Can the bank cancel the plates on a car they have repossessed?

They can turn them in to the DMV, but do you want to take a chance on them doing that? Remember, the plates are yours and registered to you. If someone gets the plates and throws them on another vehcle and gets in an accident, say a hit and run and someone writes down the tag #, expect the police to come knocking on your door. To avoid a hassle, remove the plates from the vehicle. You have the right to since they belong to you, not the lender. If the car was taken before you could remove the plates, you have to get them back from the tow company. If your there when they are taking the car, the tow guy has to let you remove the plates. The plates do not stay with the vehicle and the tow co nor the lender has a right to keep them.