HKDaytona

Hi Everyone,

A off topic question about DMV in CA.

If I have a special license plate now and I am applying another special license plate, do I need to return the 1st one?

Thank you!

-HK

The Pope

Yes! Unless you ask that it be reassigned to another car you own.

RDCR

They made me return both of my regular plates when I got a custom plate.

HKDaytona

I thought I can retain the old special plate

gregp714

The DMV allowed me to keep the plate without tag stickers. But if you want to keep the plates to use they have to be assigned to another registered vehicle.

LaFlamaBlanca

i received a post card in mail from DMV to P/U my new plates from DMV, requiring me to bring old plates in or make declaration they are destroyed.

Jazzydaze

Probably varies from State to State? I have my old "Hellga"plates hanging in the garage. I asked if I could use them on my new one. Nope. Have to re request the vanity plate. Hopefully I get it again

Jazz

slipaway37

The correct answer here in CA is no.
A personalized plate is permanently assigned to the original creator, or a person may choose to give a personalized plate to someone else as a gift.
You have to fill out a form (and of course pay) to transfer a current personalized plate to a different vehicle.
You can also "release" an originally created plate so some other lucky person can choose your creation.
It's almost like a "patent." I created it, so you shall not have it (ever) unless I approve its release.

I may not be 100 percent correct; however, having been through a personalized plate or two, I know some of my verbiage is correct.