how to I return plates

Just remove the plates from your car, take it to DMV tell them you no longer need the plates. That all

I honestly have a distaste for the plate system. Whatever keeps these roads safe ig

The DMV requires you to surrender your licenses plates if cancelled in person or by mail. Plates cancelled online should be disposed of by the customer. Plates can be canceled online here https://www.ri.gov/DMV/cancel_registration or at a AAA branch office (members only). To cancel plates by mail: Send the cancelled plates to the Division of Motor Vehicles Attn: Plates, 600 New London Avenue, Cranston RI 02920. In order to cancel plates, the DMV must confirm the registered owner. Be sure to include a photocopy of the registration, copy of the registered owners driver license, OR other document identifying the owner. If there is no documentation of the registered owner, the plates will NOT be cancelled. They will remain active until the expiration date, and will be subject to any fees that may result. Use registered mail with a return receipt request. To request a plate cancellation receipt (Form TR-3), please include a postage paid, self-addressed envelope.