Let me tell you what happened to a friend of mine.
He sold his car, left the plates on, and the buyer drove straight into another state. A few weeks later, my buddy started seeing toll charges pile up. By the time he caught it, it was over $800 in fines.
He had to track down the buyer, explain the situation, and get it resolved. It was a huge hassle. That’s why I always tell people, before you do anything else, take your plates off. Do it before the buyer even starts the car. Please, take a look at the chart below for the different situations when you have asked yourself if you should take the license plates when you sold a car and what the best practices.
Selling a Car? Don’t Forget:
- Take your plates off before the car leaves.
- File a Notice of Sale or Transfer with the DMV.
- Contact Dirt Legal if you need help making sure everything is done right the first time..
Should You Take License Plates Off When Selling a Car? — Quick Guide
| Action | Why It Matters | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Remove Plates Before Buyer Leaves | Your plates are tied to you, not the car. Leaving them risks tolls, tickets, and fines in your name. | Take plates off before starting the car. No exceptions. |
| File a Notice of Sale | Updates DMV records so you’re no longer liable for the vehicle. | File online the same day if possible, or submit in person. |
| Get a Signed Bill of Sale | Provides legal proof of transfer if disputes arise. | Include VIN, sale price, date, and buyer’s info. |
| Let Buyer “Borrow” Your Plates | Any violation they commit will be billed to you. | Suggest they get a temporary tag or transit permit instead. |
| Keep Copies of All Paperwork | Protects you if the buyer fails to register the car or gets into trouble. | Store digital and physical copies for at least a year. |
Don’t get stuck with tickets from a car you no longer own. Contact Dirt Legal to handle your sale paperwork and protect you from costly mistakes.
Why You Should Always Remove Your Plates When Selling a Car
Do you know your plates are tied to you—not the car?
You don’t realize how serious it could get until those toll violations start piling up under your name.
Would you want someone racking up tolls under your name? Me neither.
Leaving plates on a car after it’s sold is like giving someone a blank check with your name on it.
What would you do if a car you sold got a red-light camera ticket—weeks after it’s gone?
That happened to a friend in my network. She wasn’t aware of it until a fine notice came in. She had to solve the matter fast.
Luckily, she heard me and followed my advice and contacted Dirt Legal. They walked her through what paperwork she needed to prove the car was no longer hers.
Imagine getting a letter saying your old car got impounded. Nightmare, right?
We’ve seen this happen to others. That’s why at Dirt Legal, we make sure our clients don’t leave anything to chance. We’ve heard all the horror stories—and we’re here to help people do it right.
Here’s My Personal Rule Before Letting Any Buyer Drive Away:
- Plates come off. Period.
I don’t care if they say, “I’ll bring them back tomorrow.” Nope. They come off before the car leaves. - Bill of Sale is signed and dated.
With VIN, sale price, and buyer’s info. - I file a Notice of Sale with the DMV that same day.
Online if possible. If not, I’ll print it and take it in. - I keep copies of everything.
If something goes sideways, I’m ready.
The Bottom Line: Always Take Your Plates Off
If you’re selling a car, taking off your plates is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself. It closes the loop on your responsibility. It’s not optional—it’s a must.
And if you’re unsure about the paperwork or how to file the sale properly, Dirt Legal has your back. We handle title transfers, registrations, and all the steps to make sure you’re in the clear after you sell.
Our team can help before you sell your car. Don’t guess. Don’t risk a ticket. Let us help you get it right the first time.
