Apr 24, 2017 If you just want to get rid of your old license plates, it’s always a good idea to recycle them. Our license plates are now made from aluminum, so they are a highly recyclable material. Check with your local recycling program to see what to do with old license plates before dropping them in your curbside recycling bin — not all programs allow you to put your aluminum license plates. Dispose of old plates. If you replace any type of license plate except those listed below, you may dispose of the old plates in any of the following ways: Take them to your local vehicle licensing office. Mail them to us at.
If you are looking to surrender license plates no longer in use, or replace license plates that have been lost, stolen, or damaged, read the information in the sections below. Information on how to transfer license plates when changing vehicles is also located below. If you want to find out more about standard issue or specialized license plates, please go to Plate Types.
Surrendering plates not in use
If you have New Jersey plates that are not in use, you have two options.
Visit a motor vehicle agencyto surrender the plates.
If you visit a motor vehicle agency to surrender plates no longer in use, please advise agency staff located at the greeter desk to assist you.
The MVC does not accept out-of-state plates. License plates from other states must be returned to the state that issued the plates.
License plates cannot be surrendered at Inspection Stations.
Note: Make sure you receive a receipt. It will serve as proof that the plates were surrendered; in the event that charges are wrongfully acquired on them.
OR
Send by mail to:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission P.O. Box 129 Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0129
Note: You must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope in order to receive a receipt once you surrender your plates by mail. You will need to save this receipt. It will serve as proof that the plates were surrendered in the event that charges are wrongfully acquired on them.
Reporting lost or stolen plates
For a vehicle currently in use
If your plates were stolen, a report should be filed with local police and that report should be brought into the agency with you.
If one or both of your plates were stolen or lost, you must visit a motor vehicle agency to obtain a replacement(s).
At the agency, you will need to complete a Vehicle Registration/Plate Status (Form BA-1 found only at motor vehicle agencies), to report the plates as lost or stolen. This form marks the verification status.
Save the verification in a safe place as proof that you notified the MVC.
For a vehicle no longer owned by you
Notify the MVC in writing.
Provide a signed statement describing what happened; include a police report if your plates were stolen.
Be sure to include your name, mailing address, license plate number, and signature..
Mail to:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Customer Advocacy Office P.O. Box 403 Trenton, NJ 08666-0403
You will receive verification of the updated license plate status in the mail. Save the verification in a safe place as proof that you notified the MVC.
Replacing lost or stolen plates
To replace lost or stolen plates with new ones containing the next available number:
Make an official police report to the municipality where the plates were stolen and obtain a copy of the report for your records.
Visit a motor vehicle agency and present the current registration and required identification.
Pay the $6 fee for standard plates or the $11 fee for special interest /dedicated replacements.
Discard Old License Plates
Replacing damaged plates
To replace your damaged plates you must:
Visit a motor vehicle agency.
Present the current registration and required identification.
Pay the $6 fee for standard plates or the $11 fee for special interest or dedicated plates.
You will be issued a replacement set.
You must surrender your old plates (see above).
To obtain duplicate plates with the same plate number, you can do one of the following:
Visit a motor vehicle agency to obtain the Application for Remaking an Existing Plate (Form SPU-89); or,
Download the application (Form SPU-89).
Call the MVC at (609) 292-6500 ext. 5061 to request the Application for Remaking an Existing Plate (Form SPU-89) and a return envelope.
Submit the application with a copy of your registration and a check or money order for $11 to the address on the application, or use return envelope if provided.
Duplicate plates will be sent to you through the mail in approximately 10 - 12 weeks.
Please surrender the damaged plates to the MVC when you receive your new ones (see above).
Transferring plates
When you change vehicles, you can transfer your plates to the new vehicle so long as the same name is used for both registrations, and the registration code remains the same.
To complete this transaction, you must visit a motor vehicle agency.
Present the new title and registration you want to transfer as well as proper identification.
Note: If you sell a vehicle and do not transfer its plates to another vehicle, you must surrender the old plates (see above).
Notify the State
If you're moving out of the Buckeye State, you should let the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) know. It's easy to do. Just download BMV Change of Address (Form BMV 5756) complete it, and send it to:
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Deputy Registrar Services
P.O. Box 16520
Columbus, OH 43216
You should do this even if the move is temporary.
Just Moved?
Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.
Cancel Your Registration
After you've moved to your new state, be sure to cancel your Ohio vehicle registration. Download and complete Customer Request to Cancel Vehicle Registration, (form BMV 4311) and then send it to the address on the form.
Include a copy of your registration from your new state. Don't waste your time trying to get a refund on unused portions of your Ohio registration, as the state doesn't make such allowances.
Both forms are available at a BMV branch office.
License Plates
Ohio does not require you to surrender your plates if you move out of state. Recycle them as you see fit.
Prepare for the Move
Ease your transition into your new state by visiting our 'New to Your State' section, which gives you an overview on driving-related tasks that should be taken care of shortly after you move to your new home.
The BMV recommends taking a copy of your Ohio driving record and your vehicle registration with you to your new state. This information will come in handy when applying for a new license and registration, or when updating your information with your insurance company. By the way, your new state will confiscate your Ohio license.
Military Information
Dispose Old License Plates Ohio Bureau
If you're in the military and will temporarily be moving outside the state, be sure to visit our Drivers in the Military section for important information regarding registrations and licensing.
Forms
BMV 5756
Request for Change of Address
Notify the OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles of a permanent OR temporary change of address.
BMV 4311
Customer Request to Cancel Vehicle Registration
Submit this form to cancel your vehicle registration with the Ohio BMV.
This form is provided by your state's agency/department.