Do not assume the plates should stay on the donated car. Island Wheels donors should confirm the current Hawaii DMV plate rule before the tow. In most states, plates belong to the donor: remove them, then surrender them to the DMV or transfer them to another vehicle. In a minority of states, plates stay with the vehicle. If the DMV confirms plates must stay on the car, leave them attached and take clear photos for your records.
What to do with your plates
Confirm the plate rule
Before the tow, check the current DMV instruction for donated or transferred vehicles. Ask one direct question: Do my plates stay with me, or do they stay with the vehicle? State rules are not the same everywhere. If the answer is donor-retained plates, plan to remove them before release. If the answer is vehicle-retained plates, leave them on the car and document that you did so.
Remove plates before tow
If the DMV confirms the plates belong to you, remove both plates before the vehicle leaves your property. Put the screws back into the plate holes or keep them in a bag. Do not place the plates inside the car unless the DMV specifically tells you to. Once the vehicle is gone, getting plates back can be difficult, especially after a tow from a busy Honolulu-area lot or street.
Surrender or transfer them
If you are not moving the plates to another vehicle, ask the DMV how to surrender them. If you are replacing the donated car, ask whether the plates can be transferred to your next vehicle. Do not destroy, store, or reuse plates without confirmation. The cleanest path is to follow the DMV instruction and keep proof of whichever action you complete.
Keep the surrender receipt
When you surrender plates, ask for a receipt or other written confirmation. Keep it with your donation paperwork, title records, and insurance notes. That receipt is your proof for cancelling the registration. It is also sometimes needed before an insurer will cancel coverage without a penalty or later billing dispute. Save a photo and the original if one is provided.
File the transfer notice
After the vehicle is donated, file the notice of transfer or release of liability required by the state. This is separate from the plate task. Use our separate Notice of Transfer / Release of Liability Guide for that step. The goal is simple: show that you no longer own or control the donated vehicle after it leaves you.
If the plates stayed on
If you confirmed that the plates stay with the vehicle, do not remove them just because other states do it differently. Take photos of the front and rear plates on the vehicle before the tow. Keep the pickup paperwork, title copy, and any DMV confirmation together. If anyone later asks about registration, insurance, tolls, tickets, or parking, your file should show that you followed the state’s plate rule and completed the transfer notice separately.
Common questions
What if the car was already towed with the plates on it?
First, confirm whether the state expected the plates to stay with the vehicle. If they were supposed to be removed, contact Island Wheels and the tow contact right away to ask whether the plates can still be recovered. Then ask the DMV what record or replacement proof you should keep.
Can I cancel insurance as soon as the car is picked up?
Do not cancel insurance only because the tow happened. First, confirm the plate and registration steps. If plates must be surrendered, the surrender receipt may be the proof your insurer wants before cancelling without penalty or billing problems. Also keep your transfer notice confirmation with your insurance records.
Can I keep personalized or specialty plates?
Personalized, specialty, disability, veteran, or organizational plates can have extra rules. Ask the DMV whether they may be retained, transferred, surrendered, or must remain with the vehicle. Do not assume the rule is the same as standard plates. Keep the written answer or receipt with your donation file.
Do I still need a release of liability if I surrendered plates?
Yes, treat those as separate tasks. Plate surrender helps close out plate or registration issues. The notice of transfer or release of liability helps show that you no longer own or control the vehicle. Complete both when they apply, and keep proof of each in one folder.
More donation prep guides
Plate handling is a small task, but it protects your records after donation. Confirm the state rule, remove and surrender or transfer plates if required, keep the receipt, and file the transfer notice. Island Wheels supports vehicle donations benefiting Heritage for the Blind (EIN 58-2164446). If your car is about to be picked up and you are unsure what to do with the plates, reach out when you are ready.