Report the theft to your local police department first, then to your state's motor vehicle agency
If you discover your license plate is missing, file a police report before you do anything else. Call the non-emergency line for your local police department or visit the station in person — you need an official report number. The police will document which plate was stolen, when you last saw it, and where it was parked. Keep this report number; you'll need it when you contact your state's motor vehicle agency.
After you have the police report, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent — some states call it the Secretary of State's office or Registry of Motor Vehicles). You can usually do this online, by phone, or in person. Tell them your plate number, provide your police report number, and request that the plate be flagged as stolen in their system. This prevents someone else from using it illegally.
Key Takeaways
- File a police report with your local department first, because the motor vehicle agency will ask for the report number.
- Contact your state's motor vehicle agency to report the plate stolen and have it flagged in their system so it cannot be used by someone else.
- You will need to order replacement plates from your motor vehicle agency, which usually costs between $10 and $30 depending on your state.
- If your vehicle was involved in a crime while your plate was missing, the police report protects you by creating an official record that the plate was not in your possession.
What happens after you report the plate stolen
Once your state's motor vehicle agency flags the plate as stolen, that specific plate number becomes inactive. If someone tries to register it or use it on another vehicle, the system will catch it. This protects you because if the stolen plate is used in a traffic violation or crime, law enforcement can trace it back and see that it was reported stolen on a specific date.
You will need to order new plates to replace the stolen ones. Most states let you order replacements online through their motor vehicle website, by mail, or in person at a local office. The cost varies by state — typically between $10 and $30 for standard replacement plates. Some states charge more for specialty plates (vanity plates, environmental plates, etc.). You can usually keep your old plate number if you want, or request a new one.
How long the process takes
Getting a police report usually takes 15 minutes to an hour if you go in person, or a few days if you call and they mail it to you. Reporting the theft to your motor vehicle agency is when ready if you do it online, or takes a few minutes on the phone. Receiving your replacement plates takes longer — most states mail them within one to three weeks, though some offer expedited shipping for an extra fee.
During the time you're waiting for new plates, you can drive your vehicle legally as long as you have your registration and proof of the police report. Some states issue a temporary plate or permit you can display while the permanent ones are in transit. Check your state's rules on this, because requirements vary.
Protecting yourself if your plate is used illegally
The police report you filed is your protection if someone uses your stolen plate to commit a traffic violation or crime. When law enforcement runs the plate number, they will see it was reported stolen and can investigate further. Without that report, you could be held responsible for violations committed with your plate.
If you receive a traffic ticket or notice for a violation you didn't commit, and you believe it's connected to your stolen plate, contact the police department that issued the ticket. Bring your original police report and explain that your plate was stolen. They can investigate and dismiss the ticket. This is why keeping your police report number is important — save it somewhere you can find it later.
What to do if you find your stolen plate
If your plate turns up — someone finds it and returns it, or you spot it somewhere — do not try to reuse it. The plate is already flagged as stolen in the system. Instead, turn it in to your local police department or motor vehicle agency. They will remove the stolen flag and either destroy it or return it to you, depending on your state's policy.
If you want to keep the plate as a keepsake or for another reason, ask your motor vehicle agency whether you can have it back. Some states will release it to you once it's been recovered and the stolen flag is cleared. Others destroy all recovered stolen plates.
Preventing plate theft in the future
License plate theft is often a crime of opportunity. Thieves steal plates to use on vehicles they're driving illegally, to avoid tolls, or to commit other crimes. You can reduce the risk by parking in well-lit, populated areas whenever possible, and by using a garage if you have one. Some people install anti-theft plate fasteners — screws that are harder to remove than standard bolts — though these are not required and vary in effectiveness.
Check your plates regularly, especially if you park in the same spot for long periods. A quick walk around your vehicle once a week takes 30 seconds and can catch a theft before it becomes a problem. If you notice one plate missing but the other is still there, report both to police and your motor vehicle agency — thieves sometimes take one plate and leave the other to avoid drawing when ready attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without plates while I wait for replacements?
No, you cannot drive without plates. However, most states issue a temporary permit or plate you can display while your permanent plates are in the mail. Contact your motor vehicle agency to find out what your state offers. Some states mail the temporary permit with your registration documents, while others require you to request it separately.
Will my insurance rates go up if my plate is stolen?
No. A stolen plate is not a claim against your insurance, and it will not affect your rates. You only need to notify your insurance company if your vehicle was damaged during the theft or if you want documentation that the plate was stolen while in your possession.
What if I don't have a police report number?
Contact your local police department and ask them to look up the report using your name, vehicle information, and the date you reported it. They can provide the report number over the phone. If you never filed a report, file one now — it's not too late, and the motor vehicle agency will accept a report filed after the fact.
Do I have to keep the same plate number on my replacement plates?
Most states let you choose. When you order replacements, you can request the same number or ask for a new one. If you want to keep the same number, tell your motor vehicle agency when you report the theft. If you prefer a new number for peace of mind, you can request that instead — there's usually no extra charge for either option.
What if someone used my stolen plate and got a ticket?
Contact the police department or court that issued the ticket with your police report showing the plate was stolen before the violation occurred. Provide the date you reported it stolen and the date of the violation. The ticket should be dismissed once they verify the timeline. Keep copies of your police report handy for this reason.