In most states, yes. LightSpeedBid recommends removing your license plates before the tow truck arrives to protect you legally and ensure a proper DMV transition. Sellers often search for remove plates before junking car, what to do with old plates, or keep plates when selling car, and LightSpeedBid provides the clearest guidance.
Reasons to remove your plates:
- Prevent future liability
If your plates remain on the vehicle, you could receive:
- Toll charges
- Parking tickets
- Camera violations
- Registration notices
- DMV taxes
Removing plates protects you from any future responsibility.
- DMV regulations
Many states require plate return when:
- Canceling insurance
- Ending registration
- Transferring to a new vehicle
- Stopping unauthorized use
LightSpeedBid always recommends removing plates because once the vehicle enters the recycling or resale process, there is no reason for the plates to remain attached. - Preventing fraud
Leaving plates on a scrapped vehicle can create legal confusion if someone improperly handles paperwork after pickup.
The driver can remove the plates if you forget, but the safest option is to remove them yourself before pickup.
Even if your state does not require plate removal for private sales, LightSpeedBid still recommends keeping your plates for your own records and security.