Terms of Service

Trade-A-Plate provides an online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of vanity license plates. Our services include plate listing, valuation, bidding, escrow-protected transactions, and state-specific transfer guidance. Trade-A-Plate is a facilitator and does not own, possess, or transfer any license plates.

Sellers must verify ownership of a license plate before listing it for sale. This process requires submitting identification documents (driver's license, vehicle registration, and selfie verification) which are reviewed by our team. Approved claims may be revoked if found to be fraudulent.

You represent and warrant that any ownership claims you submit are truthful and that you have the legal right to sell the plate. Submitting fraudulent documentation is a violation of these terms and may result in immediate account termination.

Buyers may place bids on any plate. Sellers may list verified plates at their chosen price. When a bid meets or exceeds a listing price, a transaction is automatically created. Both bids and listings can be cancelled before they are matched.

By placing a bid, you commit to completing the purchase if your bid is matched. By listing a plate, you commit to completing the sale at the listed price if a buyer matches it.

All transactions are protected by escrow. When a bid matches a listing:

1. The buyer submits payment, which is held in escrow.
2. Both parties coordinate the physical plate transfer through their state's DMV.
3. Both buyer and seller confirm the transfer is complete.
4. Funds are released to the seller minus the platform fee.

Trade-A-Plate uses Stripe to process payments. By using our transaction services, you also agree to Stripe's terms of service.

The platform fee is 10% of the sale price, deducted from the seller's payout when a transaction completes. There are no fees for creating an account, browsing, adding plates, or placing bids. The fee is clearly displayed before any transaction is confirmed.

The physical transfer of a vanity license plate occurs off-platform through the relevant state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Trade-A-Plate provides transfer guidance and state-specific instructions but is not responsible for the transfer process itself.

Transfer methods, timelines, fees, and risks vary by state. Buyers and sellers are responsible for understanding and complying with their state's DMV procedures. Trade-A-Plate does not guarantee that any plate transfer will be approved by a state DMV.

If a problem arises during the transfer phase of a transaction, either party may file a dispute. When a dispute is filed:

• The transaction is frozen and funds remain in escrow.
• Both parties are notified.
• A Trade-A-Plate administrator reviews the dispute.
• The administrator will resolve the dispute by either releasing funds to the seller or issuing a refund to the buyer.

Dispute resolution decisions made by Trade-A-Plate are final and binding.

Trade-A-Plate provides automated plate valuations based on factors including character length, word recognition, state demand, and transfer method. These valuations are estimates only and do not constitute appraisals or guarantees of market value. Actual sale prices are determined solely by buyer and seller agreement.

The following activities are prohibited:

• Selling plates you do not legally own
• Submitting false ownership documentation
• Manipulating plate valuations or market prices
• Creating shill bids or fraudulent transactions
• Circumventing the escrow process
• Using the Platform to launder money or engage in illegal activity

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE." TRADE-A-PLATE MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, REGARDING THE PLATFORM'S RELIABILITY, AVAILABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

Trade-A-Plate does not guarantee that any plate listed on the Platform is available, transferable, or legally sellable in any jurisdiction. Users assume all risks associated with license plate transactions.

Trade-A-Plate's total liability for any claim arising from these Terms of Service or your use of the Platform shall not exceed the total fees paid by you to Trade-A-Plate in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim.

We reserve the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email or Platform notification. Your continued use of the Platform after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the modified terms.

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us at support@tradeaplate.com or visit our Support page.