In New Jersey, remove your license plates before the donated vehicle is towed. The plates stay with you, not with the donated vehicle. After removal, either transfer the plates to your next vehicle through the MVC or surrender them to the MVC if you are not using them. Keep the surrender receipt. It is your proof that the registration was canceled and may be needed before you cancel insurance without penalties.
What to do with your plates
Confirm the state rule
Before the vehicle leaves, confirm that your situation follows the standard MVC plate rule. Passenger plates usually stay with you, not with the donated vehicle. If you have specialty, leased, commercial, or unusual plates, check with the MVC before pickup. Do not rely on the tow driver to decide whether plates should stay on the vehicle. Make the call while you still have access to the car.
Remove plates before towing
Take off both plates before the tow truck leaves with the vehicle. Check the front and rear of the car, including plate frames and covers. Use the right screwdriver or socket so you do not strip the screws. If a screw is rusted or stuck, ask for help before the vehicle is loaded. Put the plates somewhere safe immediately.
Transfer or surrender them
If you are putting the plates on another vehicle, handle the transfer through the MVC. If you are not using the plates, surrender them to the MVC. Do not leave active plates on a donated vehicle. Do not store unused active plates as a loose end. A proper surrender creates the official record that the registration connected to those plates has ended.
Keep the surrender receipt
When you surrender plates, keep the receipt with your donation papers, title copy, and insurance records. That receipt is your proof for canceling the registration. It is also sometimes a prerequisite to penalty-free insurance cancellation, because it shows the vehicle is no longer registered to you. Save a photo or scan in case the paper copy is lost.
File the liability notice
After the plates are handled, complete the transfer-of-ownership record step for your own protection. Use our separate Notice of Transfer / Release of Liability Guide. Keep any confirmation with your plate surrender receipt and donation records. This step helps separate you from later tickets, tolls, storage issues, or other activity connected to the vehicle after donation.
Why plate rules vary
Plate handling is state-specific. In most states, plates belong to the donor. The safe sequence is to remove them before the tow, then surrender them or transfer them to another vehicle. In a minority of states, plates stay with the vehicle and should not be removed. For this donation, follow the MVC rule above. If anything about your plates is unusual, confirm before the vehicle is picked up.
If the tow is waiting
Use a short checklist before you hand over the keys:
- Remove both plates.
- Take any registration card or insurance card out of the vehicle.
- Keep the title and donation paperwork separate from the car unless instructed otherwise.
- Put the plates in your house, not in the trunk or glove box.
- Finish the surrender, transfer, receipt, and liability-notice steps as soon as you can.
Common questions
Can I cancel insurance right after the tow?
Do not cancel insurance just because the vehicle was towed. First make sure the plates and registration have been handled correctly. The plate surrender receipt is often the proof insurers or motor vehicle agencies look for before cancellation without registration or insurance penalties. Keep that receipt with your policy records.
What if I forgot to remove the plates?
Contact Revive the Ride right away and explain that the plates were left on the vehicle. Also contact the MVC for instructions on how to protect your registration record. Do not assume the plates will be found or returned automatically. Keep notes of who you contacted and when.
Can I transfer donated-car plates to my next car?
Usually, if the plates are eligible and the transfer is completed through the MVC, you may be able to use them on your next vehicle. Do not attach them to another car until the transfer is properly processed. If you are not transferring them, surrender them and keep the receipt.
More donation prep guides
Plate handling is a small step, but it protects you after donation. Remove the plates before the tow, transfer or surrender them, keep the receipt, and complete the separate liability-notice step. Revive the Ride vehicle donations support Heritage for the Blind (EIN 58-2164446). If you are still preparing your paperwork, use this checklist before pickup.