Report the theft to your local police department first

Call the non-emergency police line or visit your local precinct in person to file a report. You will need the plate number, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and the date you discovered it missing. The police will create an incident report and assign it a case number — keep this number for your records and for your insurance claim.

Some police departments let you file online through their website, though calling or visiting in person is faster because you get the case number when ready. The report itself does not prevent someone from using your plate, but it creates an official record that protects you if the plate is used in a crime or traffic violation.

Notify your state's Department of Motor Vehicles

Contact your state DMV by phone or through their website and report the plate stolen. You will need your driver's license number, vehicle registration number, and the police report case number. The DMV will flag the plate in their system so that if someone tries to register it or use it on another vehicle, the mismatch will be caught.

The DMV will also tell you whether you need to order a replacement plate when ready or whether you can wait. Some states require you to get a new plate within a set number of days; others let you order one when it is convenient. Ask about the fee — most states charge between $5 and $25 for a replacement plate.

Key Takeaways

  • File a police report first and keep the case number, because it protects you legally if the stolen plate is used in a crime or traffic violation.
  • Contact your state DMV to flag the plate in their system so it cannot be registered to another vehicle.
  • Order a replacement plate from the DMV; the cost and timeline vary by state but usually take one to three weeks to arrive.
  • If the stolen plate is used in a traffic violation or crime before you report it, the police report proves the plate was not on your vehicle at that time.

Order your replacement plate from the DMV

You can order a replacement plate online through your state DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. You will need your vehicle registration, driver's license, and the police report case number. Most states charge a replacement fee and will mail the new plate to your address within one to three weeks.

While you wait for the replacement, you are still legally required to have a plate on your vehicle. If your state allows temporary plates or permits you to drive without a plate for a short period while awaiting the replacement, the DMV will tell you during the ordering process. If not, you may need to borrow a plate from another vehicle temporarily or arrange a ride until the new plate arrives.

Notify your insurance company

Contact your auto insurance company and report the stolen plate. Provide them with the police report case number and the date you discovered the theft. This step protects you if the plate is later used in a hit-and-run, traffic violation, or other incident — your insurance record will show you reported it stolen before the incident occurred.

Insurance companies do not usually charge you for a stolen plate, but they may ask you to provide proof of the police report. Keep a copy of the report and your DMV correspondence in your records.

What to do if the plate is used in a crime or violation

If you receive a traffic ticket or notice of a violation for a date when your plate was already reported stolen, respond when ready with a copy of your police report and DMV notification. Include a letter explaining that the plate was stolen on [date] and that you reported it to police and the DMV on [date]. Send this to the address on the ticket or violation notice.

The traffic court or violation authority will dismiss the ticket once they see the police report. If you receive multiple violations before the court processes your report, send the same documentation to each one. Do not ignore the tickets — responding with proof of the theft is what clears your record.

Prevent future theft

Use anti-theft bolts or screws on your license plate instead of standard fasteners. These require a special tool to remove and make the plate a slower target. Park in well-lit, populated areas when possible, and avoid leaving your vehicle unattended in isolated spots for long periods.

Some states allow you to order plates with reflective or specialty designs that are harder to counterfeit or remove. Check your state DMV website for options. If you live in an area with high plate theft, ask the DMV whether they recommend any specific security measures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without a license plate while I wait for the replacement?

No — you must have a plate on your vehicle at all times. If your state offers temporary plates or a grace period while you wait for the replacement, the DMV will tell you during the ordering process. Otherwise, you will need to order the replacement when ready and drive with it as soon as it arrives, or arrange alternative transportation.

Will I get in trouble if someone uses my stolen plate in a crime?

No, as long as you have filed a police report and notified the DMV before the crime occurred. The police report creates a record that proves the plate was not on your vehicle at that time. This is why reporting the theft when ready matters — it protects you legally.

How much does a replacement plate cost?

Most states charge between $5 and $25 for a replacement plate, though some charge more for specialty or personalized plates. Contact your state DMV for the exact fee. The cost is usually waived if the plate was stolen and you have a police report.

How long does it take to get a replacement plate?

Standard replacement plates usually arrive within one to three weeks. Expedited plates may be available for an extra fee and can arrive in a few days. Check your state DMV website for current processing times and expedited options.

Do I need to report the theft to my insurance company?

Yes — notify your insurance company with the police report case number. This protects you if the stolen plate is later used in a violation or incident. Insurance companies do not charge you for reporting a stolen plate.