Report the theft to police and your state DMV when ready

If your registration plates are stolen, you need to report the loss to both your local police department and your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on the same day if possible. The police report creates an official record that protects you if the plates are used on another vehicle to commit a crime or rack up traffic violations. Your DMV report tells the state that those plates are no longer valid, which stops them from being used legally.

Call your local police non-emergency line first and ask to file a report for stolen license plates. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), the plate numbers, and the date you discovered the theft. The police will give you a report number. Write this down—you will need it when you contact the DMV.

Then contact your state DMV by phone or online. Most states allow you to report stolen plates through their website or customer service line. You will provide your vehicle registration number, the stolen plate numbers, and the police report number. The DMV will flag those plates as invalid in their system when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Report stolen plates to police first to create a record that protects you from liability if the plates are used in crimes or traffic violations.
  • Contact your state DMV on the same day to invalidate the plates in their system and prevent them from being used legally.
  • You will need a police report number when you notify the DMV, so file the police report before calling the motor vehicle agency.
  • Replacement plates usually cost between $10 and $50 depending on your state, and you can order them online or in person at a DMV office.
  • If you discover the stolen plates were used in a crime, provide the police with your DMV report number so they can verify the plates were reported stolen before the incident.

Why reporting to police matters even if you think it won't help

You might assume that reporting stolen plates to police is pointless if you do not know who took them. It is not. The police report creates a dated record that the plates were stolen before any crime or violation occurred. If someone uses your stolen plates to run a red light, get a speeding ticket, or commit a more serious crime, that record proves the plates were not on your vehicle at the time.

Without a police report, you could receive tickets or citations in the mail for violations you did not commit. You would then have to prove the plates were stolen, which is much harder without an official report. With a police report on file, you can show the ticket authority that the plates were reported missing before the violation date, and the ticket will be dismissed.

If the stolen plates are used in a felony—theft, hit-and-run, armed robbery—the police report also protects you from being wrongly investigated. Law enforcement can see when ready that you reported the plates stolen and can focus on finding the actual vehicle.

Getting replacement plates from your state DMV

Once you have reported the theft to both police and the DMV, you can order replacement plates. Most states allow you to order them online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The cost varies by state but typically ranges from $10 to $50 for standard replacement plates.

You will need your vehicle registration number and driver's license number to order replacements. Some states issue new plate numbers automatically; others let you keep your old number if you want. Check your state's DMV website to see which option is available and whether you can order online or must visit in person.

Replacement plates usually arrive within one to three weeks if ordered by mail, or when ready if you pick them up at a DMV office. Until your new plates arrive, you can drive your vehicle legally as long as you have your registration document with you. Some states issue a temporary permit or receipt that serves as proof of registration during the replacement period.

Protecting yourself from future plate theft

Thieves steal registration plates to use on stolen vehicles or to avoid tolls and traffic cameras. You can reduce the risk by installing anti-theft fasteners—special bolts that require a unique tool to remove. These cost $15 to $40 and are available at auto parts stores or online.

Park in well-lit, visible areas whenever possible, especially overnight. Thieves prefer vehicles parked in dark corners or isolated spots where they can work without being seen. If you have a garage, use it. If you park on the street, vary your location and time when possible so your vehicle is not predictably in the same spot.

Check your plates regularly—at least once a week—to make sure they are still there and undamaged. The sooner you notice a theft, the sooner you can report it and limit the window for misuse.

What happens if you drive without reporting stolen plates

If you know your plates are stolen and you continue to drive with expired or missing plates, you can be pulled over and cited for a registration violation. The fine varies by state but can range from $50 to several hundred dollars. More importantly, you lose the protection that a police report provides.

If someone uses your stolen plates in a crime or traffic violation before you report them missing, you may be held responsible for those violations. You would have to prove after the fact that the plates were stolen, which is much harder without an official report. The ticket or citation could appear on your driving record, affecting your insurance rates.

Driving without valid registration plates is also a safety issue. Law enforcement may not be able to identify your vehicle quickly in an emergency, and you have no proof of ownership if your vehicle is involved in an accident.

If the stolen plates show up on a ticket or violation

If you receive a ticket or citation in the mail for a violation you did not commit, and the violation occurred after your plates were stolen, respond when ready. Do not ignore the ticket. Include a copy of your police report and your DMV report of the stolen plates with your response.

Send your response to the address listed on the ticket, usually a traffic court or citation processing center. Explain that the plates were reported stolen on [date], and the violation occurred on [date], which is after the theft. Provide the police report number and the date you reported the theft to the DMV.

Most jurisdictions will dismiss the ticket once they verify that the plates were reported stolen before the violation date. If the ticket is not dismissed, you have the right to contest it in traffic court. Bring your police report and DMV documentation with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my car while waiting for replacement plates?

Yes. Once you have reported the theft to the DMV, you can drive legally with your registration document as proof. Some states issue a temporary permit or receipt during the replacement period. Keep your registration paperwork in the vehicle at all times until your new plates arrive.

Do I have to get the same plate number back?

That depends on your state. Some states automatically assign a new number for security reasons. Others let you request your old number if you want it. Check your state's DMV website or call their customer service line to find out what your state allows.

What if I find my stolen plates later?

Contact the DMV and police to let them know the plates were recovered. The DMV will reactivate them if you want to use them again, or you can keep your replacement plates. Do not use the recovered plates until you have notified the DMV, because they are flagged as invalid in the system.

Will my insurance rates go up if my plates are stolen?

No. A stolen plate is not a claim against your insurance and does not affect your rates. It is a police matter, not an insurance matter. Report it to police and the DMV, but you do not need to contact your insurance company unless the theft is part of a larger incident like vehicle damage.

How long does it take to get replacement plates?

Mail orders usually take one to three weeks. In-person pickup at a DMV office is when ready. Some states offer expedited mail service for an additional fee. Check your state's DMV website for current processing times and options.