Can you scrap your vehicle and retain the number plate?

Answer 1

Yes you can. You have the right to keep the license plate off your own car. Some states allow you to transfer your plates between vehicles. But the 2 vehicles need to be the same, You can't transfer a plate from a pickup truck to a car. But you can go from car to car and truck to truck.

In addition:

The answer to this question depends on which state the vehicle is licensed in. In some states, the license belongs to the vehicle owner and, depending on the state's law, may be transferred to another vehicle. In other states, the license stays on the vehicle, even when the vehicle is sold or scrapped.