What to Do with Old License Plates .If you’ve collected a few old license plates—or even a whole box—you might be unsure what to do with them. Sure, you can sell or recycle them, but why not transform them into something creative instead? From wall décor to practical household items, there are plenty of fun projects you can try. Just be sure to check with your local motor-vehicle licensing office first to confirm whether the plates need to be turned in before you start crafting.
Things You Should Know
- Turn old license plates into vintage décor.
Upcycle them into wall art, signs, or DIY crafts using simple tools and hardware. For inspiration, you can browse similar projects on craft communities such as Etsy (https://www.etsy.com) or Instructables (https://www.instructables.com). - Sell collectible plates to enthusiasts.
Older, rare, or specialty plates—especially those in good condition—can be valuable. Consider listing them on collector marketplaces like eBay Motors (https://www.ebay.com/motors) or plate-trading forums such as Plateshack (http://www.plateshack.com). - Recycle newer plates responsibly.
Most modern plates can be taken to a local scrap-metal center. In many regions, your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or local licensing office also accepts old plates for recycling. To check your area’s rules, visit your local DMV’s official website (for example: https://www.dmv.org).
1. Wall Art
Use an old license plate to create an eye-catching piece of vintage décor.
Hanging the plate as-is is the simplest option—especially if it carries sentimental value—but you can take it further and turn multiple plates into creative wall art。
- Try cutting several plates and arranging the pieces so the letters form a specific word or message.
- Create a collage using plates from places you’ve traveled or lived.
- Creative license plate art on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com
- DIY guides for metal crafts on Instructables: https://www.instructables.com
2. Bookend
Bend the end of a license plate to create a sturdy, vintage-style bookend.
No cutting is required, making this a kid-friendly project. Measure about 3.5 in (8.9 cm) from the edge, place the plate over a straight countertop edge, and bend.
- Use a ruler and marker to draw a straight bending line.
- Slide the bent end under books so the upright portion keeps them in place.
- Metal-bending basics: https://www.familyhandyman.com
3. Dust Pan
Turn an old plate into a unique dust pan by adding a handle.
Use scrap wood, plastic, or metal as a handle. Bend two sides of the plate upward, then attach it with screws.
- Use a wood block to guide your bends neatly.
- DIY metal projects: https://www.popularmechanics.com
4. Clipboard
Convert your license plate into a durable, stylish clipboard.
Clean the plate well, then glue on a binder clip—or bolt on real clipboard hardware for strength.
- Add a pen holder if you want a more polished look.
- Clipboard hardware options: https://www.amazon.com
5. Wind Chimes
Create a musical wind chime from your old plate.
Drill holes along the bottom edge and hang objects like spoons, scrap metal, or glass pieces.
- The farther apart the holes, the stronger the breeze needed to make sound.
- Hang the chime using the pre-existing screw holes at the top.
- DIY wind chimes: https://www.diynetwork.com
6. Fridge Magnets
Cut up the plate and turn the pieces into unique magnets.
Colorful plates work best. Cut out letters or numbers, smooth the edges with sandpaper, and attach magnet squares.
- Magnet backing sheets: https://www.michaels.com
7. Key Holder
Add hooks to the license plate to make a vintage key holder.
Attach metal or adhesive plastic hooks along the bottom edge and mount it near your door.
- You can also mount the plate onto a wooden board for a rustic look.
- Wall hook options: https://www.homedepot.com
8. Pencil Cup
Wrap a license plate around a round piece of wood to form a pencil cup.
Secure the ends using glue, nails, or bolts.
- For a smoother finish, weld the ends together.
- Wood-cutting basics: https://www.woodmagazine.com
9. Planter
Build a small planter using a license plate and a wooden circle.
Bolt the plate around the wood, drill a central drainage hole, and add a tray below.
- For hanging planters, attach chains to the existing bolt holes.
- Combine multiple plates for a multi-tier design.
- DIY metal planters: https://www.gardendesign.com
10. License Plate Box
Use license plates as the side panels of a functional storage box.
If you already know basic woodworking, simply swap wood side panels with plates.
- Or bolt a license plate onto a wood box to add a vintage accent.
- Box-building tutorials: https://www.instructables.com
11. Selling to Collectors
Connect with plate-collecting communities or sell online.
Collectors often pay good money for vintage, rare, or specialty plates.
- North America: Automobile License Plate Collectors Association — https://www.alpca.org
- Europe: Europlate — https://www.europlate.eu
Use grading guides to determine condition and check prices.
Sell on eBay (https://www.ebay.com) or Craigslist (https://www.craigslist.org).
12. Recycling
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Take old plates to a scrap-metal recycling facility.
Most curbside bins don’t accept license plates—confirm with local recycling rules first.
- Some motor-vehicle departments also handle recycling; check your local DMV site.
Example directory: https://www.dmv.org
Scratch or bend the plate before disposal so it can’t be reused.
- Scrap-metal recycling basics: https://www.epa.gov/recycle
