Report the theft to your local police department first

Call the non-emergency police line or file a report online through your local police department's website. You need a police report number because your state's motor vehicle agency will ask for it when you request a replacement plate. The report doesn't have to be in person — most departments accept phone or online reports for stolen plates.

When you report it, have your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current plate number ready. Tell the officer the approximate date you noticed the plate missing. Some departments will email or mail you the report number; others give it to you on the call. Write it down or save the email.

Key Takeaways

  • File a police report with your local department and keep the report number, which you will need to request a replacement plate.
  • Contact your state's motor vehicle agency (DMV, Secretary of State, or equivalent) within a few days to report the theft and order a new plate.
  • You may be charged a replacement fee, which varies by state but typically ranges from $5 to $30.
  • Do not drive with a missing plate — most states require you to have a temporary plate or cover the empty bracket until the new plate arrives.
  • If the stolen plate is used in a crime or traffic violation, the police report protects you by creating a record that the plate was no longer in your possession.

Contact your state's motor vehicle agency with the police report number

Visit your state's motor vehicle website or call the main office. Each state names this agency differently: the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State, Department of Transportation, or Registry of Motor Vehicles. Search "[your state] motor vehicle agency" to find the correct office and their contact method.

Tell them your plate was stolen and provide the police report number. They will issue a replacement plate and may charge a fee — typically $5 to $30 depending on your state. Some states mail the new plate; others let you pick it up at a local office. Ask how long delivery takes so you know when to expect it.

If you want a different plate number or style, ask whether you can choose one while you are reporting the theft. Some states allow this; others require you to take whatever number is assigned. This is also the time to ask whether you need a temporary plate to drive legally while waiting for the replacement.

Get a temporary plate if your state requires one

Many states do not allow you to drive with a missing plate, even for a short distance. If your state requires a plate at all times, ask the motor vehicle agency whether they will issue a temporary plate or a paper plate you can tape to your vehicle. Some agencies mail these with the permanent replacement; others issue them on the spot at a local office.

If the motor vehicle agency cannot issue a temporary plate, contact your insurance company. Some insurers can provide temporary documentation that allows you to drive to a repair shop or the motor vehicle office. Do not assume you can drive without a plate — the fine for a missing plate is usually $100 to $300, and you may be stopped.

Protect yourself if the stolen plate is used in a crime

Because your plate is now in someone else's hands, it could be used on another vehicle to commit a traffic violation or crime. The police report you filed creates a record that the plate was stolen from you on a specific date. This protects you if law enforcement traces a violation back to your plate number.

If you are contacted by police about a violation or incident involving your stolen plate, bring the police report number and explain that the plate was stolen. The report shows you were not the driver. If you are ever ticketed or cited for something that happened after the theft, use the report to contest it.

Some states allow you to place a note on your vehicle registration record flagging that the plate was stolen. Ask your motor vehicle agency whether this option exists in your state — it can speed up the process if you are wrongly contacted about an incident.

Check your insurance and vehicle registration

Notify your auto insurance company of the theft. Most policies cover the cost of a replacement plate, though you may have a small deductible. The insurer may also want the police report number for their records.

Make sure your vehicle registration is current and matches your address on file. If your registration is expiring soon, renew it at the same time you request the replacement plate — this saves a second trip or phone call. Some states let you renew registration and request a new plate in one transaction.

Watch for signs the plate is being misused

After you report the theft, monitor your mail for any tickets or notices addressed to you but related to violations you did not commit. These often arrive weeks or months after the incident. If you receive a ticket for a violation that happened after your plate was stolen, respond when ready with your police report number and an explanation.

You can also contact your local police department's non-emergency line and ask them to flag your vehicle in their system as having a stolen plate. Some departments do this automatically after you file a report; others require you to request it. This can help if an officer runs your plate during a traffic stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without a plate while waiting for the replacement?

No, in most states. You must have either the original plate, a temporary plate, or a paper plate issued by your motor vehicle agency. Driving without a plate can result in a fine of $100 to $300. Ask your motor vehicle agency for a temporary plate or paper plate when you report the theft.

What if I receive a ticket for something my stolen plate was used for?

Respond to the ticket with your police report number and a written explanation that the plate was stolen. Include a copy of the police report if you have it. The court or traffic authority will dismiss the ticket once they confirm the plate was no longer in your possession at the time of the violation.

How long does it take to get a replacement plate?

This varies by state. Some states mail replacement plates within one to two weeks; others take three to four weeks. Ask your motor vehicle agency for an estimated delivery date when you report the theft. In the meantime, use a temporary plate if one was issued to you.

Do I have to pay for the replacement plate?

Most states charge a replacement fee of $5 to $30. Some states waive the fee if you provide a police report showing the plate was stolen rather than lost or damaged. Ask your motor vehicle agency whether a theft report qualifies for a waived or reduced fee.

Should I file a report with my insurance company?

Yes. Notify your auto insurance company of the theft so they have a record. Most policies cover replacement plate costs, though you may have a deductible. The insurer may also want the police report number for their file.