How to remove registration sticker from license plate without damage

Every time you renew your vehicle’s registration, you’ll have to put a new sticker on its registration plate. The problem is that registration stickers tend to be extremely sticky, to the point where they can peel off the license plate’s paint. 

Fortunately, there’s a trick to it. All you need is a bit of elbow grease to get rid of your outdated registration sticker for good.

What is the Registration Sticker?

See that sticker on the upper right corner of registration plates? It’s what the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) gives to every vehicle owner every time they renew their registration. 

It also allows authorities to keep tabs on every vehicle’s number so that in case of theft, they can easily trace who the actual owner is. 

Why You Need to Remove the Registration Sticker

Whenever you renew your registration with the DMV, you’ll be given a brand-new sticker to put onto your plate number. While some people slap the sticker on top of the expired sticker, you should not do this, as it does not provide maximum adhesion. 

Plus, some states may impose a penalty on stickers that were stuck onto expired stickers. That’s why it’s vital to know how to remove a sticker from a license plate, whatever state you live in.

How to Get Sticker Off License Plate

Given that you have to renew your vehicle registration regularly, you should know how to get the sticker off without damage. 

Bear in mind that your car’s plate number can get damaged as you try to take the registration sticker, so it’s important to be careful. 

Not only does a scratched license plate look less sleek, but it also stops the sticker from securely sticking to the surface. 

Here’s how you can remove a vehicle registration sticker without damage:

1. Heat the Area With a Blow Dryer

By heating the area, you’ll be able to get a better grip on the sticker and make sure you get rid of it in one go. This will soften its glue and allow you to peel it off in one piece. 

Next, heat the edges of the registration sticker until they start to turn inwards. You can then use a flat-head screwdriver or your own fingers to get it off. 

Do not use a safety cutter to take off the sticker, as this can scratch the license plate. 

2. Give it a Helping Hand 

As an alternative, use vinegar. Spray the site where the sticker sits with vinegar and allow it to sit for a few seconds. This softens the glue and gives you a better grip on the sticker so you can finally get rid of it. 

If vinegar isn’t enough, you can count on WD-40 and oil that’s generally used to remove glue residue from surfaces. Spray WD-40 onto the edges of the registration sticker, and you should be able to take it off easily. 

3. Remove the Adhesive

You should not stack a new sticker on top of expired stickers. Not only will this allow thieves to steal your sticker easily, but it also makes your vehicle look unkempt. 

To make sure your new sticker sits on your plate number budge-free, don’t forget to get rid of all the glue. 

Dip a cloth onto a bowl of detergent with water, and let it sit on top of the registration plate, on the spot where the sticker once was. Baby oil or rubbing alcohol work, as well, but if you want it to be absolutely spotless, your best bet would be Goo Gone. 

4. Wipe the License Plate Down

Now that you know how to remove the sticker from the license plate, you can now put on the new sticker. 

But wait! Before you do that, be sure to wipe the plate down – this is particularly true if you used Goo Gone or a strong glue remover.

 If there’s even a tiny bit of residue left, your new sticker won’t be able to stick to the surface. 

Wipe the registration plate down with a rag, and allow it to air-dry for a few minutes. Once it’s completely dry, you can proceed with putting on the new registration tag. 

Conclusion

You will have to replace your registration sticker regularly. Fortunately, it’s a straightforward process that you can do without causing damage to your car. By using nothing but a blow dryer, glue remover, or even your own fingers, removing stickers should be a no-brainer. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Registration Stickers:

1. Why cut the registration sticker?

Thieves will be tempted to steal your sticker. That’s why it’s very important to cut tiny slits across your sticker – this is also called “scoring” your sticker. That way, in case they try to peel it off, the sticker will come off in pieces. 

2. Can you get a new registration sticker if yours gets damaged?

The DMV strongly suggests getting a new registration sticker if yours get damaged, stolen, etc. Complete the “Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents” form if you want to obtain it by mail, or visit your local DMV. 

Do note that you won’t be able to obtain a registration sticker if your vehicle has not been registered with the DMV. In addition, if your vehicle’s registration expires in 30 days, you will not be eligible to get a new sticker by mail. Instead, you will have to visit the DMV. 

3. What color is the registration sticker?

It changes every year. For instance, in California, the color was blue in 2019, yellow in 2020, and red in 2021. This allows authorities to quickly identify unregistered vehicles. 

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