For an Alabamotion donation in this state, remove the license plates before the tow. The plates belong to you, not to the donated vehicle. After pickup, either transfer the plates to your next vehicle through your county licensing office or surrender them if you will not use them.
Keep the surrender receipt. It is your proof for cancelling the registration and may be needed before you can cancel insurance without penalties.
What to do with your plates
Confirm the plate rule
Before pickup, confirm the current plate rule with the Alabama DMV or your county licensing office. Tell them the vehicle is being donated and will no longer be in your possession. Ask whether you should transfer the plates to another vehicle, surrender them, or take any other local registration step. This check is quick and helps prevent a registration or insurance problem after the tow.
Remove plates before towing
Take off both plates before the tow truck leaves, if your vehicle has two. Keep the plates with your donation paperwork, title copy, and pickup receipt. If the driver arrives before you have removed them, pause and remove them first. If the vehicle has already been towed with plates attached, contact Alabamotion and your county licensing office right away for the next practical step.
Transfer or surrender them
If you are replacing the donated vehicle, ask your county licensing office whether the plates can be transferred to your next vehicle. If you are not using them, surrender the plates as directed by that office. Do not throw plates away unless your licensing office specifically tells you that is acceptable. Transfer and surrender rules are handled through motor vehicle registration offices, not the tow driver.
Keep the surrender receipt
If you surrender the plates, ask for a receipt or written confirmation. Keep it with your title and donation records. That receipt is your proof for cancelling the registration. In some situations, it is also needed before you can cancel auto insurance without penalties or later questions about coverage. Store a photo or scan in case the paper copy is misplaced.
File the transfer notice
After the vehicle leaves your possession, complete the notice of transfer or release of liability step required for your donation. This is separate from removing or surrendering plates. Use our separate guide, Release of Liability After Donating a Car, for that task. Keep confirmation of the filing with your plate receipt, pickup paperwork, and any tax documents you receive later.
If plates already left
If the donated car was towed before you removed the plates, act the same day if you can. Call Alabamotion and explain that the plates are still on the vehicle. Then contact your county licensing office and ask how to document the donation and protect your registration record. Do not assume the plates will be automatically returned or cancelled. Keep notes showing who you contacted, when you called, and what instructions you were given.
Why this paperwork matters
Plates, registration, and insurance are connected. Removing plates helps show that you did not intend for the vehicle to keep being operated under your registration. A surrender receipt or transfer confirmation gives you a paper trail. That paper trail can matter if you later cancel insurance, receive a registration notice, or need to show that the vehicle was no longer yours after the donation pickup.
Common questions
Should I leave my plates on the donated car?
No. For this donation process, remove the plates before the tow unless your county licensing office gives you a different instruction for your specific registration. The tow driver should not be treated as the person responsible for handling your plates, registration cancellation, or transfer to another vehicle.
Can I transfer the plates to my next vehicle?
Often, yes, if the new vehicle and registration qualify. Your county licensing office can confirm whether your plates may be transferred and what paperwork is needed. Do not put the plates on another vehicle until the registration office has processed or approved the transfer.
Do I need a plate surrender receipt?
Yes, if you surrender the plates, ask for a receipt or written confirmation. It is your proof that you followed the registration step. It may also help when cancelling insurance, especially if the insurer asks for proof that the vehicle is no longer registered for road use.
Is plate surrender the same as release of liability?
No. Plate surrender or transfer handles registration and plate control. A notice of transfer or release of liability documents that you no longer own or control the vehicle. Complete both tasks when they apply, and keep confirmation of each one in your donation records.
More donation prep guides
Before your donated vehicle leaves, remove the plates and keep control of the registration trail. Then transfer or surrender the plates as directed, save the receipt, and complete the separate release-of-liability step. Your donation through Alabamotion benefits Heritage for the Blind (EIN 58-2164446). If you are ready, gather your plates, title, and pickup paperwork before the tow.