Introduction
Personalized number plates are quite valuable. You may have chosen a unique combination representing your name, business, or a meaningful date. You must protect your number plate if you plan to scrap your car. Many car owners mistakenly believe they will lose their plates forever once they send their vehicles to an auto recycler. However, you can transfer or retain your personalized number plate legally and easily.
Your custom number plate is a unique identifier. It could be a sentimental asset, a financial investment, or a unique way to stand out from the crowd. Losing it when scrapping your car can be disappointing. Fortunately, Canada has clear steps for keeping your plate. You must follow the right procedures to transfer it to another vehicle or hold onto it for future use.
If you don’t remove your plate properly, someone else might claim it, or it could be lost in the scrapping process. So, you must understand the steps to retain your plate. This blog explains the legal process to keep your plate with you when scrapping your car in Canada.
Follow These Steps to Keep Your Personalized Number Plate
If you want to keep your personalized number plate when scrapping your car, it’s a simple process. Skipping any step can lead to unnecessary complications. To avoid losing your plate, follow these essential steps.
1. Know the Rules for Personalized Plates in Canada
Personalized number plates in Canada are linked to the owner, not the car. This means you can transfer your plate to another car or retain it for future use. However, you must inform the relevant authorities before scrapping your car. Each province has its regulations, but the general process remains the same.
Also Read: Scrap Car Removal Laws Across Canadian Provinces: What to Expect
2. Inform Your Local Registration Authority
Before scrapping your car, contact your provincial vehicle registration office. In Ontario, you need to inform the ServiceOntario center. If you are in another region, check with your local transportation authority.
3. Apply for Plate Retention or Transfer
You must apply for plate retention or transfer it. Here is how you can do it:
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- Plate Retention: If you don’t have a new car yet, you can store your plate. The registration authority will hold your plate number until you are ready to assign it to another car.
- Plate Transfer: If you already have a new vehicle, you can transfer the plate on the spot. This requires filling out the necessary forms and paying a transfer fee.
4. Remove the Plate Before Scrapping the Car
Never leave your personalized plate on your vehicle when handing it over to an auto recycler. Once your car is scrapped, retrieving your plate becomes tough. So, remove the plate before towing or delivering the vehicle to the scrapyard.
5. Check for Any Outstanding Fees
Before you can transfer or retain your plate, make sure there are no outstanding parking tickets, traffic fines, or fees linked to it. The registration office may deny your request if there are unpaid amounts.
Also Read: How to Maximize Your Profit When Selling a Scrap Car in Canada
6. Cancel the Registration for the Scrapped Car
After removing your plate, you must officially cancel your vehicle’s registration. This prevents issues with future ownership claims. Visit ServiceOntario and request deregistration. You may also need to return the ownership papers of your old car.
7. Choose a Licensed Auto Recycler for Scrapping
Once your plate is secured, you can proceed with scraping your car. Select a licensed and reputable scrapyard that offers free towing and safe car removal.
8. Assign Your Plate to a New Vehicle
If you opt for plate retention, you can assign your plate to a new vehicle anytime. The process includes the following steps:
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- Present proof of plate retention
- Pay any necessary fees
- Register the plate under your new car
9. Keep Your Plate Document Safe
Once your plate is officially retained or transferred, store your retention document or new registration papers safely. These documents confirm your ownership and prevent unauthorized use of your plate.
Also Read: The Ultimate Checklist: What to Remove Before Scrapping Your Car
10. Stay Updated on Any Policy Changes
Laws and regulations around vehicle registration and plate retention can change. So, you need to check for any new updates from your local vehicle registration office to ensure you follow the latest procedures.
Conclusion
Your personalized number plate is valuable to you, so you don’t have to lose it when scrapping your car. Follow the correct steps and retain or apply for a plate most safely.
If you are from the GTA, Greenway Auto Recycling offers professional scrap car removal services. We handle vehicle disposal legally and make sure it is a smooth process. Contact us today to scrap your car.
