License Plate FAQs

Can I keep my license plates for souvenirs when I sell my car?

Unless you transfer the plates to a new vehicle, you have to turn them into the local DMV. However, if you are looking for a souvenir you can contact your county DMV office and request a sample plate. Fees for the sample plate vary by county.

I decided to junk my car. What should I do with the plates?

You should never destroy license plates, even for a car that is no longer drivable. Take off the plates and return them to your local DMV office.

Can I order personalized license plates?

Yes, you can get license plates with your choice of letter and number combinations (with some restrictions). Get all the details on DMV.ORG's informative License Plates & Placards page.

How old does a vehicle have to be to qualify for antique plates?

It must be at least 35 years old. You may apply for the plates at your local motor vehicle office, where they also can provide more details about the plates.

I went out to my car this morning and my back plate was missing. Now what?

License plates do fall off once in a while. In this state anything can rust, including the screws holding the thin piece of metal to the car. But more likely, someone decided they needed the plate more than you did.

Although any theft is an inconvenience replacing a license plate is not too difficult. Each county has a simple form to complete and a replacement fee is necessary. Normally the fee is around $10 or $15, depending on the county. The existing plate (if it remains) will go back to the DMV.

Lastly, it is a good idea to contact the local police department and file a report.

I was in an accident and my license plate did not make it out alive. Can I just have one plate?

No. Hawaii requires both plates to be visible at all times. You need to replace the plate as soon as possible. This requires taking the plate that survived the accident to a DMV office and exchanging it for a new set. The fee varies depending on your county.

Do I have to return my Hawaii license plates after relocating to a new state?

No.