Can You Bring License Plates on a Plane? TSA Carry-On and Checked Bag Rules

Generally, metal license plates are allowed through airport security in the United States. However, the security agent makes the final call on allowing a license plate through the security checkpoint. Keep in mind that particularly heavy license plates might be perceived as potential weapons and might not be allowed to board the plane. So, it’s best to pack them in checked baggage. You can use a [amazon link=”B071GM7J53″ title=”license plate holder”] to protect it from scratches in your cargo luggage.

In general, you don’t need to declare license plates in your luggage when traveling in the United States. You only need to declare license plates in your luggage if you bought them during an overseas trip and are intending to return with them to the United States.

Theoretically, you can carry another person’s license plate when traveling in the United States. TSA allows license plates in cabin and cargo baggage. Many travelers like to collect old, vintage, and unique license plates, that originally belonged to someone else, and there isn’t usually any problem with getting them through airport security. However, if the license plate is reported as stolen, you might face legal consequences. You shouldn’t have any problems traveling with an expired or canceled license plate from a car that is no longer on the road or from an owner that is no longer alive.

Yes, you can carry fake and decorative license plates on planes in the United States. TSA approves license plates in cabin and cargo luggage without any restrictions, so all license plates are welcomed onboard. But, particularly heavy or large license plates might be flagged as a blunt weapon when going through airport security and might not be allowed inside the cabin. If your license plate is made out of heavy material, it’s best to pack it in checked baggage.

That said, you could get into trouble when carrying fake license plates that closely resemble real license plates because they’re considered illegal to possess.

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