There are so many types of license plates, and whether you want to pack a metal personalized or a decorated license plate in your bag, you might be wondering if you can bring a license plate on a plane.
Here is the short answer:
Generally license plates are permitted in both carry on and checked baggage in domestic and international flights, you do not need to remove them from your bag when you go through the security checkpoint. If you are traveling with heavy, larger license plates it is better to place them in a checked bag.
Keep reading to know more about traveling with license plates or car tags – as some people call them – in both domestic and international flights.
Let’s dive right in.
| License plates | Carry-on | Checked Baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Standard license plates | Yes | Yes |
| Decorated and fake license plates | Yes, but heavy and larger ones that can be used a potential weapon need to be transported in checked baggage | Yes |
| Someone else’s or friend license plate | Yes, but make sure that is expired and it is not stolen to avoid any legal trouble | Yes, but confirm that is expired and is not stolen to avoid any legal issues |
Can You Take License Plates Through The Security Checkpoint?
The TSA ( Transportation Security Administration ) are the guys at the security checkpoint searching bags and scanning people’s items.
They stated on their website that vehicle license plates are good to go through the security checkpoint without any issues.
Here is a screenshot from the TSA website:
There are no specific requirements when you place a license plate on a carry-on bag, you don’t need to inform the security officer that you have it or remove it from your bag .
If the license plate triggers the metal detectors, then the security agent may ask you to remove it for your bag, to perform a manual inspection.
License plates are not considered dangerous items.
But as the TSA always claims, the final decision whether an item is allowed or not rests with the security agent at the airport.
I checked Twitter to find additional answers from the TSA.
Ron asked the TSA customer service if he can bring his car license plate in carry-on, and if he needed to take it out of the bag during the screening process.
They gave him the green light to bring his license plate in a carry-on bag, and he won’t need to remove it from the bag.
Even screws to fasten the license plate are okay to bring in carry-on.
Tip: Travel with ease and confidence with this Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner. This durable carry-on features a spacious interior, four double spinner wheels, and is compliant with most airlines.
Can You Take License Plates In Checked Baggage?
If you would prefer to pack your numbered plates in checked baggage, there are also no restrictions.
In fact it is the ideal way to travel with large decorated metal license plates or in case you have a small carry-on bag.
Also this will save you some time at the security checkpoint, by making your screening process smooth and easy.
How To Pack License Plates When Traveling?
Most license plates are made of metal and you don’t have to worry about it being cracked or broken inside the bag.
But you will still need to do some careful precautions, to avoid any dents, scratches or to hurt luggage inspectors and handlers.
You can use newspaper or some type of cloth and surround your plates.
One important thing that demands close attention is to never stack decorated license plates one on top of one another.
Stacking can leave scratches on the plates or make them fade. Always place something between to keep them separated and clean.
Can You Take License Plates On International Flight?
There are no regulations on where to place a license plate on international flights, you can choose to place it in a carry-on or checked bag.
And most country authorities and airlines do not specifically mention them on their prohibited lists, but obviously larger and heavy plates that can be used as a weapon or a self defense item will be permitted only in checked luggage.
You will also need to declare any license plates whenever you get to your destination along with any items you buy.
This passenger wanted to bring a license plate from South Africa to the U.S.
They replied that the TSA manages flights within and departing from the United States, so he will need to check with his airline and with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection before he enters the country.
Final Thoughts
There are no restrictions or quantity limits on how many license plates you can take on a plane for personal use in domestic flights.
For international travel you need to check any customs rules for your destination country. If you are bringing a lot of brand new or vintage license plates it will look like you are doing business and you’ll need to pay tax.
Remember to pack any heavy and large license plates in hold baggage, that way you will save yourself a lot of time and the hassle of the security screening in both domestic and international flights.
We hope this helps
Happy travels
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