Report the theft to your local police department first, then to your state's motor vehicle agency

When your license plate is stolen, you need to file a police report before you contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent). The police report creates an official record that protects you if the plate is used in a crime or traffic violation. Your state motor vehicle agency will not process a replacement without proof that you reported the theft.

Call your local police non-emergency line or visit your precinct in person. Have your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration, and proof of residency ready. The officer will file a report and give you a report number — write this down when ready. You will need it when you explore for a replacement plate.

After you have the police report number, contact your state's motor vehicle agency. Most states allow you to report the theft and request a replacement plate online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The process and fees vary by state, but you will always need to show the police report number and your current registration.

Key Takeaways

  • File a police report at your local precinct or through the non-emergency line before contacting your state motor vehicle agency.
  • Keep the police report number — your state will require it to issue a replacement plate.
  • Contact your state's motor vehicle agency within a few days to request a replacement plate and report the theft to them as well.
  • Most states charge a fee for a replacement plate, which ranges depending on your state and plate type.
  • If the stolen plate is used in a traffic violation or crime, the police report protects you by creating a record that the plate was not in your possession.

What to bring when you file the police report

Bring your vehicle registration, driver's license, and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease agreement works). Have your VIN ready — it appears on your registration and on the dashboard at the base of the windshield on the driver's side. The officer will record all of this information in the report.

Tell the officer exactly when you last saw the plate and where your vehicle was parked. If you noticed the theft because you received a traffic ticket or toll notice for a violation you did not commit, mention that when ready. This information helps the police understand the urgency and creates a clear timeline in the report.

How to contact your state motor vehicle agency

Look up your state's motor vehicle agency online — it is usually called the Department of Motor Vehicles, Secretary of State, or Department of Transportation. Most state agencies have a dedicated phone line for reporting stolen plates and requesting replacements. Some states allow you to start the process online through their website.

When you contact them, have your police report number, registration, and VIN ready. Tell them the plate was stolen and ask what documents they need you to submit. Some states require you to mail in a copy of the police report; others accept the report number alone. Ask whether you can pick up a replacement plate at a local office or if it will be mailed to you.

If your state offers online reporting, you will usually upload a photo or scan of the police report and your registration. The process typically takes a few business days to a week, though some states process replacements faster if you visit an office in person.

Replacement plate fees and what to expect

Most states charge a fee for a replacement plate. The cost varies — some states charge $5 to $15 for a standard replacement, while specialty or personalized plates cost more. A few states waive the fee if you report the theft within a certain time frame, so ask when you contact your motor vehicle agency.

You will receive either a new plate with a different number or, in some cases, a duplicate of your original plate. Ask your state agency which option they provide. A new number is more common and takes slightly longer to produce, while a duplicate can sometimes be issued faster.

If you pick up the plate in person, bring your registration and a valid ID. If it is mailed to you, it typically arrives within one to three weeks. Some states send temporary plates or a temporary registration document while you wait for the permanent plate to arrive.

Protecting yourself if the stolen plate is used in a crime

The police report you filed is your protection if the stolen plate appears on a traffic ticket, toll violation, or crime report. When you receive any notice connected to a violation you did not commit, respond when ready with a copy of your police report. Include the report number and a brief explanation that the plate was stolen on the date listed in the report.

Send your response to the agency that issued the notice — usually the police department, traffic court, or toll authority. Keep copies of everything you send. If the violation is serious or appears multiple times, contact the police department that took your original report and ask them to update their file with the new violations.

In rare cases, if violations keep appearing after you have reported the theft, you may need to provide additional documentation. Your police report creates a legal record that you were not responsible for the vehicle during the time the plate was missing, which protects you in traffic court or with toll agencies.

What to do if you cannot locate your police report number

If you filed a report but did not write down the report number, contact the police department that took your report. Call the non-emergency line and give them your name, address, and the date you filed the report. They can look up the report number in their system and provide it to you over the phone or by mail.

Some police departments allow you to view or read your report online through a citizen portal on their website. Check your local police department's website to see if this option is available. If you need a certified copy of the report for your motor vehicle agency, ask the police department how to request one — there may be a small fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I report a stolen plate directly to the DMV without a police report?

No. Your state motor vehicle agency requires a police report number before they will issue a replacement plate. The police report is the official record that protects you legally if the plate is used in a violation. File the police report first, then contact your state agency.

What if I find my stolen plate after I have already reported it?

Contact the police department and tell them the plate has been recovered. They will update your original report. You may still need to keep the replacement plate your state issued, or you can ask your motor vehicle agency whether you can return it. Check your state's policy on returning unused replacement plates.

How long does it take to get a replacement plate?

It depends on your state and whether you pick it up in person or have it mailed. In-person pickup at a DMV office usually takes one to two weeks after you submit your request. Mailed plates typically arrive within two to four weeks. Some states offer expedited service for an additional fee.

Will I have to pay for the replacement plate if the theft was not my fault?

Most states charge a standard replacement fee regardless of how the plate was lost or stolen. A few states waive the fee if you report the theft within a specific time frame — usually 30 days. Ask your motor vehicle agency about fee waivers when you report the theft.

What if my vehicle registration is also expired?

You will need to renew your registration before or at the same time you request a replacement plate. Contact your state motor vehicle agency to handle both at once. Bring proof of current insurance along with your police report and registration documents.