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If you’re leaving California, old plates can feel confusing: do you mail them back, toss them, or keep them? This guide explains the practical steps for moving out of state, plus options for handling old and personalized license plates in California.

If you moved out of California

Imagine you’ve already registered your car in another state—now you’re staring at your old California plate and wondering if you might still get paperwork, bills, or problems later.

Where to send old California plates

When you’re moving to another state, you generally mail the old California plates back to the DMV. One address provided for sending plates is:

What you’re doing Send to
Mail old California license plates DMV PO Box 942869, MS C271, Sacramento, CA

What to notify and when

California also expects you to notify the DMV after you move out of state.

A key timing rule mentioned is within 10 days:
- Notify DMV of the change of address within 10 days of moving.
- The DMV also notes that failing to notify can lead to continued mail or paperwork.

How to notify the DMV if you no longer have a California driver license

If you no longer have a California driver license (so you can’t use an online system), a written approach is needed.

Written notification steps (when you don’t have a CA license)
- Send a letter to the DMV in writing
- Include:
- The California license plate number and/or VIN
- The month, day, and year you left California
- A statement that the vehicle was removed from the state and will be registered elsewhere

Keep future problems away

A lot of people only think about returning plates. But to prevent future liability, the safer mindset is: “I need proof and I need the DMV to know.”

Practical checklist after registering in your new state

Step Why it helps
Mail the old license plates back to CA DMV Reduces confusion about unused plates
Keep proof of mailing (receipt, tracking, photo) Helps if questions come later
Make the DMV notification (online or written) Prevents the DMV from thinking your address/vehicle status is still California
Include plate number and VIN in any written letter Makes the DMV match your vehicle correctly

If it happens that you already registered in Tennessee (or another USA state), the process is still about notifying CA DMV and handling the plates properly.

What to do with old California plates if you’re keeping a souvenir

California also has people who keep plates because they’re memories—especially vintage ones. There are a few common options.

Your options for old plates in California

Option What it looks like
Keep the plates Many people hang them in a garage as a reminder
Recycle the plates Possible through programs that accept them
Sell the plates Possible, especially for vintage plates
Drop off plates at a DMV location that accepts them Some DMV branches accept unwanted plates

Can old license plates be recycled

Yes, old license plates can be recycled, depending on what programs or DMV drop-off options are available. Another article notes that recycling is one of the options people have for unwanted plates.

Can you sell vintage license plates

Yes. Vintage license plates are often kept because they can have collector value, and selling is one of the options mentioned in California news coverage.

Where can old plates be dropped off

A California news report says you can drop them off at a designated DMV branch that accepts plates you don’t want. Availability can vary by location, so you’d need to match the closest DMV branch that accepts plates.

Who manufactures California license plates

California license plates have been made in a factory inside Folsom State Prison. The report says more than 100 inmates make up the producers and up to 50,000 plates can be made each day.

Personalized plates and souvenir retention

Personalized plates create a special problem. You might want new standard or sequential plates, but also want to keep the old personalized ones.

How to retain personalized plates as souvenirs

A described process is to use the DMV Special Interest License Plate Application:
- Form name mentioned: REG 17
- Purpose: request retention related to special interest/personalized plate handling

Procedures when switching to new standard plates

When you move from personalized plates to new standard or sequential plates, the process described includes:
- Filling out Special Interest License Plate Application (REG 17)
- Indicating you want to retain the plates for future use
- Following surrender/retention instructions the DMV gives

Is there an annual retention fee

Yes. The described answer says there is an annual retention fee to keep personalized plates as souvenirs/for retention. If you don’t plan to put the plates on a new vehicle, you still generally need to pay the retention fee to keep them instead of turning them in.

Quick reference summary

Leaving California

Topic What to do
Where plates go Mail old plates to CA DMV PO Box 942869, MS C271, Sacramento, CA
Notify DMV Do it within 10 days if possible
If no CA license Notify by written letter with plate number and/or VIN, plus date you left

Handling old plates

Topic Options
Unwanted plates Keep, recycle, sell (often vintage), or drop off at a DMV branch that accepts plates
Who makes plates Plates are made at a factory inside Folsom State Prison

Personalized plates

Topic What to do
Keep as souvenirs Use REG 17 for special interest retention
Annual fee Yes, there is an annual retention fee

A simple diagram for your next move

flowchart TD
A[Moved out of California] --> B[Send old CA plates to DMV]
B --> C[Notify DMV within 10 days]
C --> D{Do you still have a CA driver's license?}
D -->|Yes| E[Use change of address process]
D -->|No| F[Write a letter with plate number/VIN and date left]

Main takeaway

When you leave California, don’t ignore the old license plates—mail them and notify the DMV (especially within 10 days). And if you’re dealing with personalized plates, keep in mind that keeping them as souvenirs involves the REG 17 process and an annual retention fee.