In Minnesota, standard plates generally stay with the donated vehicle when ownership transfers. Do not remove standard plates just because your car is being towed unless DVS tells you to, or unless your plates are a type you may keep, such as personalized or specialty plates. Before pickup, confirm your plate type with Driver and Vehicle Services. If DVS says the plates are yours to keep, remove them before the tow, surrender or transfer them, and keep the receipt.
What to do with your plates
Confirm the plate rule
Before the tow, confirm how your plates are treated with the Minnesota DMV / Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS). Standard plates generally stay with the vehicle at transfer. Personalized, disability, specialty, or other nonstandard plates may be treated differently. Have your plate number, VIN, and donor name ready when you check, so you get guidance for the exact plates on the donated car.
Remove plates only if required
If DVS tells you the plates stay with the vehicle, leave standard plates attached for the tow. If DVS tells you your plates belong to you, remove both plates before the tow truck leaves. Use a screwdriver, keep the screws if you need them, and put the plates somewhere safe. Do not leave removable plates in the car.
Surrender or transfer kept plates
For plates you are allowed or required to keep, ask DVS whether to surrender them or transfer them to your next vehicle. Follow the office instructions you receive. Do not throw plates in household trash unless DVS specifically says that is acceptable. If you surrender plates in person or by mail, ask how you will receive proof of surrender.
Keep the surrender receipt
Keep the surrender receipt with your donation records, title paperwork, and insurance notes. That receipt is your proof that the plates were returned and the registration can be canceled or closed. Insurers sometimes ask for that proof before they will cancel coverage without a penalty, so do not hand over or discard the receipt after your car leaves.
File the transfer notice
After the vehicle is donated, file the notice of transfer or release of liability required for your situation. Use our separate guide, Release of Liability After Donating a Car, for that task. The plate step and the transfer-notice step are different records. Complete both when they apply, and keep confirmation in the same folder.
How state plate rules differ
States use two general systems. In many states, license plates belong to the donor. The donor removes them before the tow, then surrenders them to the motor vehicle office or transfers them to another vehicle. In a smaller group of states, including standard MN transfers, plates stay with the vehicle. That is why your exact plate type matters. Standard plates, personalized plates, disability plates, collector plates, and specialty plates can be handled differently. When in doubt, check DVS before the vehicle is picked up.
Common questions
Should I cancel insurance before removing or surrendering plates?
Usually, handle the plate question and transfer notice first, then call your insurer. If you surrender plates, keep the receipt. It is your proof for canceling or closing the registration and is sometimes required before an insurer will cancel coverage without a penalty.
What if the tow already happened with plates attached?
If standard plates were supposed to stay with the vehicle, you may not need to do anything about the plates. If you later learn the plates should have been removed, contact DVS and Nordic AutoGift with your donation details so you can ask what correction is available.
Can I transfer plates to another vehicle?
Possibly. Plate transfer depends on plate type, vehicle type, and DVS rules. Ask DVS before assuming a transfer is allowed. If a transfer is allowed, keep the confirmation with your donation records, especially if you are also canceling old registration or changing insurance.
More donation prep guides
Once the plate rule, receipts, and transfer notice are handled, your records are in better shape if questions come up later. Keep copies together: title documents, any DVS receipt, insurance notes, and your donation paperwork. Your donation through Nordic AutoGift benefits Heritage for the Blind (EIN 58-2164446). If you are unsure about your plate type, check with DVS before pickup.