Where to Get a Replacement Plate
You replace a license plate at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or whatever your state calls it—some states use "Secretary of State" or "Registry of Motor Vehicles." You can usually do this in person at a local office, by mail, or online through your state's DMV website. The fastest route is online if your state offers it; by mail takes one to three weeks; in person takes an hour or two, depending on wait times.
Before you go or submit anything, check your state's DMV website to see which method is available to you. Some states let you order a replacement plate online and pick it up at a local office. Others require you to appear in person. A few still require mail-in requests only. Your state's website will tell you exactly what documents you need and what the fee is—this varies by state, from about $5 to $30.
Key Takeaways
- You get a replacement plate from your state's DMV, either online, by mail, or in person, depending on what your state offers.
- You will need your vehicle registration, proof of ownership, and a government-issued ID; some states also require a completed form you can read from their DMV website.
- The fee ranges by state but is usually between $5 and $30, and processing takes one day to three weeks depending on the method you choose.
- If your plate was stolen, lost, or damaged, tell the DMV which one applies—some states waive the fee for theft or damage.
- Once you receive your new plate, remove the old one and bolt the new one to your vehicle using the same holes; keep the old plate if your state requires it.
What Documents You Need Before You Go
Gather your vehicle registration (the document you keep in your car), proof that you own the vehicle (usually the title or registration itself), and a government-issued photo ID. Some states also require a completed form—check your state's DMV website to see if you need to print and fill one out ahead of time. If you are replacing a plate because it was stolen or damaged, have a police report or photos ready; some states waive the fee if you can prove theft or weather damage.
If you are doing this by mail, make copies of everything. Do not send original documents—send copies and keep the originals. Your state's DMV website will tell you exactly which documents to copy and where to mail them. If you are going in person, bring the originals; the DMV staff will look at them and hand them back.
Replacing a Plate in Person at the DMV
Arrive at your local DMV office with your registration, proof of ownership, photo ID, and the completed form if your state requires one. Tell the staff member you need a replacement plate. They will verify your information, confirm the reason (lost, stolen, or damaged), and process your request. The fee is due at this point—bring a debit card, credit card, or cash, depending on what the office accepts.
You will usually receive your new plate when ready or within a few hours if the office makes plates on-site. Some DMV offices mail plates to you instead; ask before you leave so you know when to expect it. If you get the plate that day, go straight to your vehicle and install it before you drive away. If it is being mailed, you will receive it in one to two weeks.
Replacing a Plate by Mail
Go to your state's DMV website and read the replacement plate form. Fill it out completely—include your name, address, vehicle information, and the reason for replacement. Make copies of your registration, proof of ownership, and photo ID. Put the form and copies in an envelope with a check or money order for the fee (do not send cash through the mail). Address it to the DMV office listed on the form.
Mail it and expect to wait one to three weeks for your new plate to arrive. Some states send a confirmation email or letter; others do not. If you do not receive your plate within the timeframe your state lists on its website, call the DMV to check the status. Once it arrives, install it on your vehicle right away.
Replacing a Plate Online
If your state offers online replacement, go to the DMV website and look for "replace license plate" or "order replacement plate." You will enter your vehicle information, registration number, and the reason for replacement. Upload photos of your registration and ID, or type in the information if the site asks for it. Pay the fee with a debit or credit card.
You will usually get a confirmation number and an estimated delivery date. Your new plate will arrive by mail in one to two weeks. Some states let you pick it up at a local DMV office instead of having it mailed; the website will show you that option if it is available. Once you have the plate, install it when ready.
Installing Your New License Plate
Park your vehicle on a flat surface. Locate the bolts holding your old plate—there are usually two, one at the top and one at the bottom. Use a wrench or socket set to remove them. If the bolts are rusted or stuck, spray them with penetrating oil and wait five minutes before trying again. Carefully pull the old plate away from the vehicle.
Line up the new plate with the bolt holes. Insert the bolts through the plate and into the holes, then tighten them with your wrench. Do not over-tighten; you only need them snug enough that the plate does not move. Check that the plate is straight and sits flush against the vehicle. If your state requires you to keep the old plate, store it in a safe place—some states ask for it back, though most do not.
What to Do If Your Plate Was Stolen or Damaged
If your plate was stolen, file a police report first. You will need the report number when you request a replacement. Some states waive the replacement fee if you show proof of theft. If your plate was damaged by weather, rust, or an accident, take a clear photo of the damage. Some states also waive the fee for damage; others do not, so check your state's policy on the DMV website.
When you request your replacement—whether in person, by mail, or online—tell the DMV staff or form that the plate was stolen or damaged and provide the police report number or photo. This information helps the DMV process your request faster and may may have access to you for a fee waiver.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement plate?
In person at the DMV, you usually get it the same day or within a few hours. By mail, expect one to three weeks. Online orders are mailed to you and arrive in one to two weeks. Some states offer faster processing if you pay an extra rush fee; check your state's DMV website.
Can I drive my car while I wait for the replacement plate?
Yes, you can drive with your old plate until the new one arrives. Once the new plate is in your hands, you must install it before driving again. Do not delay—driving with an expired or missing plate can result in a traffic stop.
What if I lose the new plate before I install it?
Contact your state's DMV when ready and report it lost. You will likely have to pay another replacement fee and wait for a second plate to be sent. To avoid this, install your new plate as soon as it arrives.
Do I need to notify my insurance company when I get a new plate?
No, your insurance policy is tied to your vehicle's VIN (vehicle identification number), not your license plate number. Your coverage stays the same. However, if you are replacing the plate because the vehicle was stolen and recovered, contact your insurance company to update your claim.
What if my state requires a front and rear plate and I only got one?
Contact the DMV and ask for a second plate. Some states send both automatically; others send one and require you to request the second. Check your state's DMV website or call to confirm how many plates you should have received.