License plate replacement costs between $5 and $30 in most states, depending on whether you need a standard plate or a specialty design
The price you pay depends on your state, the type of plate you want, and whether you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged plate. A basic replacement plate costs less than $15 in many states — some charge as little as $5 to $8. Specialty plates (those with custom designs, wildlife images, or support for specific causes) run $15 to $30 or more. A few states charge extra if you need the plate in a hurry.
You will also need to account for the time it takes to get the plate. Most states mail replacements within one to two weeks. If you need one faster, some DMV offices offer same-day or next-day service for an additional fee, usually $10 to $25 on top of the plate cost.
Key Takeaways
- Standard license plate replacement costs $5 to $15 in most states, with specialty plates running $15 to $30.
- You will need your vehicle registration, driver's license, and proof of the lost or damaged plate (a police report if stolen) to order a replacement.
- Mailed plates typically arrive within one to two weeks; expedited service adds $10 to $25 but delivers the plate in one to three business days.
- Some states allow online ordering through the DMV website, while others require you to visit an office or use a mail-in form.
Standard plate replacement versus specialty plates
A standard plate — the basic white or blue plate with your state name and registration number — is the cheapest option. Most states charge $5 to $12 for a replacement. You get the same plate design you had before, just a new physical plate with a new number.
Specialty plates cost more because they feature custom designs. These include wildlife plates (with images of state animals or birds), military or veteran plates, college or university plates, and cause-related plates (supporting parks, wildlife conservation, or other organizations). Specialty plates typically cost $15 to $30, sometimes more. The extra money often goes to the organization or cause the plate supports.
If you lost or damaged a specialty plate, you can order a replacement specialty plate at the specialty rate, or downgrade to a standard plate at the lower cost. Check your state DMV website to see which specialty plates are available and what each one costs.
How to order a replacement plate
Most states let you order online through the DMV website. You will need your vehicle registration number, driver's license number, and the reason for replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged). If the plate was stolen, some states require a police report number. Upload or provide that information, pay the fee, and the plate ships to your address.
If your state does not offer online ordering, you can visit a DMV office in person or mail a form to the state DMV. The form is usually available on the DMV website. Mail-in orders take longer — typically two to three weeks — because the form has to reach the office, be processed, and then the plate has to be mailed back to you.
A few states use third-party vendors to handle plate orders. For example, some allow you to order through a private company that charges a small processing fee on top of the state plate fee. Check whether your state uses this system before you order.
Expedited and same-day options
If you need a plate quickly, most states offer expedited mailing for an extra fee. Expedited service usually costs $10 to $25 and delivers the plate in one to three business days instead of one to two weeks. Some states call this "rush" or "priority" service.
A smaller number of states offer same-day or next-day service at certain DMV offices. You order online or in person, pay the expedited fee, and pick up the plate at the office the same day or the next morning. Not all offices offer this — check your state DMV website to see which locations do.
If you need a temporary plate to drive legally while you wait for the replacement, some states issue a temporary registration slip or temporary plate at no extra cost. Ask the DMV whether this is available in your state when you place your order.
Fees by state
Replacement plate costs vary widely. Here are typical ranges:
| State Group | Standard Plate Cost | Specialty Plate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Low-cost states (CA, TX, FL, NY) | $5–$10 | $15–$25 |
| Mid-range states (OH, PA, IL, MI) | $10–$15 | $20–$30 |
| Higher-cost states (MA, NJ, CT) | $15–$20 | $25–$35 |
These are approximate ranges and change over time. Your actual cost depends on your specific state and county. Some counties charge slightly more than others. The best way to find your exact fee is to visit your state DMV website and enter your vehicle information, or call the DMV directly.
What happens if your plate was stolen
If your plate was stolen, you will need a police report to order a replacement in most states. Call the non-emergency police line, file a report, and ask for a report number. Provide that number when you order the replacement plate online or in person.
Some states waive the replacement fee if the plate was stolen, though this is uncommon. More often, you pay the standard replacement fee. The police report protects you legally — it documents that you did not keep the plate and are not responsible if someone uses it illegally.
If you suspect the stolen plate was used in a crime or traffic violation, provide the police report number to the DMV. The DMV can flag the old plate in the system so violations are not charged to you.
Damaged or unreadable plates
If your plate is faded, cracked, bent, or the numbers are no longer readable, you can order a replacement at the standard rate. You do not need a police report for a damaged plate — just explain the damage when you order. Some states let you upload a photo of the damaged plate as proof.
A few states will replace a faded or worn plate for free if it is more than a certain age (often 5 to 10 years). Check your state DMV website to see whether this applies to you. If it does, you may not have to pay anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my old license plate number when I order a replacement?
In most states, a replacement plate gets a new number. However, some states allow you to request the same number if it is still available. This usually costs extra — $10 to $25 — and takes longer to process. Ask the DMV whether your state offers this option.
Do I need to turn in my old plate?
Most states do not require you to return a lost or stolen plate — it is gone. If the plate is damaged but still in your possession, some states ask you to return it with the new one, while others do not. Check your state DMV instructions when you order.
What if I ordered a replacement and it never arrived?
Contact the DMV with your order number. They can track the plate and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. Reissuing usually does not cost extra. If the plate arrives damaged, the DMV will typically send a replacement at no charge.
Can I order a replacement plate for someone else's vehicle?
No. The vehicle owner or a person listed on the registration must order the replacement. If you are not the owner, ask the owner to place the order or give you written permission and power of attorney to do it on their behalf.
How long does a replacement plate last?
A replacement plate is permanent — it does not expire. You keep it for as long as you own the vehicle. If it becomes damaged or unreadable later, you order another replacement and pay the fee again.