Removing stickers from license plates

[EJ333]

I had just installed my new Californa "legacy" black plates on my Coupe today.
It got me wondering what are the methods by which you can remove the annual stickers without damaging the plates ? You guys must know the secrets to this dilemma.

 

[Honolulu]

Sit there nice and comfy with good light, put on your reading glasses and carefully use a razor scraper and fingernails.

 

[Bert Poliakoff]

Try a low level heat gun and also a product called “Goo Gone” It works wonders on sticky things. If no where else, Home Depot carries it in their housewares section. You may also consider lightly using an old credit card or plastic putty knife.

 

[Lotuss7]

Haven't tried this but have to think it will work.

Year tags get stolen all the time (and then transferred to another car...)

Go to the DMV and tell them it happened to you. Bet they check your registration and give you a new one on the spot. Maybe even free....

 

[Gary Knox]

I have a can of 3M adhesive remover. I've never used it for this procedure, but it works great for softening every other adhesive product I've ever used it on. Don't think I could get by without it on the shelf!

 

[m_thompson]

The tradition in Rhode Island is to put the new sticker on any unused space around the edge of the license plate. If the plate is covered with stickers it lets others know that you are a local, and not someone new to the state. I have only lived here for 24 years so I have a long way to go before I will be considered a local.

 

[johnl]

I have two methods for removing stickers. A heat gun will soften the sticker and make it easy to peel off. The second way is to remove the plate for the vehicle (I would do that in either case) and hold a lit match under the sticker on the BACK side of the plate moving it over the sticker area. I've found that once the match burns down to the point you can no longer hold it without being burned is sufficient time. This will also soften the sticker and it will come off easily. Once this is completed a small amount of polish or cleaner wax will clean the back side of the plate up nicely.