Report the theft to your local police department first, then notify your state's motor vehicle agency
When you discover your license plate is missing, file a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office before contacting your state's motor vehicle agency. The police will create an incident report and assign it a report number — you'll need this number when you contact your state. Most departments let you file online or by phone if the theft happened in a low-crime area, though some require an in-person visit.
After the police report is filed, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency — it may be called the Registry of Motor Vehicles, Secretary of State, or Division of Motor Vehicles depending on your state). Tell them your plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the police report number. Your state will flag the plate as stolen in their system so it cannot be used legally by someone else.
The entire process typically takes one phone call to police and one to your state agency. Most people complete both steps within a day or two of discovering the theft.
Key Takeaways
- File a police report first — you need the report number before contacting your state motor vehicle agency.
- Your state will flag the stolen plate in their system once you report it, preventing someone else from using it legally.
- Have your plate number, vehicle VIN, and the police report number ready when you contact your state agency.
- You will need to order a replacement plate from your state, which usually costs between $5 and $30 depending on your state.
- If a stolen plate is used in a crime, the police report you filed protects you by creating an official record that the plate was not in your possession.
What to tell the police when you file the report
When you contact police, have the following information ready: your plate number (the combination of letters and numbers on the plate), your vehicle's VIN, the date you last saw the plate, and where the vehicle was parked when the theft occurred. If you have a photo of your plate or your vehicle, bring it along.
Tell the officer whether the plate was stolen from a parked vehicle, from your home, or from somewhere else. The location matters because it affects how the police categorize the theft and whether they can pull security camera footage. If the theft happened in a parking lot or on a street with cameras, mention that — it may help police investigate.
The police will ask whether you suspect who took it. If you do, tell them. If you don't, straightforward say you discovered it missing and don't know when it was taken. Either way, the report is filed and you receive a report number when ready or within a few days.
Contacting your state motor vehicle agency with the police report number
Once you have the police report number, call your state's motor vehicle agency. The phone number is on your vehicle registration or online through your state's government website. Some states also let you report a stolen plate through their online portal.
Tell the representative: your name, your plate number, your vehicle's VIN, and the police report number. They will enter this information into the state system and flag the plate as stolen. This step prevents someone from registering the plate to another vehicle or using it illegally.
Ask the representative how to order a replacement plate. Most states mail a new plate to your address within one to two weeks, though some allow you to pick one up at a local office. You will pay a replacement fee, which varies by state — typically between $5 and $30. Some states waive the fee if you file the report within a certain timeframe after the theft.
Why reporting matters if your plate is used in a crime
If someone uses your stolen plate to commit a crime or get a traffic ticket, the police report you filed protects you. When law enforcement traces the plate, they will find the official record showing the plate was reported stolen before the crime occurred. This creates a clear timeline that you were not the person driving the vehicle.
Without a police report, you could face complications if the plate is used illegally. You might receive traffic tickets or citations in the mail for violations you didn't commit, or police might contact you about a crime. The police report is your documentation that you reported the theft and are not responsible for what happened after.
Keep a copy of the police report number and the confirmation from your state motor vehicle agency. If you later receive a ticket or notice related to your stolen plate, you can provide these documents to clear the matter up.
Ordering and installing your replacement plate
After your state flags the plate as stolen, you will order a replacement. Most states mail the new plate automatically once you report the theft, while others require you to request it. Check with your state agency about whether you need to take any additional action or if the replacement is automatic.
When the new plate arrives, remove the old mounting bolts from your vehicle (if the original plate is still there) and install the new one. Most plates are held on with two bolts — one at the top and one at the bottom. You can use a socket wrench or screwdriver depending on the bolt type. Tighten the bolts firmly but do not over-tighten, as this can crack the plate.
If your vehicle has a front and rear plate requirement in your state, you will receive two replacement plates. Install both before driving. Some states only require a rear plate, so check your state's rules.
What to do if you find your original plate later
If your plate turns up after you've reported it stolen and ordered a replacement, contact your state motor vehicle agency again. Tell them the plate has been recovered and ask whether you should return it or destroy it. Most states ask you to return it to a local motor vehicle office or destroy it so it cannot be used illegally.
Do not attempt to use the recovered plate again, even if you still have it. Once a plate is reported stolen, it remains flagged in the state system and cannot be legally registered to any vehicle. Using it could result in a citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I report a stolen plate online instead of calling?
Many states offer online reporting through their motor vehicle agency website. Check your state's website to see if you can report the theft and request a replacement plate through their portal. Even if online reporting is available, you still need to file a police report first — the online motor vehicle report alone is not sufficient.
What if I don't know my vehicle's VIN?
Your VIN is printed on your vehicle registration, insurance card, and title. It's also stamped on the dashboard on the driver's side (visible through the windshield) and on the driver's side door jamb. You can also contact your insurance company and they will provide it. Have this number ready before you call police or your state agency.
Do I have to pay for a replacement plate if it was stolen?
Most states charge a replacement fee of $5 to $30, though some waive the fee if you report the theft within 30 days. Call your state motor vehicle agency to ask about fee waivers in your state. Keep your receipt for the replacement plate in case you need it for insurance or tax purposes.
How long does it take to get a replacement plate?
Most states mail replacement plates within one to two weeks of your request. Some states offer expedited service for an additional fee if you need the plate sooner. A few states allow you to pick up a temporary plate at a local office while you wait for the permanent one to arrive by mail.
What if someone got a traffic ticket using my stolen plate?
Contact the court or police department listed on the ticket and provide your police report number showing the plate was stolen before the ticket was issued. Bring a copy of your police report and the confirmation from your state that the plate was reported stolen. The ticket should be dismissed once the court verifies the plate was not in your possession.