Report the theft to your local police department first

Call the non-emergency police line in your city or county and report that your license plate has been stolen. Have your vehicle identification number (VIN), plate number, and vehicle description ready. The police will create a report and give you a report number — keep this for your records and for your insurance company.

If you discover the theft because you received a traffic ticket or toll notice for a vehicle you weren't driving, tell the police that when you call. This matters because your plate may have been used in a traffic violation or toll violation, and the report number helps you dispute those charges later.

Some police departments allow you to file a report online through their website. Check your local department's site first — if online filing is available, it can be faster than calling, though you may still need to follow up by phone if the theft involves suspected criminal use of your plate.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your local police non-emergency line and provide your VIN, plate number, and vehicle description to create an official theft report.
  • Request a police report number and keep it for your insurance claim and to dispute any traffic violations issued under your stolen plate.
  • Notify your state's Department of Motor Vehicles within a few days so they can flag the plate as stolen in their system.
  • Contact your insurance company to report the theft and ask whether it affects your coverage or if you need to file a separate claim.
  • Order replacement plates from your DMV and pay the replacement fee, which varies by state but typically ranges from $5 to $30.

Notify your state's Department of Motor Vehicles

After you file the police report, contact your state's DMV to report the stolen plate. You can usually do this by phone, mail, or through the DMV website. Have your police report number, VIN, plate number, and driver's license number ready.

The DMV will flag the plate as stolen in their system. This prevents someone else from registering it or using it on another vehicle. It also creates an official record that protects you if the plate is used in a crime or traffic violation — the record shows you reported it stolen before that violation occurred.

Different states have different timelines, but most ask you to report the theft within a few days. Some states combine the police report and DMV notification into one process, so ask the police officer whether they will file the DMV report on your behalf.

Contact your insurance company

Call your auto insurance company and tell them your plate was stolen. Provide the police report number. Ask whether the theft is covered under your policy and whether you need to file a separate claim.

Most insurance policies do not cover the cost of replacement plates — that is typically a DMV fee you pay directly. However, if the stolen plate was used in an accident or crime, your insurance company needs to know about it so they can protect you if a claim comes in later under that plate number.

Keep a record of the date and time you called, the name of the person you spoke with, and what they told you. If a traffic violation or accident is later attributed to your stolen plate, this record helps prove you reported the theft before the incident occurred.

Order replacement plates from the DMV

Once the theft is reported to the DMV, you can order replacement plates. Most states allow you to order online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. You will need your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of the theft report.

The replacement fee varies by state — it is typically between $5 and $30 per plate. Some states charge less if you are replacing a stolen plate than if you are ordering new plates for a different reason. A few states waive the fee if you report the theft within a certain timeframe, so ask when you contact the DMV.

Replacement plates usually arrive by mail within one to three weeks. In the meantime, you can drive your vehicle legally — the DMV will issue you a temporary permit or will note in their system that you are waiting for replacement plates. Check your state's specific rules before you drive.

What to do if your plate was used in a traffic violation

If you receive a traffic ticket or toll notice for a violation you did not commit, respond to the notice when ready and include a copy of your police report showing the plate was stolen before the violation date. Most jurisdictions will dismiss the violation once they see the theft report.

If the violation was recorded by a camera (red light, speed, or toll camera), include a statement that you were not driving the vehicle at the time and location shown. Provide the police report number and the date you reported the theft. Send this by certified mail to the address on the notice so you have proof of delivery.

If the violation is not dismissed after you submit the report, you can request a hearing to contest it in person. Bring the police report and any documentation showing you reported the theft before the violation occurred.

Protect yourself from future plate theft

License plates are stolen for several reasons: to avoid tolls, to hide a vehicle's identity during a crime, or to resell them. While you cannot prevent all theft, you can make your plates harder to steal by using anti-theft fasteners — special screws or bolts that require a unique tool to remove.

Park in well-lit, populated areas when possible. Thieves prefer vehicles parked in dark or isolated spots. If you park in the same location regularly, vary your spot occasionally.

Consider a dash camera that records your vehicle's surroundings. If your plate is stolen again, video footage can help police identify the thief and prove when the theft occurred.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get replacement plates?

Most states mail replacement plates within one to three weeks. You can usually drive legally during this time with a temporary permit issued by the DMV. Check your state's rules — some allow you to drive with just the registration document while waiting for plates.

What if I receive a ticket for a crime committed with my stolen plate?

Submit a copy of your police theft report to the court or agency that issued the ticket, along with a statement that you were not driving the vehicle. Include the date you reported the theft. Most jurisdictions will dismiss the violation once they confirm the plate was stolen before the incident.

Do I have to file a police report to get replacement plates?

Requirements vary by state. Some states require a police report before issuing replacement plates; others do not. Contact your DMV to find out what your state requires. Even if it is not required, filing a report protects you if the plate is used in a violation or crime later.

Can I get temporary plates while I wait for replacements?

Yes. The DMV will issue a temporary permit or registration document that allows you to drive legally while your replacement plates are being made. Ask for this when you report the theft to the DMV.

What should I do if the same plate gets stolen again?

File another police report and contact the DMV again. Consider installing anti-theft fasteners on your new plates. If theft keeps happening at the same location, park elsewhere if possible and report the pattern to police — it may indicate organized plate theft in your area.