Destroy (Recycle) Old Vehicle Plates

Do not return your old plates to DMV unless you are required to return them. When you receive your new plates, you must destroy your old plates to protect against fraudulent use. Mark each plate with a permanent marker or cut each plate into pieces. Consider separating the plates when you recycle, putting one plate in your recycling bin each week. To avoid an inaccurate cancellation of plates, do not return your old plates to DMV.

If you do not destroy your old plates and someone uses them, you could be held responsible for any traffic tickets written against the plates and for fines resulting from the tickets.  

Your old plates are considered scrap metal. You can recycle them at your local scrap metal yard or recycling station. For more information, visit Recycle Right New York.