When you need a new license plate

You need to replace your license plate when it is damaged, faded, or stolen. A plate that is bent, cracked, or so weathered that the characters are no longer legible fails inspection in most states and makes your vehicle unregistrable. If your plate is stolen, you must report it to your local police department and then request a replacement from your state's motor vehicle agency — driving without a plate or with a stolen one is illegal.

Some states also require replacement when you renew your registration, typically every five to ten years depending on the state. A few states issue new plates automatically with each renewal; others only replace them if you request it. Check your state's motor vehicle website or your renewal notice to see whether a new plate is included or optional.

Personalized or vanity plates wear out the same way standard plates do and follow the same replacement rules, though you may need to reorder the custom characters if the plate is damaged beyond repair.

Key Takeaways

  • Damaged, faded, or stolen plates must be replaced before your vehicle can pass inspection or be registered.
  • You report a stolen plate to police first, then request a replacement from your state's motor vehicle agency.
  • Replacement plates cost between $5 and $25 depending on your state, and processing takes one to three weeks by mail or same-day in person.
  • Your old plate becomes invalid once you install the new one, and you should destroy it or return it to the motor vehicle agency as required by your state.

How to order a replacement plate

Contact your state's motor vehicle agency directly — this is usually the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Department of Transportation (DOT), or Secretary of State's office. Most states let you order online through their website, by mail, or in person at a local office. Online ordering is fastest if your state offers it; you pay the fee, provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration number, and the plate ships to your address within one to three weeks.

If you go in person, bring your vehicle registration, proof of identity, and payment. Some states charge a flat replacement fee; others charge more for rush processing or for vanity plates. Fees typically range from $5 to $25. In-person replacement usually takes the same day or within a few business days, though some offices can issue a temporary plate when ready if you need to drive before the permanent one arrives.

If your plate was stolen, bring the police report number when you order. This documents why you need a replacement and may waive or reduce the fee in some states.

What happens to your old plate

Once you install your new plate, the old one is no longer valid and should not be on any vehicle. Most states require you to either destroy it or return it to the motor vehicle agency. Some offices have a drop box for old plates; others ask you to bring them in during a visit. A few states allow you to keep the old plate as a souvenir if you sign a form stating it is no longer in use.

Do not sell, give away, or leave an old plate on a vehicle. An old plate can be used fraudulently, and you remain liable for any violations or tickets issued under that plate number until you formally surrender it. If your plate was stolen, the police report protects you from liability once you have reported the theft.

Temporary plates while you wait

If you need to drive before your replacement plate arrives, ask the motor vehicle agency whether they issue temporary plates. Some states provide a paper temporary plate valid for 30 to 60 days; others issue a temporary metal plate. The temporary plate must be displayed in the same location as your permanent plate and is valid only for the vehicle listed on your registration.

Temporary plates are usually issued at no extra cost when you order a replacement in person. If you order by mail, you may need to request one separately or visit an office to pick one up. Check your state's rules before you leave the office, because some states do not issue temporary plates and expect you to wait for the permanent one.

Replacement plates for vehicles with special status

Vanity or personalized plates follow the same replacement process as standard plates, but you must reorder the custom characters. If your vanity plate is damaged, contact the motor vehicle agency to see whether they can reissue the same characters on a new plate at no extra charge, or whether you must pay the full vanity plate fee again. Some states replace the plate free if the damage is the agency's fault; others charge you the standard replacement fee regardless.

Disabled parking plates, military veteran plates, and other special-status plates are replaced the same way as standard plates. Bring proof of your status — a disability certification, military discharge papers, or other documentation — along with your registration and payment. The replacement fee is usually the same as for a standard plate, though some states waive the fee for disabled parking plates.

What to do if your plate is damaged but still readable

If your plate is bent, cracked, or slightly faded but the characters are still clearly legible, you are not legally required to replace it when ready. However, you should plan to replace it before your next inspection, because an inspector may fail you if the damage is visible or if the characters are hard to read. A plate with a large crack or deep bend can also be harder for traffic cameras and law enforcement to read, which may cause problems if you are involved in an incident.

If you are unsure whether your plate will pass inspection, take a photo and bring it to a local motor vehicle office. An inspector can tell you whether replacement is required before you pay for a new plate.

Replacing a plate after a collision or accident

If your vehicle was in a collision and the plate was damaged, you can order a replacement through the normal process. You do not need to involve your insurance company or provide an accident report to the motor vehicle agency. straightforward contact your state's motor vehicle office, pay the replacement fee, and order the new plate.

If the plate was damaged by another vehicle and you have the other driver's information, you may be able to recover the replacement cost through their insurance claim. Keep your receipt for the new plate and include it in any claim you file.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement plate?

By mail, one to three weeks depending on your state's processing time. In person at a motor vehicle office, usually the same day or within a few business days. Some offices issue a temporary plate when ready if you need to drive right away.

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

No. You must display a valid plate at all times. If you ordered by mail and do not have a temporary plate, visit a motor vehicle office to pick one up before you drive.

Do I have to pay to replace a damaged plate?

Yes, in most states. Fees range from $5 to $25. Some states waive the fee if the damage was caused by a defect in the plate itself, so ask the motor vehicle agency whether you might be exempt.

What if I lost my plate but do not have a police report?

Contact your local police department and file a report for the lost plate. Bring the report number when you order the replacement. If you cannot file a report, you can still order a replacement, but you may pay a higher fee or be asked to sign a form stating the plate is lost.

Can I keep my old plate as a souvenir?

It depends on your state. Some states allow you to keep it if you sign a form stating it is no longer in use. Others require you to return or destroy it. Ask the motor vehicle agency when you pick up your new plate.