How to Properly Dispose of License Plates in New Mexico

You finally retired your old ride -- traded it in on a new jalopy. But you still have a memento if you live in the Land of Enchantment. New Mexico is a plate-to-owner state, so you can keep your old license plate. It belongs to you. You can hang it up on your wall to remember fun times with the old ride, or use it in a craft. But to properly dispose of your old license plate, take it to your local New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division office for restamping.

• 1

  Remove the license plate from your old vehicle. Replace the screws in the license plate holder.

• 2

  Select a convenient MVD office (see Resources). Input your zip code to find the office nearest you. Office sites on the map are tagged with either a blue flag for government MVD offices or a green flag for private MVD offices. Private MVD offices may charge an administrative fee.

• 3

  Take your license plate to the MVD office. Check for an Express Window to minimize your wait time. Once you reach the window, give the MVD worker your license plate, and it will be restamped and used again.