Is It Illegal To Keep Your Old License Plates In Minnesota?

Have you ever wondered what to do with your old license plates? Some use them for decor in their garage or simply keep them and forget to toss them out.

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If you are one of those people, you probably haven't thought about whether or not it is actually legal to keep old license plates. I know I never have.

This may seem silly but it actually is illegal in some states to keep them! For example, New Jersey residents have to send theirs in to the proper channels when they get new plates or switch theirs out.

Kathleen Gail

What About Minnesota?

I looked into it and there's good news: you CAN keep your old license plates in Minnesota. There is no requirement that states that you have to return them.

However, this doesn't mean that you should just toss them into the trash. There are some things you should consider when it comes to keeping your license plates or disposing of them.

RELATED: New License Plate Design Available In Wisconsin

For example, you shouldn't just throw your license plate away. Someone could take your plates and use them for crime-related activities.

PaytonVanGorp

Try These Options Instead

Instead of tossing our your plates, which seems like the easiest option, cut it up into small pieces and then dispose of it.

RELATED: Is A Front License Plate Required In Minnesota?

To be extra cautious, reach out to the DMV and connect with them about returning your plate. However, this isn't required.

See How Minnesota's License Plates Have Evolved Since 1909

Nothing beats a nostalgia trip. It's always fun to see how things looked the year you were born and how much they've changed throughout the years.

Minnesota's license plates have certainly gone through many evolutions. The first "license plate" was actually a rectangular black leather automobile license tag with a brass number '1' on the center front. It was issued by the State Boiler Inspector in the State of Minnesota in 1903.

The first Minnesota license plate as we know it was issued in 1909. Let's take a look at that license plate and then all the plates that followed, along with some interesting Wikipedia knowledge as we go.

We've certainly come a long way, but it's also interesting that the now popular blackout plates have been around before.

Gallery Credit: David Drew