I don't see why not I have bought many from yard sales, flea markets, and have seen them on here.. They aren't registered to anything so if someone wanted to use it they would have to get it registered. My husband collects them and these are some he did not want.
to answer (weepingwillowdawn) yes it is legal to own for collector purpose only. it is how ever illegal to get plate and put on vehicle that you own without first registering vehicle to plate (plates of another vehicle) if plate is in orig. owners name orig. owner may reg. tag to new vehicle. if orig. vehicle with tag is sold to family member only it can be transfered.... but yes anyone can own hope this helps fanned and watching...