Report the theft to your local police department right away

A stolen license plate is a police matter because someone can use it to commit crimes — running red lights, toll fraud, or worse — and the tickets or charges will come to you. Call the non-emergency line of your local police department (not 911 unless a crime is actively happening) and file a report. You will need to describe the plate, say when you last saw it, and note where your vehicle was parked. The police will give you a report number; keep this for your records.

The report creates an official record that protects you if the plate is used illegally. When a citation or toll notice arrives in your name, you can show the police report to prove you did not commit the violation. Without the report, you may have to fight each ticket individually in traffic court.

Key Takeaways

  • File a police report with your local non-emergency line as soon as you notice the plate is missing, and keep the report number.
  • Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to report the theft and request a replacement plate, which usually costs $10 to $30.
  • A stolen plate can be used for crimes or toll violations, so the police report protects you if citations arrive in your name.
  • Your vehicle is not legal to drive without a plate, so order the replacement before you need to use the car on public roads.
  • If you receive a ticket or toll notice for a violation you did not commit, show the police report and the DMV report to contest it.

Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to report and replace the plate

After you file the police report, contact your state's DMV — either online, by phone, or in person — to report the stolen plate. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), your driver's license number, and the police report number. The DMV will flag the old plate as stolen in their system so it cannot be re-registered to another vehicle.

At the same time, order a replacement plate. Most states charge between $10 and $30 for a replacement, though the fee varies. You can usually order online and pick up the new plate at a DMV office within a few days, or have it mailed to you in one to two weeks. Some states offer expedited service for an extra fee if you need the plate urgently.

Keep the confirmation number from your DMV report. If a citation arrives later for the stolen plate, you can show both the police report and the DMV confirmation to prove the plate was reported missing before the violation occurred.

Do not drive your vehicle without a plate

Once you discover the plate is missing, your vehicle is not legal to drive on public roads. Even if you are only going to the DMV office to order a replacement, you need a temporary plate or a valid plate on the vehicle. Driving without a plate can result in a traffic citation and a fine.

If you need to move the vehicle before the replacement arrives, ask the DMV about a temporary plate or transit permit. Many states issue a temporary paper plate that is valid for a short period — usually 10 to 30 days — while you wait for the permanent replacement. Some DMV offices can issue this on the spot if you explore in person.

Check for tickets or violations tied to your stolen plate

Once you have filed the police report and ordered a replacement plate, monitor your mail for any citations or toll notices. Thieves sometimes use stolen plates to run red lights, speed, or pass through toll booths without paying. The violation will be recorded under your plate number, and the notice will come to the address on your vehicle registration.

If you receive a citation or toll notice for a violation you did not commit, do not ignore it. Contact the issuing agency — the police department, traffic court, or toll authority — and provide both your police report number and your DMV report number. Explain that the plate was stolen on a specific date and that you have reported it to both police and the DMV. Most agencies will dismiss the citation once they see the theft report.

Install a security measure to prevent future theft

License plate theft is common in some areas because plates are straightforward to remove and can be replaced with a stolen one in seconds. Consider installing anti-theft plate fasteners — special bolts or screws that require a unique tool to remove. These cost $15 to $40 and are available at auto parts stores or online. They make it much harder for a thief to take your plate without drawing attention.

You can install them yourself if you are comfortable with basic tools, or ask a mechanic or auto parts store to install them for you, usually for $20 to $50 in labor. Some insurance companies offer discounts if you install anti-theft measures, so check your policy.

Parking in a well-lit, high-traffic area also reduces the risk. Thieves prefer quiet, dark spots where they can work without being seen. If you park on the street, try to choose a spot near a business or streetlight.

Understand how the theft affects your insurance and registration

A stolen plate does not directly affect your car insurance or registration, but it is worth notifying your insurance company anyway. If the plate is used in a crime or accident, your insurer may need to know that you reported it stolen. This creates a paper trail that protects you if a claim is filed against your policy for something the thief did with your plate.

Your vehicle registration remains valid; you are only replacing the physical plate. When the new plate arrives, attach it to your vehicle and dispose of or recycle the old one if it is ever returned to you. Do not try to use the old plate again, even if it turns up, because the DMV has already deactivated it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement plate?

Most states mail a replacement plate within one to two weeks. If you need it faster, many DMV offices offer in-person pickup within a few days, or expedited mail service for an extra fee. Some states also issue temporary paper plates on the spot that are valid while you wait for the permanent one.

What if I receive a ticket for something the thief did with my plate?

Contact the agency that issued the ticket — the police department, traffic court, or toll authority — and provide your police report number and DMV theft report number. Most agencies will dismiss the citation once they confirm the plate was reported stolen before the violation. If they do not, you can contest the ticket in traffic court and present the same evidence.

Can I drive my car to the DMV if my plate is stolen?

No, driving without a plate is illegal. Before you move the vehicle, contact your DMV and ask about a temporary plate or transit permit. Many states issue a temporary paper plate that is valid for 10 to 30 days and allows you to drive to the DMV office or directly home while you wait for the permanent replacement.

Does a stolen plate affect my car insurance rates?

A stolen plate itself does not affect your rates, but notify your insurance company anyway so they have a record. If the plate is used in a crime or accident, your insurer will need to know you reported it stolen. This protects you if someone tries to file a claim against your policy for something the thief did.

What is the best way to prevent plate theft?

Install anti-theft plate fasteners — special bolts that require a unique tool to remove — which cost $15 to $40. You can install them yourself or have a mechanic do it for $20 to $50. Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas when possible, since thieves prefer quiet, dark spots where they can work unnoticed.