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 an official report number because your stolen plates could be used on another vehicle to commit crimes or evade tolls and traffic cameras. The report protects you by creating a record that those plates were not on your car when violations occurred.

When you file, have your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and vehicle registration ready. Tell the officer the date you first noticed the plates missing. Some police departments let you file online; others require you to come in person. Ask for a copy of the report or the report number — you will need this for your next steps.

Key Takeaways

  • File a police report when ready so you have documentation that the plates were stolen, protecting you from liability if they are used on another vehicle.
  • Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles within a few days to report the theft and request replacement plates.
  • You will pay a replacement fee (typically $10 to $50 depending on your state) and receive new plates by mail within two to four weeks.
  • Do not drive with missing plates; most states require you to have valid plates displayed, and you can be stopped and cited.
  • If your registration card or title was also in the vehicle, contact the DMV about that theft separately.

Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles

Visit your state DMV website or call their main line to report the stolen plates. You can usually do this online, by phone, or in person at a local DMV office. Have your driver's license, vehicle registration, and the police report number ready. The DMV will deactivate your stolen plates in their system so they cannot be used fraudulently.

Request replacement plates at the same time. Most states charge a replacement fee ranging from $10 to $50, depending on whether you want standard or personalized plates. You will receive new plates by mail within two to four weeks. Some states offer expedited replacement for an additional fee if you need plates sooner.

Understand your liability while plates are missing

Do not drive your vehicle with missing or covered license plates. Most states require valid, visible plates on both the front and rear of your car. Driving without them is a traffic violation and you can be stopped and cited, even though the plates were stolen.

If your stolen plates are used on another vehicle to commit a crime or rack up traffic violations, the police report you filed protects you. When law enforcement traces the plates, they will see the theft report and know the plates were not on your vehicle. Without that report, you could face liability for violations committed with your plates. This is why filing when ready matters.

Check if your registration documents were also taken

If your vehicle registration card or title was in the glove compartment when the plates were stolen, report that theft to the DMV as well. A thief with both your plates and registration has enough information to pose as the vehicle owner or sell the car illegally.

The DMV can issue a replacement registration card and flag your title in their system. If you are concerned about identity theft or vehicle fraud, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them.

Get temporary plates if you need to drive when ready

If you need to drive before your replacement plates arrive, ask the DMV about temporary plates or a temporary registration permit. Some states issue these on the spot at a DMV office; others mail them. Temporary plates are usually valid for 30 to 60 days and allow you to drive legally while you wait for permanent replacements.

You will need to show your police report, driver's license, and vehicle registration to get temporary plates. The cost is usually included in the replacement fee or charged separately at $5 to $15. Keep the temporary plates visible on your vehicle just as you would permanent ones.

Consider whether to file an insurance claim

Check your auto insurance policy to see if it covers theft of license plates. Most comprehensive coverage policies do cover plate theft, though your deductible (usually $250 to $1,000) may be higher than the replacement cost. If your deductible is higher than what you will pay out of pocket, filing a claim is not worth it.

If you do file a claim, provide your insurance company with the police report number and the DMV report. Keep receipts for any temporary plates or expedited replacement fees. Some insurers will waive the deductible for theft claims, so ask before deciding not to file.

Prevent plate theft in the future

Use anti-theft fasteners or locking bolts on your license plates. These are inexpensive ($15 to $40 for a set) and make plates much harder to remove quickly. Install them on both the front and rear plates. You can buy them online or at auto parts stores and install them yourself with basic tools.

Park in well-lit, visible areas when possible, especially overnight. Thieves target plates in dark or isolated spots. If you park on the street regularly, consider a garage or covered lot. Some people also install security cameras or dash cams that record the area around their vehicle, which can help if theft occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get replacement plates?

Most states mail replacement plates within two to four weeks of your DMV request. If you need plates sooner, ask about expedited replacement, which usually takes five to ten business days for an extra fee of $10 to $25. Some DMV offices can issue temporary plates when ready if you visit in person.

Can I be ticketed for driving without plates while I wait for replacements?

Yes, if you drive without valid plates or temporary plates. You must have either your replacement plates or a temporary permit before you drive. If you need to drive before your plates arrive, request temporary plates from the DMV at the same time you report the theft.

What if my stolen plates are used in a crime?

The police report you filed protects you. When law enforcement traces the plates, they will see the theft report in the system and know the plates were not on your vehicle. Provide the police report number to any officer who questions you about violations committed with your plates.

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

Yes, you will pay a replacement fee to the DMV, typically $10 to $50 depending on your state and plate type. This is separate from any police report fee. Some states offer discounts if you are low-income; ask the DMV about reduced-fee options.

Should I file an insurance claim for stolen plates?

Only if your comprehensive coverage deductible is lower than the replacement cost plus any temporary plate fees. Most plate thefts cost less than a typical deductible, so filing a claim usually costs you more than paying out of pocket. Check your policy first.