Report the theft to your local police department right away
Call the non-emergency police line or file a report online through your police department's website. You need an official report number because you will show it to your state's motor vehicle agency and your insurance company. The police will record the plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the date you discovered it missing.
Keep the report number in a safe place — you will need it for the next steps. Some police departments let you file online without calling; check your local department's website first to see if that option is available.
Key Takeaways
- File a police report with your local department and keep the report number, which you will need for your state motor vehicle agency and insurance company.
- Contact your state's motor vehicle agency to report the stolen plate and request a replacement, which usually costs between $5 and $25.
- Tell your insurance company about the theft so they have a record in case the plate is used fraudulently or in a crime.
- Watch your credit and vehicle registration for suspicious activity, since a stolen plate can be used to commit fraud or traffic violations.
- Request a new plate number rather than a replacement of the same number, which adds a small layer of protection against misuse.
Contact your state motor vehicle agency to report and replace the plate
Visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website or call their main line. Tell them your plate was stolen and provide the police report number. Most states let you report online, by phone, or in person at a DMV office.
You will need to pay a replacement fee, which varies by state — typically between $5 and $25. Some states charge more if you want a vanity plate or a specialty design. Ask whether you can request a new plate number instead of a replacement of the same number; a new number means the old stolen plate cannot be used in your name.
The replacement plate usually arrives by mail within two to four weeks. In the meantime, you can drive legally with your registration paperwork as proof of ownership, though some states issue a temporary plate number you can use when ready.
Notify your insurance company of the theft
Call your auto insurance agent or use your insurer's online portal to report the stolen plate. Provide the police report number and the date you discovered it missing. This creates a record with your insurer so they know the plate is no longer yours.
Insurance companies track stolen plates because they can be used to commit fraud — someone might use your plate to avoid tolls, rack up parking tickets, or commit other crimes in your name. Having a report on file protects you if those violations show up on your registration later.
Monitor your vehicle registration and credit for fraudulent activity
Check your vehicle registration account online through your state's DMV website every few weeks for the next several months. Look for any tickets, tolls, or violations you did not incur. If you see something suspicious, contact the DMV and the police department that issued the violation.
Also monitor your credit report through the three major bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — by visiting annualcreditreport.com. A stolen plate can sometimes be used as part of identity theft schemes. Checking your credit report helps you catch fraudulent accounts early.
What to do if your stolen plate is used in a crime or violation
If you receive a ticket or notice for a violation you did not commit, respond when ready with your police report number and proof that your plate was stolen on that date. Include a copy of the police report and your DMV replacement request confirmation.
Send your response to the court or agency that issued the ticket, not just the police. Keep copies of everything you send. If the violation is not dismissed, you may need to appear in court with your documentation to prove the plate was stolen before the violation occurred.
If the stolen plate is used in a serious crime, contact the police department that took your original report and provide them with the new information. They can update their records and help clear your name if needed.
Prevent future plate theft by parking in well-lit areas
Park in your garage or a well-lit, populated area whenever possible. Thieves target plates in dark, isolated spots where they can work without being seen. If you park on the street, choose a spot near a streetlight or security camera.
Consider installing anti-theft plate fasteners, which use special screws that are harder to remove than standard bolts. They cost $10 to $30 and take about 15 minutes to install. Some auto parts stores sell kits with the fasteners and tools included.
Understand why license plates are stolen
Thieves steal plates to avoid tolls, hide from traffic cameras, or commit crimes without being traced to their own vehicle. A stolen plate lets someone drive without paying tolls or getting caught speeding. In some cases, stolen plates are used in hit-and-run accidents or other crimes.
This is why reporting the theft matters: it creates a record that the plate was not in your possession when violations occurred. Without that record, you could be held responsible for tickets or violations you did not commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without a license plate while I wait for my replacement?
No, you cannot drive without a plate. However, most states issue a temporary plate number or permit you to drive with your registration paperwork while the replacement is in transit. Contact your DMV to find out what your state allows. Some states let you print a temporary plate online when ready after reporting the theft.
Will I be charged for tickets issued with my stolen plate?
Not if you respond with your police report and proof that the plate was stolen before the violation date. The ticket should be dismissed once you provide documentation. If it is not dismissed automatically, you will need to contest it in court with your evidence.
How much does a replacement plate cost?
Replacement plates typically cost between $5 and $25, depending on your state and plate type. Vanity plates or specialty designs may cost more. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee in your area.
Should I report the theft to my insurance company even if I do not have a claim?
Yes. Reporting it creates a record that protects you if the stolen plate is later used in fraud or crime. Your insurer can flag your account so they know the plate is no longer yours, which helps if someone tries to use it fraudulently.
What if I find my stolen plate?
If you recover your plate, contact your police department and DMV to let them know. You do not need to return the old plate to the DMV — keep the new one they issued. Notify your insurance company as well so they can update their records.