Privacy Policy

Effective date: May 28, 2026

MiniLicensePlates (“we,” “us,” or “our”) operates MiniLicensePlates.com (the “Site”). This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. By using the Site, you agree to this policy. Please also read our Terms of Service.

1. Information we collect

Information you provide

  • Member account: When you register, we collect your display name, username, email address, and password (stored in hashed form). You may optionally add a phone number, mailing address, and profile photo in your profile settings.
  • Collection data: If you use My Collection, we store the catalog entries, quantities, condition grades, notes, and related information you enter. You may choose to mark individual sets as public so other members can view them.
  • Newsletter: If you subscribe in the footer, we store your email address to send updates and occasional advertising about the hobby or Site.
  • Contribution form: If you contact us through the contribute form, we receive your name, email address, and message. Our notification email may also include your IP address to help identify spam or abuse.

Information collected automatically

  • Log data: Like most websites, our hosting provider may record technical information such as your IP address, browser type, referring page, and the date and time of requests. We use this for security, troubleshooting, and understanding general Site usage.
  • Cookies and similar technologies: The Site uses essential cookies to keep you signed in (for example, a session cookie when you log in). If Google AdSense advertising is enabled on the Site, Google and its partners may use cookies or similar technologies to serve and measure ads. See Google’s policies at https://policies.google.com/privacy and https://policies.google.com/technologies/ads.

2. How we use information

We use the information described above to:

  • Provide and maintain the Site, including catalog browsing, search, gallery, history, and articles
  • Operate member accounts and personal collection tools
  • Display collection information you choose to make public to other members
  • Respond to messages and contribution submissions
  • Send newsletter emails to subscribers
  • Protect the Site against spam, fraud, and abuse
  • Improve content and features

We do not sell your personal information.

3. When we share information

We may share information in these limited situations:

  • Public collection sharing: If you mark a set as public, other signed-in members may see your username, profile photo (if set), and the collection details you have recorded for that set.
  • Service providers: We use hosting, email, and related services to run the Site. Those providers process data on our behalf and only as needed to provide their services.
  • Legal requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or if we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, users, or the public.
  • Business changes: If the Site or its assets are transferred, information may be included as part of that transaction, subject to this policy.

Links to third-party sites (such as eBay or Facebook) are governed by those sites’ own privacy policies, not this one.

4. How long we keep information

We retain account and collection data while your account is active. Newsletter addresses are kept until you ask to be removed or we discontinue the list. Contribution messages sent by email are kept only as long as needed to respond and maintain our records. Server logs are retained for a limited period appropriate for security and operations.

5. Security

We use reasonable administrative and technical measures to protect information, including hashed passwords and access controls for administrative areas. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your choices

  • Profile: Signed-in members can update name, email, phone, address, and profile photo under Profile.
  • Public sharing: You control whether each collection set is public or private in My Collection.
  • Newsletter: To unsubscribe, contact us through the contact form using the email address you subscribed with.
  • Account deletion: To request deletion of your account and associated personal data, contact us through the contact form. We may retain certain information where required by law or for legitimate business records.

7. Children

The Site is a general-audience reference site for collectors and is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us personal information, please contact us so we can delete it.

8. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The effective date at the top will change when we do. Continued use of the Site after changes are posted means you accept the updated policy.

9. Contact

Privacy questions or requests may be sent through our contact form or by mail to Minilicenseplates, PO Box 2364, Smithfield, NC 27577.