Report the theft to your local police department right away

Call the non-emergency police line or file a report online through your city or county police website. You need a police report number because your state's motor vehicle department will ask for it when you request replacement plates. The report creates an official record that you are not responsible if someone uses your plates to commit a traffic violation or crime.

When you file the report, have your vehicle identification number (VIN) ready — it is on your registration card and on the dashboard at the base of the windshield on the driver's side. Tell the officer the exact date you discovered the plates missing, where the vehicle was parked, and whether anything else was taken. If you have photos of your plates (from insurance documents or registration records), bring those too.

Key Takeaways

  • File a police report with your local department and keep the report number, because your state motor vehicle office will need it to issue replacement plates.
  • Contact your state's motor vehicle department within a few days to report the theft and request new plates, which usually costs $20 to $50 depending on your state.
  • Bring your police report number, current registration, proof of vehicle ownership, and a valid ID when you visit the motor vehicle office or submit your request online.
  • Check your vehicle's registration status online after you submit your replacement request to confirm the old plates have been deactivated.
  • If you receive a traffic ticket or toll notice for the stolen plates, respond when ready with a copy of your police report to avoid fines.

Contact your state's motor vehicle department to report the theft

Visit your state's motor vehicle or Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website and look for the section on replacing lost or stolen plates. Most states let you start the process online, by mail, or in person at a local office. You will need your police report number, your current vehicle registration, proof of ownership (title or loan documents), and a valid ID.

Some states charge a replacement fee of $20 to $50 for new plates, though a few waive the fee if you show the police report. The process usually takes one to two weeks if you go in person, or three to four weeks by mail. If you need plates urgently — for example, you have an inspection appointment coming up — ask whether your state offers expedited service at a higher cost.

Deactivate your old plates in the system

When you report the theft to your motor vehicle department, ask them to deactivate the stolen plates when ready in their system. This prevents someone from using them on another vehicle or committing violations in your name. The department will flag the plates as stolen in their database so that if a police officer runs them, the officer will see they belong to your vehicle but have been reported missing.

After you submit your replacement request, check your registration status online within a few days to confirm the old plates have been marked as inactive. If the system still shows them as active after a week, call your motor vehicle department to follow up. Do not wait — the longer the plates remain active in the system, the longer you are vulnerable to liability if someone uses them.

What to do if you receive a ticket or toll notice for the stolen plates

If you get a traffic ticket, parking citation, or toll notice for violations that occurred after your plates were stolen, respond to it when ready. Do not ignore it or assume it will go away. Include a copy of your police report with your response, along with a letter explaining that the plates were stolen on the date you reported them.

Send your response to the address listed on the notice, usually a traffic court or toll authority. Keep copies of everything you send. In most cases, the court or toll agency will dismiss the violation once they see the police report. If you do not respond, a warrant can be issued for your arrest or your license can be suspended, even though you were not driving.

Protect your new plates once they arrive

When your replacement plates come in the mail or you pick them up at the motor vehicle office, install them securely on your vehicle. Use stainless steel bolts with locking nuts rather than the standard fasteners that came with your original plates — these are harder to remove without tools. Tighten them firmly but do not overtighten, which can crack the plate.

Park in well-lit, visible areas whenever possible, especially at night. Thieves target plates in dark parking lots where they can work without being seen. If you park on the street regularly, consider a garage or covered lot. Some people also install a small security camera pointed at their license plate, though this is optional and works best if you have a driveway or private parking space.

Check whether your insurance covers the theft

Call your auto insurance company and ask whether your policy covers stolen license plates. Some comprehensive policies do, though you may have a deductible of $250 to $500. If your policy covers it, file a claim and provide your police report number. The insurance company may reimburse you for the replacement plate fee and any costs you incurred responding to fraudulent tickets.

Even if your insurance does not cover the plates themselves, it may cover liability if someone uses your stolen plates to cause damage or injury. This is one reason to report the theft to police and your motor vehicle department as soon as you discover it — the official record protects you if a claim comes up later.

Monitor your driving record for fraudulent violations

Request a copy of your driving record from your state's motor vehicle department a few weeks after you report the theft. You can usually do this online for a small fee, or free through some states' websites. Check it for any violations or points you do not recognize. If you see violations that occurred after your plates were stolen, contact the issuing court or agency with your police report and ask them to remove the violations from your record.

Fraudulent violations can affect your insurance rates and your ability to renew your license, so it is worth the time to verify your record is clean. If you find violations that the court refuses to dismiss, you may need to contest them in traffic court, which is why keeping your police report and documentation is critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get replacement plates?

In-person replacement usually takes one to two weeks; by mail it takes three to four weeks. Some states offer expedited service for an extra fee that can reduce the time to a few days. Check your state's motor vehicle website for current processing times, as they vary by location and season.

Do I have to pay for replacement plates if they were stolen?

Most states charge $20 to $50 for replacement plates. A few states waive the fee if you show a police report. Call your state's motor vehicle department or check their website to find out whether your state offers a fee waiver for theft.

What if I get a speeding ticket for the stolen plates?

Respond to the ticket when ready with a copy of your police report and a letter explaining the plates were stolen. Send it to the address on the ticket. The court will usually dismiss the violation once they see the police report. If you ignore it, a warrant can be issued, so do not delay.

Can someone register a vehicle with my stolen plates?

No. Once you report the plates stolen to your motor vehicle department, they are deactivated in the system and cannot be registered to another vehicle. If someone tries to register them, the system will flag them as stolen and the registration will be rejected.

Should I file an insurance claim for stolen plates?

Check your policy first — some comprehensive plans cover stolen plates, others do not. If your policy covers it and the replacement fee plus any other costs exceed your deductible, filing a claim may be worth it. Your insurance company can tell you whether a claim will affect your rates.