When selling a vehicle, should you allow the buyer to take the license plates?

When selling a vehicle, the correct approach is to retain the license plates and not allow the buyer to take them. License plates in many states, including Idaho, are issued to the registered owner of the vehicle, and they typically remain with the seller even when the vehicle is sold. This is important for ensuring that the appropriate owner has the legal right to operate the vehicle and to avoid any potential liability issues that could arise from the new owner using the plates improperly.

The license plates are generally tied to the vehicle's registration and insurance and should be removed by the seller when the sale is finalized. The buyer will need to obtain their own plates, which can often be done through local vehicle registration agencies, ensuring that the vehicle is properly registered under their name with the appropriate tax and registration fees paid. Retaining the plates helps protect the seller from ongoing responsibilities or legal issues related to the vehicle after it has been sold.