Where to Order a Replacement Plate

You order a replacement license plate through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the exact name and process varies by state. Most states now let you order online through their DMV website, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office. A few states still require you to visit in person, so check your state's DMV site first to see which methods are open.

The online route is usually fastest. You log in with your driver's license number and vehicle identification number (VIN), select the reason for replacement (lost, stolen, damaged, or personalized plate change), pay the fee, and the plate ships to your address in one to three weeks. If you need a plate urgently — for instance, your current one is damaged and you're worried about a traffic stop — visiting an office in person sometimes lets you walk out with a temporary plate the same day, though this varies by state.

Key Takeaways

  • Order through your state DMV's website, by mail, or in person; most states offer online ordering as the fastest option.
  • You will need your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and proof of vehicle registration to complete an order.
  • Replacement plate fees range from $5 to $30 depending on your state and plate type, and processing takes one to three weeks by mail.
  • If your plate was stolen, report it to police first — some states require a police report number before they will issue a replacement.
  • In-person visits to a DMV office may result in a temporary plate you can use when ready while waiting for the permanent one to arrive.

What Information and Documents You Need

Have your driver's license, vehicle registration, and VIN ready before you start. The VIN is a 17-character code stamped on your vehicle's dashboard (visible through the windshield on the driver's side) or on your registration paperwork. You do not need the old plate itself — the DMV has a record of what was issued to your vehicle.

If your plate was stolen, most states require you to file a police report first and provide the report number when you order the replacement. This protects you in case the stolen plate is used in a crime. If the plate was lost or damaged, you typically just describe the situation when you order — no police report needed.

Replacement Plate Fees by State

Fees vary widely. Most states charge between $5 and $30 for a standard replacement plate. Some states charge less for a lost or damaged plate than for a voluntary change (like switching to a personalized plate). A few states include the replacement in your regular registration renewal and do not charge extra.

Payment is usually by credit card online, by check if you mail in an order form, or by cash or card in person at an office. Check your state DMV's website for the exact fee and accepted payment methods, since these change occasionally.

How Long Replacement Takes

By mail or online order, expect one to three weeks for delivery. The DMV processes the order, manufactures the plate, and ships it to your address. During this time, you can usually drive legally with your old plate if it is still readable, or with a temporary plate if the DMV issued one.

If you visit a DMV office in person, some states issue a temporary plate on the spot — a paper or plastic tag you tape to your vehicle while you wait for the permanent plate. Not all states offer this, so ask when you arrive. The permanent plate still takes the same one to three weeks to arrive by mail.

What to Do If Your Plate Was Stolen

Report the theft to your local police department and get a report number. Some states require this number before they will issue a replacement; others do not, but having a report protects you if the plate is later used in a crime or traffic violation. You can file a report online, by phone, or in person depending on your police department's options.

Once you have the report number, include it when you order the replacement plate. The DMV will flag your vehicle's record so that any traffic stop or violation involving the stolen plate can be traced back to the theft report rather than to you.

Personalized and Specialty Plates

If you want to change to a personalized plate (vanity plate) or switch plate types — for example, from a standard plate to a specialty plate supporting a cause or organization — you order through the same DMV process. The fee is usually higher for personalized plates, often $25 to $50 depending on your state, and the processing time can be longer because the DMV has to check that your chosen characters are available and do not violate content rules.

Some states let you reserve a personalized plate online before you order it, so you know the exact characters will be yours. Others assign them on a first-come basis. Check your state's DMV site for the process and any restrictions on what characters or words are allowed.

Temporary Plates and Driving While You Wait

If you ordered a replacement online or by mail and do not have a temporary plate, you can usually drive with your old plate as long as it is readable and your registration is current. The DMV's records show that you own the vehicle, so a traffic stop will not be a problem.

If your old plate is damaged, missing, or illegible, do not drive the vehicle until you have a temporary plate or the replacement arrives. A missing or unreadable plate can result in a traffic citation. If you need to drive when ready, visit a DMV office in person to ask about a temporary plate option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my old plate number when I get a replacement?

In most states, yes — if your plate was lost or damaged, the replacement will have the same number. If your plate was stolen, some states will issue the same number, while others assign a new one for security reasons. Contact your DMV to ask about your state's policy.

What if I move to a different state?

You will need new plates that match your new state's format and registration. Order them through your new state's DMV once you have updated your vehicle registration there. You cannot use out-of-state plates on a vehicle registered in your new state.

Do I need to return my old plate to the DMV?

Most states do not require you to return a lost or damaged plate — they assume it is gone. If you have the old plate and your state asks for it, they will tell you where to mail or drop it off. Check your state DMV's website or call to confirm the policy.

Can I order a replacement plate for someone else's vehicle?

No. Only the registered owner or an authorized representative (like a spouse or power of attorney holder) can order a replacement. You will need to provide the vehicle's registration and your relationship to the owner.

What if my replacement plate arrives damaged?

Contact your state DMV and report the damage. Most states will issue a replacement at no extra charge. Keep the damaged plate and follow the DMV's instructions for returning it.