How do I dispose of old license plates in Ontario?

In Ontario, license plates move with the owner, not with the vehicle. If you sell or change vehicles, you keep the license plates and put them on your new vehicle. If you are not going to use your old license plates, you can return them to a Service Ontario center.

You should also transfer the vehicle permit or the ownership of the vehicle to the car scrappers. Vehicle ownership includes the following information:

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
The make and model of the car
The name and address of the vehicle owner
The plate number that is attached to the vehicle
The smaller part of the license plate validation sticker

FAQ

Do I need to return my license plates in Ontario?

If you're selling or giving away your vehicle, you must remove the plates and surrender them to a licence bureau office. If you're transferring the plates to another vehicle, you must attach the plates to the new vehicle within seven days.

How much money do you get for returning license plates in Ontario?

You can get a refund for returning license plates in Ontario, but the amount you receive will depend on a few factors. For instance, if you paid for your plates when you originally registered your vehicle, you'll receive a refund of that purchase price. However, if you had personalized plates and are now returning them, there will be no refund for those. In addition, there may be a small fee to return the plates themselves. Overall, though, you can expect to receive at least some money back when returning plates in Ontario.