latte, because we're about to dive deep into the ridiculously complex, yet surprisingly simple, world of California license plate surrender. It's a journey, man, and we're taking the scenic route, with plenty of hilarious detours.
The Great Plate Mystery: To Return or Not to Return?
Listen up, because this is the money shot. For standard California license plates (the regular-issue ones, the bread-and-butter of the road), the general rule is: They stay with the car. Mic drop.
That's right! If you sold your average sedan to your neighbor, those plates are part of the deal. They belong to the vehicle, not your stylish leather wallet. The new owner will register the car, and those plates will simply get associated with their name and information. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
 |
| Do I Have To Return California License Plates |
1.1. The Plot Twist: When Plates Don't Stay
Hold your horses, though. This is California, so of course there are exceptions that are about as confusing as trying to understand the ending of a Christopher Nolan movie. If you've got any of these, you must take them off and deal with them:
QuickTip: Copy useful snippets to a notes app.
Personalized/Vanity Plates (Your "A-Team" plates): If you dropped extra cash for plates that say "MY WHIP" or "LUV CATS," those belong to you. They are your property, your custom bling. You'll need to remove them if you want to keep the plate number and put it on your next car, or surrender them to the DMV.
Specialty Plates: Think plates for the Coastal Commission, Yosemite, or a specific military veteran status. These often follow the same rule as personalized plates—they're tied to you, the special plate owner, not just the hunk of metal they're screwed onto.
Plates for a Totaled/Junked Car: If your car is completely toast—a total loss—the plates are no longer valid for use. You should properly dispose of them (more on that later) or surrender them to avoid any funny business.
Plates from a Vehicle Moving Out-of-State: If you're registering your vehicle in, say, Nevada, you'll need to surrender your CA plates as part of that new state's registration process.
Step 1: The First Commandment - File that Release of Liability
Before you even think about touching those license plates, you have one critical, non-negotiable mission. This is your bulletproof vest against tickets, tolls, and that awful moment when the new owner decides to drive their new ride like they're auditioning for Fast & Furious 18.
1.1. The Holy Grail: The NRL
The document you need is the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL), which you can file online at the California DMV website. Do this the second the car is out of your sight. Seriously.
Why it Matters: Filing the NRL tells the DMV, "Hey, this date and time, this car was no longer my problem." If the new owner gets a parking ticket two hours later, the DMV looks at the date you filed the NRL, shrugs, and says, "Not this guy's issue." It's your legal shield.
Gather Your Intel: You'll need the vehicle's license plate number, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), the date and time of sale, the price, and the new owner's name and address. Get that info before they drive off. No exceptions.
Pro-Tip: Once you submit it online, print the confirmation page. File it away with your important papers. Consider it your "I told you so" evidence.
Step 2: Dealing with the Leftovers (a.k.a. Plates You Must Remove)
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
Okay, so you determined you have personalized or specialty plates that need to come off. Time to grab your screwdriver and prepare for a very low-stakes emotional detachment.
2.1. The Standard Surrender: Mail or Drop-Off
You've got options, like a fancy brunch menu, but for metal plates. The DMV isn't exactly clamoring for you to drive across the state to hand them a greasy piece of aluminum, so mailing is a totally chill way to handle it.
Option A: The Mail-In Masterplan: Find a sturdy envelope or box. Wrap those plates up like a precious relic. Include a brief note or a copy of the Special Interest License Plate Application (REG 17) form, specifically checking the "Surrender" box or otherwise indicating you are surrendering the plates. Important: Send it with tracking! You want proof it landed safely at the DMV's office. Never trust the regular mail with your legal destiny.
Option B: The In-Person Drop: Head to your local DMV office or a DMV Field Office. Sometimes, they have a designated "drop box" for plates, so you can skip the ridiculously long line (which is basically a rite of passage in California, but we'll try to avoid it). If no box, you might have to check in and surrender them to a clerk. Don't forget your mask, even if you just drop and run.
2.2. "Can't I Just Toss 'Em?" - The Great Debate
This is where the internet gets spicy. Technically, the plates belong to the State of California. Simply throwing them in the dumpster is a big no-no because of liability and environmental reasons (it's government property, man!). Plus, you don't want some clever crook picking them out and causing trouble.
The Responsible Recycle: If you absolutely cannot or will not go to the DMV, the responsible thing to do is mutilate the plates so they are completely unusable. Cut them up with metal shears, drill holes in them, bend them in half—make them look like abstract art gone wrong. Then, take the metal pieces to a recycling center. This removes the liability risk, which is the entire point of proper surrender. Don't be the guy who gets a toll violation from a plate you trashed.
QuickTip: Scroll back if you lose track.
Step 3: Keeping the Cool Ones (Your Personalized Plates)
If your plates are your personal brand, you don't have to break up with them. You can save the plate number for your next ride. This is the ultimate "reuse and recycle" hack for your customized tag.
Transferring is the Key: You need to fill out the Special Interest License Plate Application (REG 17) to formally tell the DMV, "I'm taking my plates off this vehicle, but I want to keep the number for future use." There may be a small fee, because bureaucracy loves fees.
The Waiting Game: You'll have that plate number reserved for you, but you need to pay an annual retention fee every year to keep it on ice until you get your next set of wheels. It’s like paying rent on your cool plate number. Keep paying, or that awesome plate goes back into the wild!
FAQ Questions and Answers
How do I legally destroy my California license plates?
If you choose not to return them to the DMV, you must render them unusable. The best way is to use metal cutters to chop them up or drill several large, obvious holes through the plate number so it cannot be read or reattached. Then, recycle the pieces at a scrap metal facility.
Tip: Look for small cues in wording.
What is the form I need to fill out if I want to keep my personalized plates?
You'll need to submit the Special Interest License Plate Application (REG 17) to the DMV. This form is used to transfer, surrender, or even order new personalized plates.
Is there a penalty for not returning standard plates in California?
Generally, no. Since standard plates are supposed to stay with the car when sold, the only critical action you must take is filing the Notice of Release of Liability (NRL) immediately. Failure to file the NRL is what can cause you big-time headaches (tickets, tolls, liability).
Can I get a refund on my vehicle registration fees if I return my plates early?
California is notoriously stingy with prorated registration refunds. In most cases, if you sell your car or move out of state, you are not eligible for a refund on the remaining registration fees, even if you surrender your plates.
How long do I have to file the Release of Liability after selling my car?
You are legally required to notify the DMV within five calendar days from the date you sell or transfer ownership of the vehicle. Do it online ASAP to avoid a major hassle.
 |
