What to Do With Old License Plates Texas

Are you thinking of what to do with your old license plates in Texas? The state of Texas is not only known for its big things like the state’s flag, food, and borders but also the state’s license plates.

The state of Texas is the second-largest state in the United States and has a rich history. Its license plates are also a part of the state’s history.

In the year of 1968, license plates were first introduced in Texas. The first design was given between 1968 and 1969 and had a yellow background color with a blue border and letters.

That aside, you may have questions concerning what to do with your old license plates in Texas.

Don’t worry; we have an answer for you.

What to do with old license plates in Texas

The state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does not mandate vehicle owners to surrender or return their expired license plates.

As such, you are free to keep your old Texas license plates.

In case there is a change in ownership, you must notify both the state and your car insurance firm.

If you decide to destroy your old license plates, you should have them registered as scrapped.

Well, let’s see ways in which Texas drivers can get rid of their obsolete plates.

Keep it as a souvenir

According to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, anyone who’s moving out of Texas and settling in a new state is allowed to keep their license plates as a souvenir from the state.

And even when you’re not moving but you’ve got plates that are no longer in use, it’s still fine to keep them as a souvenir.

After all, you’re keeping them for remembrance’s sake.

This is a perfect opportunity to keep your old plates and give them to your family members and friends as gifts, particularly if they come from out of state.

Maybe there is sentimental value attached to them because they belonged to your grandfather or your favorite uncle.

Keep as a collection

Even if you are thinking of swapping one plate for another, you can keep your old plate as part of your license plate collection.

This type of collection is rapidly gaining popularity all over the world, including in Texas.

If you’re interested in getting more information on how to collect license plates and where to sell them, the internet is the perfect place to look.

You should also visit local car shows since many people who attend these shows sell their collections.

It will be an opportunity to learn more about license plates and their history.

Give as a gift

Surely, the most rewarding option is to give your old Texas license plates as gifts.

If you’ve been keeping them for a long time and have no idea how to dispose of them, you can always give them away to friends and relatives on special occasions.

This will be an ideal way of thanking those who have become family members or friends in the past years.

With that said, gift license plates to the type of people who have an interest in them.

For example, if you’ve got plates that are from a decade or two ago, give them to someone who loves history and old things.

Don’t forget to write a lovely message on the back of the plates telling the recipient how special they are to you.

Hang old license plates on your garage wall

In case you have a license plate collection and there is no one in your family or circle of friends who would love to receive your old plates as gifts, you can always hang them on your garage wall.

Many people do this and it serves as a unique decoration in your garage.

With a few coats of paint, this arrangement can work wonders.

Return your old plates to the DMV

As much as you’re not required to turn in unwanted license plates to the DMV, it’s always a good idea to do so.

For one thing, the DMV needs to make sure that your old plates are accounted for.

And for another, you’ll be able to ensure they’re recycled or disposed of in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.

You can return your plates at any of the DMV-issued locations or by mail.

The best option is to mail them to the given address so that you don’t spend hours waiting in the often long lines at their facilities.

Sell old license plates online

Vintage or rare license plates are some of the most sought-after collectibles in the world.

If you have Texas plates that show a rare design or something that was issued during a certain year, you may be able to sell them on eBay.

Make sure to check out the website’s guidelines first and read their tips on how to effectively list your product.

You may also want to look at other websites where vintage items are sold and read reviews from other sellers.

There is a chance the plates will fetch a good deal of money if they are still in a good condition.

Sell your plates to a scrap metal company

If you want to get rid of your old license plates, there is always another option—sell them to a scrap yard.

You may want to call around and find out what scrap metal facilities will pay top dollar for your old plates.

Just be sure to conduct a bit of research on the company beforehand.

Depending on what they offer you, you can then decide if it’s worthwhile to drive to the facility.

The price you get for your old plates should be at least enough for you to buy something worthy.

Final Thoughts

You no longer need to keep your old plates in a box or on the garage wall.

Now that you know what to do with your old license plates, you can get rid of them and make sure they’re responsibly disposed of.

There are many ways to get rid of the license plates in a state that is known for its borders and food.

FAQs

Where do I return my Texas license plates?

Your local tax collector’s office will take them off your hands.

Also, drop them off at a DMV facility in the state.