WheelWise cannot verify the current plate-handling rule for every donation situation from here. Confirm with the New Hampshire DMV before the tow. In most states, plates belong to the donor: remove them before pickup, then transfer them to another vehicle or surrender them. In a minority of states, plates stay with the vehicle. If the DMV confirms plates are yours, do not let them leave on the donated car.
What to do with your plates
Confirm the DMV rule
Before pickup, verify how your state treats license plates after a donation. Most states treat plates as the donor’s property. A smaller group of states keeps plates with the vehicle. Ask the DMV whether your plates should be removed, surrendered, transferred, or left on the car. Do this before the tow so you are not trying to recover plates later.
Remove plates before pickup
If the DMV says the plates stay with you, remove both plates before the vehicle is towed. Check the front and back of the car. Put the plates somewhere safe with your title paperwork and donation records. Do not place them inside the glove box or trunk if they are supposed to be surrendered or transferred by you.
Surrender or transfer them
Next, follow the DMV instruction for the plates. If you are getting another vehicle, you may be able to transfer the plates to that vehicle. If you are not transferring them, you may need to surrender them to the DMV or another approved office. Do not throw plates away unless the DMV tells you that disposal is allowed.
Keep the surrender receipt
If you surrender plates, ask for and keep the surrender receipt. That receipt is your proof for cancelling the registration. It is also sometimes a prerequisite for cancelling auto insurance without a penalty. Keep a copy with your donation receipt, title copy, and any insurance cancellation notes so you can answer questions later.
File the transfer notice
After the plate step is handled, complete any required notice of transfer or release of liability. Use our separate Notice of Transfer / Release of Liability Guide for that task. Keep a copy of whatever you submit. This step is separate from surrendering or transferring plates, but both help show you no longer control the donated vehicle.
Why plates matter
License plates connect a vehicle to a registration record. If the plates belong to you and they leave on the donated vehicle, tickets, tolls, parking notices, or registration questions can become harder to clear up. Removing the plates when required helps close the loop. Surrendering or transferring them also creates a record with the DMV. Keep your surrender receipt because it can support registration cancellation and may be needed by your insurer before it cancels coverage without a penalty.
Common questions
What if the car was already towed with the plates on it?
Contact WheelWise and the towing contact if you have it, and ask whether the plates can be retrieved. Then call the DMV and explain what happened. Do not assume the plates were handled correctly. Ask what record, receipt, or follow-up step is needed for your registration.
Can I cancel insurance as soon as I remove the plates?
Do not cancel based only on removing the plates. First make sure the donation transfer, registration cancellation, and plate surrender or transfer steps are handled as required. Many insurers ask for a surrender receipt or other DMV proof before they cancel coverage without a penalty.
Do I surrender plates if I am using them on my next car?
Usually, if the DMV allows a plate transfer and the transfer is completed, you would not surrender those same plates. The important point is to follow the DMV’s process exactly. Keep the transfer paperwork or receipt with your donation records.
Do plates ever stay with a donated vehicle?
Yes. In a minority of states, plates stay with the vehicle instead of the donor. That is why you should confirm the rule before the tow. If your state says plates stay with the vehicle, do not remove them unless the DMV gives different instructions for your situation.
More donation prep guides
Handle the plates before the vehicle leaves if the DMV says they stay with you. Then keep your surrender or transfer proof, finish the notice of transfer step, and store all records together. Your WheelWise donation benefits Heritage for the Blind (EIN 58-2164446). If you are unsure about the plate step, check with the DMV or ask WheelWise before pickup.