In Indiana, keep the plate or plates. Remove them from the donated car before the tow. Do not let plates leave with the vehicle unless the BMV tells you a special rule applies to your plate type.
After removal, transfer the plates to your next vehicle if eligible, or surrender/cancel them with the BMV if you will not use them. Keep the surrender receipt. Then complete the notice of transfer/release of liability using our Hoosier Wheels Release of Liability Guide.
What to do with your plates
Confirm the plate rule
Confirm before the vehicle leaves. Standard BMV guidance is that plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle. That means you remove them before donation pickup. If your plate is a special type, personalized plate, disability plate, or tied to an unusual registration situation, confirm with the Indiana BMV before the tow. Do not guess if your paperwork does not match the usual rule.
Remove plates before towing
Remove every plate mounted on the car before the driver takes it. Use a screwdriver or socket wrench, and take the registration card or any loose tag documents from the glove box. If a screw is rusted or stripped, tell the tow driver that the plates must come off before the car leaves. Keep the plates with your donation paperwork.
Transfer or surrender them
If you are replacing the donated car, ask the BMV whether the plates can be transferred to your next vehicle. If you are not using them, ask the BMV how to surrender, cancel, or otherwise retire the registration. The goal is simple: the plates should no longer be tied to a vehicle you no longer own or control.
Keep the surrender receipt
If you surrender or cancel plates, ask for a receipt or written confirmation. Keep it with your title copy, donation receipt, and insurance records. That receipt is your proof for cancelling the registration. Some insurers also ask for a plate-surrender or registration-cancellation receipt before they allow penalty-free insurance cancellation, so do this before you close the policy.
File the transfer notice
After the tow, file the required notice of sale, transfer, or release of liability if the BMV requires it for your situation. Use our separate Hoosier Wheels Release of Liability Guide. Keep a copy or confirmation page. This step helps separate you from tickets, tolls, storage notices, or other activity connected to the vehicle after donation.
If the tow is today
If the tow is already on the calendar, handle plates before the driver arrives. Do not pack your plate task into the last minute if you need tools, a garage key, or help removing stripped screws.
- Remove every mounted plate before release.
- Remove registration papers from the vehicle.
- Put plates and documents in one folder.
- Ask the BMV how to transfer or cancel them.
- Keep any surrender or cancellation receipt.
If the car already left with plates attached, call the donation office and the BMV right away for next steps.
Why the receipt matters
A surrender or cancellation receipt is not just a scrap of paper. It shows that you took action to end or change the registration tied to the donated vehicle. Keep it even if your insurer does not ask for it immediately. If an insurance company needs proof before cancelling coverage without a penalty, the receipt can save a second trip or phone call. Store it with your donation acknowledgement, title copy, and any final insurance confirmation.
Common questions
Do plates ever stay with a donated car?
Yes. Plate rules are state-dependent. In most states, plates belong to the donor and must be removed before the vehicle leaves. In a minority of states, plates stay with the vehicle. For this donation, follow the BMV rule for your registration and plate type before the tow.
What if the car was towed with plates still on it?
Act quickly. Contact Hoosier Wheels and the tow provider to see whether the plates can still be recovered. Also contact the BMV and ask what to do when a donated vehicle left with plates attached. Keep notes, names, and any written instructions with your donation records.
Can I cancel insurance as soon as the plates are off?
Do not cancel only because the plates are removed. First, make sure the vehicle has been transferred, donated, or otherwise released from your control. Then ask your insurer what proof it needs. Some insurers want a surrender or registration-cancellation receipt before penalty-free cancellation.
Should I throw plates away instead of surrendering them?
Do not destroy or discard plates unless the BMV tells you that is acceptable for your situation. If you are not transferring them, ask how to surrender, cancel, or retire the registration. If you do surrender them, keep the receipt as proof for registration and insurance records.
More donation prep guides
Once the plates are off, finish the registration, surrender, transfer, and notice steps before you close your file. Keep your title copy, BMV receipt, donation receipt, and insurance confirmation together. Your completed vehicle donation through Hoosier Wheels supports Heritage for the Blind (EIN 58-2164446). If you are unsure which plate option applies, contact the BMV, then continue with your donation paperwork when ready.