License Plate and Registration: Keep Them Secure - How to Prepare

1/15/2026

Remove your license plate and registration documents before transport to prevent loss or theft. Keep them with you for safekeeping. If any issues arise during shipping, having your documents handy helps verify ownership quickly.

Removing the license plate before transport helps keep it safe just in case.

Pro Tip: Double-check your glove compartment before the carrier leaves.

Removing License Plate and Registration

How Removing License Plate & Registration Helps

Here’s why it's important to remove your license plates and registration [1][2] before auto transport and how to do it effectively.

Reasons to Remove License Plates

Here are some reasons why you should remove your license plate:

Theft Prevention:
License plates can be valuable targets for theft, particularly personalized or specialty plates. Removing them before transport reduces the risk of them being stolen while your vehicle is in transit. [3]
Avoiding Damage:
License plates can become damaged during transport due to road debris or weather conditions. Removing them helps ensure they remain in good condition.
Simplifying Registration Changes:
If you are moving to a new state or country, you will likely need to re-register your vehicle and obtain new license plates. Removing your old plates in advance can simplify this process upon arrival at your new location.

Reasons to Remove Registration Documents

Here are some reasons why you should remove your registration documents:

Preventing Identity Theft:
Your vehicle's registration documents contain personal information that can be used for identity theft if they fall into the wrong hands. Removing and securely storing these documents reduces this risk.
Avoiding Loss:
Important documents such as registration papers can easily be misplaced or lost during the transport process. Keeping them with you ensures they remain safe and accessible when needed.
Simplifying Administrative Processes:
When you arrive at your destination, you may need to provide your registration documents for various administrative processes, such as changing your address or updating your insurance. Having these documents on hand makes these tasks easier to complete.

How to Remove and Store License Plates and Registration

Here is how to remove the license plate from your vehicle prior to shipping it:

Remove License Plates:
Use a screwdriver to carefully remove the screws securing your license plates to the vehicle. Store the screws in a small bag or container to avoid losing them. Keep the plates in a safe, secure location until you are ready to reattach them. [4]
Remove Registration Documents:
Locate your vehicle's registration documents, usually kept in the glove compartment or another storage area inside the car. Remove these documents and place them in a folder or envelope for safekeeping. Keep this folder with your other important personal documents.
Communicate with the Transport Company:
Inform the auto transport company that you have removed the license plates and registration. This ensures they are aware of the vehicle's condition and can address any questions or concerns that may arise during transit.
Securely Store Plates and Documents:
Keep your license plates and registration documents in a secure place, such as a locked drawer or safe. If you are traveling to your new destination, carry these items with you to ensure they are not lost or stolen.

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Preparing for Auto Transport

Here are some tips when preparing your car for auto transportation service:

Perform Regular Maintenance:
In addition to removing license plates and registration, perform regular maintenance on your vehicle before transport. This includes checking tire pressure, fluid levels, and battery condition to ensure your car is in optimal condition for transport.
Clean Your Vehicle:
Clean your car's exterior and interior to facilitate a thorough inspection by the transport company. This helps document the vehicle's condition before transit and can be useful in the event of any disputes about damage.
Remove Personal Items:
Remove all personal items from your vehicle, including valuables, electronics, and loose items. This helps prevent theft, loss, and potential damage during transport.
Inspect and Document Condition:
Take detailed photographs of your vehicle from multiple angles, including close-ups of any existing damage. This documentation can be useful for insurance purposes and in case of any disputes about the vehicle's condition upon delivery.

Removing your vehicle's license plates and registration before auto transport is an important step to ensure a smooth and secure transport experience. By taking these precautions, you can prevent theft, avoid damage, comply with regulations, and simplify administrative processes at your destination.

Remove the License Plate and Registration

For Brokers: Handling License Plate and Registrations

For brokers, clear communication about a customer’s license plate and registration improves operational accuracy and helps carriers complete pickups without confusion. Addressing these details up front reduces avoidable delays and supports a smoother transport experience.

Explaining how to secure the title and registration

Ask about license plates and registration when booking:
Make it a routine part of your intake process to confirm whether a vehicle’s license plates are current and the registration is valid. This helps carriers know what to expect at pickup and prevents last minute issues due to unexpected plate or registration status.
Record plate and registration information in the order details:
If a customer reports issues such as expired registration or missing plates, document this clearly in the order notes. Sharing this information with carriers before dispatch allows them to plan accordingly and helps reduce surprises at pickup.
Factor registration details into carrier planning and pricing:
Carriers sometimes rely on visible plates or valid registration for identification or compliance before loading a vehicle. Understanding this ahead of time helps you assign appropriate carriers and communicate any potential constraints to customers.
Set expectations with your customers:
Customers should understand that expired registration or missing plates may result in pickup delays or additional discussion with the carrier. Transparent communication up front helps prevent frustration and creates a better transport experience.
Use proactive guidance to strengthen your service:
Educating customers about how license plate and registration status affects transport outcomes shows attention to detail and builds confidence in your brokerage. Brokers who guide shippers effectively create smoother transports and fewer post shipment questions.

Proper preparation and communication with the driver and the transport company contribute to a hassle-free and efficient vehicle relocation, giving you peace of mind throughout the journey.

How to Prepare for Auto Transport