Report the theft to local police first, then to your state's DMV or motor vehicle agency

Call your local police non-emergency line or file a report online through your police department's website. You will need the plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the date you discovered the plates missing. The police will give you a report number — keep this, because you will need it when you contact your state's DMV.

After filing the police report, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency (called the Secretary of State in some states). You can usually do this by phone, mail, or through their online portal. Tell them the plates are stolen and provide the police report number. The DMV will flag the plates in their system so that if someone uses them on another vehicle, law enforcement can trace them back to you and know the plates are not legitimate.

The order matters: police first, then DMV. Police need to document the theft, and the DMV needs the police report number to process your case correctly.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your local police department by phone or online to file a theft report and get a report number.
  • Call or visit your state's DMV within a few days and report the stolen plates using the police report number.
  • The DMV will flag the plates so law enforcement knows they are stolen if someone tries to use them.
  • You will need to order replacement plates from your DMV, which usually costs between $10 and $30 depending on your state.
  • Keep copies of both the police report and the DMV report for your records in case the plates are used fraudulently later.

What information you need before you call

Gather these details before contacting police or the DMV: your license plate number, your vehicle's VIN (found on your registration or dashboard), the date you first noticed the plates were missing, and a description of where the vehicle was parked when the theft occurred.

If you have photos of your vehicle with the plates still attached, those help. If you remember seeing the plates on your car at a specific time — such as the last time you drove it — note that date and time. The more precise you can be about when the theft happened, the faster the report will be processed.

How to file a police report

Most police departments allow you to file a theft report online through their website without going to the station. Search "[your city] police report online" or "[your county] sheriff report online" to find the form. Fill in the details about the stolen plates and submit. You will receive a report number by email or through the portal within 24 hours.

If your police department does not offer online reporting, call the non-emergency line (not 911) and ask how to report stolen license plates. They will either take your information over the phone or schedule a time for you to come in. Having the report number is essential for the next step, so confirm you have it before hanging up or leaving the station.

Some departments mail the report number; others email it. Ask which method they will use so you know where to look for it.

Contacting your state DMV about the stolen plates

Look up your state's DMV phone number or website. Most states have a dedicated line for reporting stolen or lost plates. When you call, have the police report number ready and tell them the plates are stolen. They will ask for your name, address, vehicle VIN, and plate number.

Some states allow you to report stolen plates through their online portal. Log in with your driver's license number and state ID number, then select the option to report lost or stolen plates. Upload a copy of the police report if the system asks for it.

The DMV will place a flag on those plates in their system. If someone registers a vehicle with those plates or if law enforcement runs the plates during a traffic stop, the system will show they are stolen and associated with your vehicle.

Ordering replacement plates from the DMV

Once you have reported the theft to both police and the DMV, you will need new plates. You can order them through your state's DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The cost varies by state — typically between $10 and $30 for standard replacement plates.

Some states charge extra for expedited processing if you need the plates quickly. Standard processing usually takes one to two weeks; expedited can be three to five business days. You can drive your vehicle without plates while you wait for the replacements, but keep a copy of your police report and DMV report in the car in case you are stopped by police.

When the new plates arrive, install them when ready and dispose of the old ones safely or turn them in to the DMV if your state requires it.

What happens if someone uses your stolen plates

If your stolen plates are used on another vehicle and that vehicle is involved in a traffic violation, accident, or crime, the police will initially look for your vehicle. This is why reporting the theft to the DMV is critical — the flag in their system tells officers the plates are stolen and not legitimately on your car.

If you are contacted by police about an incident involving your plates, provide them with copies of your police report and DMV report. This documentation proves you reported the theft and are not responsible for what happened while someone else had the plates.

Keep records of all reports you file for at least a year. If the plates are recovered, the police may contact you, but you are not required to retrieve them — the DMV can handle their disposal.

Preventing license plate theft in the future

Use anti-theft plate fasteners or screws that require a special tool to remove. These are inexpensive (usually under $20) and make it harder for thieves to take your plates quickly. Install them on both the front and rear plates.

Park in well-lit, visible areas when possible. Thieves prefer vehicles parked in dark or isolated spots. If you have a garage, use it. If you park on the street, vary your location and times when you can.

Check your plates regularly — at least once a week — to make sure they are still there. The sooner you notice a theft, the sooner you can report it and prevent someone from using them for fraud or crime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I report stolen plates without filing a police report?

Most DMVs will not flag stolen plates without a police report number. The police report creates an official record that the theft occurred, which protects you if the plates are later used in a crime. File the police report first, even if it is online.

What if I do not know my license plate number?

Check your vehicle registration card — the plate number is printed on it. If you do not have the registration, look at your insurance card or any recent traffic ticket. You can also call your DMV with your VIN and they will tell you the plate number.

How long does it take for the DMV to flag stolen plates?

Most states flag the plates in their system within 24 to 48 hours of your report. Some states process it the same day. Call the DMV a few days after reporting to confirm the flag has been added to your account.

Do I have to pay to report stolen plates?

Reporting the theft to police and the DMV is free. You will only pay for replacement plates, which typically costs $10 to $30 depending on your state.

What if my plates are found after I order replacements?

Keep the replacement plates. Do not try to use the old stolen plates again, even if they are recovered. The DMV flag will remain on them, and using them could cause legal problems. The recovered plates should be turned over to police or the DMV for disposal.