For Alaska donors, confirm the current plate rule with the Alaska DMV before the tow. State rules fall into two regimes: in most states, plates belong to the donor, so you remove them before the vehicle leaves and then surrender them to DMV or transfer them to your next vehicle; in a minority of states, plates stay with the vehicle. If the DMV tells you the plates are yours, do not let them leave on the donated car.
What to do with your plates
Confirm the current DMV rule
Before the vehicle is picked up, check the current state DMV instruction for donated or sold vehicles. Ask one direct question: Do the plates stay with me, or do they stay with the vehicle? If the answer is that the plates stay with the vehicle, leave them attached unless the DMV gives you a different instruction for your plate type.
Remove plates before towing
If the DMV confirms the plates belong to you, remove both plates before the tow truck takes the vehicle. Put the plates somewhere safe with your title, donation paperwork, and keys until you finish the DMV step. Do not rely on the driver to remove, store, return, or dispose of plates unless donor support has specifically told you that process applies.
Surrender or transfer plates
If the plates are yours, follow the DMV’s instruction for the next action. Usually that means one of two paths: surrender the plates to the DMV, or transfer them to another eligible vehicle you own. Do not throw plates away until the DMV says disposal is allowed. If the plates stay with the vehicle under the state rule, skip this step.
Keep the surrender receipt
If you surrender plates, ask for and keep the receipt or written confirmation. This is your proof that the plate and registration issue was closed. It may be needed to cancel the registration. Some insurance companies also ask for this proof before they cancel coverage without penalty, so keep a digital copy and the original with your donation records.
File the transfer notice
After the plate question is handled, complete the required notice of transfer or release of liability step. Use our separate Notice of Transfer / Release of Liability Guide for that task. Keep a copy of the filed notice or confirmation with your plate receipt, donation receipt, title copy, and insurance cancellation records.
If the tow is today
If the tow is close and you have not confirmed the rule, pause long enough to check. The plate decision should happen before the vehicle leaves your driveway, parking lot, or repair shop. If you cannot get a clear DMV answer right away, take clear photos of the vehicle, the plates, the odometer if accessible, and any documents you hand over. If the state rule says the plates belong to you, remove them before pickup. If the rule says they stay with the vehicle, leave them in place.
Why the receipt matters
The surrender receipt is not just a filing scrap. It is the proof trail showing that you followed the DMV plate process after donation. Keep it even if your insurer does not ask for it right away. Registration cancellation and insurance cancellation are separate tasks, and companies may ask for different proof. A simple folder with the surrender receipt, donation receipt, title paperwork, and transfer notice confirmation can prevent follow-up problems later.
Common questions
What if the tow driver says to leave the plates on?
Use the DMV rule over verbal pickup advice. If the DMV says the plates belong to you, remove them before the vehicle leaves. If the DMV says plates stay with the vehicle, leave them attached. When there is a conflict, call donor support and verify before the tow proceeds.
Can I cancel insurance as soon as the car is gone?
Do not cancel based only on the tow. First handle the DMV steps that apply to your vehicle, including plate surrender or transfer if required. The surrender receipt is sometimes needed before penalty-free insurance cancellation. Ask your insurance company what proof they require, and keep copies of everything.
What if I already left the plates on the donated car?
Contact donor support right away and explain that the vehicle left with plates attached. Then confirm the current DMV rule. If the plates should have been removed, ask the DMV what corrective step is available. Keep notes of who you spoke with and any instructions you receive.
Do personalized or specialty plates follow the same rule?
Not always. Some plate types may have different retention, transfer, or surrender instructions. Do not assume a personalized, disability, veteran, or specialty plate follows the same path as standard plates. Ask the DMV about your exact plate type before the tow if possible.
More donation prep guides
Before your donated vehicle leaves, settle the plate question, keep the receipt, and complete the transfer notice step. That small paper trail helps close out registration, insurance, and liability issues cleanly. Your vehicle donation supports Heritage for the Blind (EIN 58-2164446). If you are unsure what to do next, check the DMV rule and then contact donor support for help.