How to replace your license plate through the DMV
You can replace a license plate by visiting your state's DMV office in person, by mail, or through an online portal if your state offers one. The process takes 10 to 30 minutes in person, or one to three weeks by mail depending on your state. You will need your vehicle registration document, proof of identity, and payment for the replacement fee — which ranges from $5 to $25 depending on your state and plate type.
Most states require you to report a stolen plate to police before the DMV will issue a replacement, though this is mainly to protect you from liability if someone uses your plate on another vehicle. If your plate is damaged, lost, or straightforward worn, you can usually replace it without a police report. Check your state's DMV website or call your local office to confirm what documents they need before you go.
Key Takeaways
- Replacement fees vary by state and plate type, ranging from $5 to $25, and some states charge extra for vanity or specialty plates.
- A police report is required in most states only if your plate was stolen, not if it was lost or damaged.
- In-person replacement at a DMV office is fastest, taking 10 to 30 minutes, while mail requests take one to three weeks.
- You will need your current vehicle registration, a valid ID, and payment; some states also accept online replacement through their DMV portal.
- If your plate is stolen, report it to police first, then contact the DMV with your report number to prevent liability for traffic violations on that plate.
What documents you need to bring or submit
Your vehicle registration document is the primary proof the DMV needs. This is the card or certificate issued when you registered your vehicle, and it shows your name, vehicle identification number (VIN), and current plate number. Bring the original or a certified copy — a photo or photocopy is usually not accepted.
You will also need a valid government-issued ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you are replacing the plate for a vehicle registered to someone else, that person must be present or provide a notarized authorization letter, depending on your state's rules. Some states also ask for proof of residency if your address on the registration has changed.
If the plate was stolen, bring your police report number or a copy of the report itself. If you are replacing a damaged plate, the DMV may ask to see the plate or a photo of the damage, though many states waive this requirement.
In-person replacement at a DMV office
Walk into your local DMV office with your registration, ID, and payment. Tell the staff member you need a replacement plate. They will verify your information, process the fee, and in most cases hand you a temporary plate or receipt while your permanent plate is made. Some DMV offices make plates on-site and can give you the new plate the same day; others order it and mail it to you within one to two weeks.
Arrive early or check online for wait times, as DMV offices are often busy. Many states now let you reserve a time slot through their website, which can cut your wait from hours to minutes. Bring all documents listed above, plus payment in cash or card — check your state's DMV website to confirm what they accept.
If your state offers a kiosk or express service for plate replacement, you may be able to skip the main line. Ask staff when you arrive whether a faster option is available for your transaction.
Mail-in and online replacement options
Most states allow you to request a replacement plate by mail. read the form from your state's DMV website, fill it out, and mail it with your registration, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order. Processing takes one to three weeks, and the new plate arrives by mail. Some states charge an extra $2 to $5 for mail processing.
A growing number of states offer online plate replacement through their DMV portal. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, confirm your vehicle and registration information, pay the fee by card, and the plate ships to your address. This route is often the fastest for states that offer it, with plates arriving in five to ten business days. Check your state's DMV website to see if online replacement is available for your situation.
Mail-in and online replacement are not available for all plate types. Vanity plates, specialty plates, and plates for commercial vehicles sometimes require in-person replacement. If you are unsure whether your plate type qualifies, call your state DMV or check their website before you submit a request.
Replacement fees and what affects the cost
Standard license plate replacement costs between $5 and $25 depending on your state. Most states charge a flat fee for standard white or colored plates. Vanity plates, personalized plates, and specialty plates (such as those supporting a charity or military branch) often cost more — sometimes $15 to $50 extra — because they require custom production.
Some states charge an additional processing fee if you replace the plate by mail or online, typically $2 to $5. A few states offer free replacement if the plate is defective or unreadable due to wear, but you may need to submit the old plate as proof. Check your state's fee schedule on the DMV website before you pay, as costs vary widely.
If you need a temporary plate while you wait for the permanent one, some states issue it free at the DMV office; others charge $5 to $10. Ask about this when you submit your request.
What to do if your plate was stolen
Report the theft to your local police department and get a report number or a copy of the report. This step protects you because if someone uses your stolen plate on another vehicle, you could be held liable for traffic violations or tolls charged to that plate. The police report creates a record that the plate was no longer in your possession.
Once you have the police report, contact your state DMV and provide the report number. The DMV will flag your old plate as stolen in their system, which prevents it from being used on another vehicle. Then request a replacement plate using the same process as above — in person, by mail, or online.
Some states allow you to request the replacement and report the theft in one visit to the DMV office. Ask the staff member whether you can do both at the same time, or whether you need to file the police report first. Either way, keep a copy of the police report for your records.
Temporary plates and driving while you wait
If you are replacing a plate and need to drive before the new one arrives, ask the DMV for a temporary plate. In-person replacement often includes a temporary plate or receipt that you can tape to your rear window; this is valid for 30 to 60 days depending on your state. Some states issue a temporary plate number that you can use when ready while the permanent plate is being made.
If you are replacing a stolen plate, you may not be able to drive the vehicle until the new plate arrives, because the old plate is flagged as stolen. Check with your state DMV about their rules for this situation. Some states allow you to drive with a temporary plate or receipt in this case; others require you to wait for the permanent plate.
Do not drive with an expired, missing, or stolen plate, as you can be stopped and cited. If you need to move the vehicle before the new plate arrives, ask the DMV whether a temporary plate or permit is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my plate online in every state?
No. Online replacement is available in about 30 states, but not all. Check your state's DMV website to see if the option is offered. If it is not, you can replace the plate in person at a DMV office or by mail.
Do I have to report a lost plate to the police?
Only if you want to. Reporting a lost plate is optional and does not affect your replacement. However, reporting a stolen plate to police is strongly recommended, because it protects you from liability if someone uses your plate on another vehicle.
How long does a replacement plate take if I go in person?
In-person replacement usually takes 10 to 30 minutes at the DMV office. Some states make plates on-site and give you the new plate the same day. Others issue a temporary plate and mail the permanent plate within one to two weeks.
What if my vehicle is registered in a different state than where I live?
You must replace the plate through the DMV of the state that issued it. Contact that state's DMV office or check their website for mail-in or online options. You cannot replace an out-of-state plate at a local DMV in your current state.
Can I keep my old plate number when I replace a damaged plate?
Yes, in most states. When you request a replacement, the DMV will issue a new plate with the same number as your old one. If you want a different number, you would need to request a new plate number, which may cost extra and take longer.