Report the theft to police first, then notify your state's DMV

When your license plate is stolen, you need to file a police report before you contact your DMV. The police report creates an official record that protects you if the plate is used in a crime, and most DMV offices will not process your replacement request without one. Call your local police non-emergency line or visit the station in person to report the theft. You will need to describe the plate (the number and letter combination), the vehicle it was attached to, and when you last saw it.

After you have the police report number, contact your state's DMV to report the stolen plate and request a replacement. The process and fees vary by state—some charge nothing for a replacement after theft, while others charge a small fee. You will typically need to provide the police report number, your vehicle registration, and proof of identity. Many states now allow you to report and request a replacement online or by mail, though some still require an in-person visit.

Key Takeaways

  • File a police report at your local station or through the non-emergency line before contacting the DMV, because the report number is required for most replacement requests.
  • Your state DMV will issue a new plate once you provide the police report number, your vehicle registration, and a valid ID.
  • Replacement fees and processing times vary by state—contact your DMV directly to learn what applies where you live.
  • If the stolen plate is used in a crime, the police report you filed protects you by creating a record that the plate was not in your possession.

What information you need before you call police

Gather these details before you contact the police department. You will need the license plate number itself (the exact combination of letters and numbers), the make and model of your vehicle, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and the date you discovered the plate was missing. If you know approximately when it was stolen—for example, it was there yesterday but gone this morning—tell the officer that as well.

Have your driver's license and vehicle registration ready. The officer will record your contact information and create a report number, which you will need when you contact the DMV. Write down this report number and keep it in a safe place.

How to file the police report

Call your local police department's non-emergency number to report the theft. Most departments have a dedicated line for non-emergency reports like stolen license plates. If you cannot find the non-emergency number, call the main police station and ask to be transferred. Explain that your license plate has been stolen and ask whether you can file the report by phone or whether you need to come in person.

Many police departments now allow you to file a report online through their website. Check your local department's website first—if online reporting is available, you can usually complete it in 10 to 15 minutes without waiting on hold. If you file online, you will receive a report number when ready or within one business day. If you file by phone or in person, the officer will give you the report number before you leave.

Contact your state DMV with the police report number

Once you have the police report number, contact your state's DMV to report the stolen plate and request a replacement. The fastest way is usually through your state's DMV website—most states have an online form for reporting a stolen plate. You will enter your driver's license number, vehicle registration number, the police report number, and request a replacement plate.

If your state does not offer online reporting, call the DMV directly or visit a local office in person. Have your driver's license, vehicle registration, and police report number ready. Some states mail the replacement plate to you within one to two weeks; others may require you to pick it up at a DMV office. Ask the DMV representative what to expect for your state.

Replacement fees and processing times by state

Replacement plate fees and timelines vary significantly. Some states issue a replacement plate at no charge when theft is reported with a police report; others charge between $5 and $25 for a new plate. A few states charge a fee only if you want a personalized or specialty plate as your replacement.

Processing times also differ. Standard replacement plates typically arrive by mail within 7 to 14 days in most states, though some take up to 30 days. If you need a plate urgently—for example, you have an inspection appointment or need to register a vehicle—ask the DMV whether they offer expedited processing or temporary plates. Some states will issue a temporary paper plate that you can display while you wait for the permanent one.

What to do if the stolen plate is used in a crime

If you learn that your stolen plate was used in a traffic violation, accident, or crime, contact the police department that handled your original theft report and provide them with the new information. Give them the case number from your original report and explain what happened. The police can then update their records to show that the plate was stolen at the time of the incident.

This is why filing the initial police report is so important—it creates a documented record that you reported the plate missing before any crime occurred. If law enforcement contacts you about an incident involving your old plate, you can provide them with your police report number as proof that you were not responsible.

Prevent future plate theft

License plates are stolen for several reasons: to avoid tolls, to hide a vehicle's identity during a crime, or straightforward to sell them. You can reduce the risk by using tamper-resistant fasteners (bolts that require a special tool to remove) instead of standard screws, and by parking in well-lit, visible areas whenever possible. Some people also use security cameras or motion-activated lights in their driveway.

Check your plates regularly—once a week if you park on the street—to catch theft early. The sooner you report a missing plate, the sooner you can get a replacement and the sooner you create a record protecting you from liability if the plate is misused.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my car while waiting for the replacement plate?

That depends on your state. Some states issue a temporary paper plate or permit that you can display while your permanent plate is in the mail. Others require you to have a valid plate on the vehicle at all times. Contact your DMV to ask what your state allows—do not drive without a plate or temporary authorization, as you can be cited.

What if I cannot get to the police station to file a report?

Most police departments allow you to file a non-emergency report by phone or online. Check your local department's website first for an online reporting option. If that is not available, call the non-emergency line and ask whether you can file by phone. You will still receive a report number that you can use with the DMV.

Do I have to pay for a replacement plate if it was stolen?

Most states do not charge a fee for a replacement plate when you provide a police report documenting the theft. A few states charge a small fee regardless. Contact your state DMV to confirm the fee in your state before you submit your request.

What if my license plate was stolen but I do not know when?

Report it as soon as you discover it is missing. Tell the police officer the date you discovered the theft and approximately when you last saw the plate. The police report will document when you reported it, which is what matters for your protection if the plate is later used in a crime.

Can someone else pick up my replacement plate for me?

If your replacement plate is mailed to you, only you or someone at your address can receive it. If you need to pick it up in person at a DMV office, policies vary by state—some allow a family member with a signed authorization form, while others require the registered owner. Call your local DMV office to ask what they allow.