Report the theft to your state's motor vehicle department and your local police

When your license plate is stolen, you need to report it in two places: to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency) and to your local police department. The DMV report creates an official record that the plate is no longer yours, which protects you if someone uses it on their vehicle. The police report documents the theft itself and gives you a report number you may need later.

Start with your local police non-emergency line — you do not need to call 911 for a stolen plate. Tell them the plate number, your vehicle's make and model, and when you last saw the plate. They will file a report and give you a report number. Write this down; you will need it when you contact the DMV.

Then contact your state's DMV. Most states let you report a stolen plate online, by phone, or in person at a local office. Have your driver's license, vehicle registration, and the police report number ready. The DMV will deactivate the plate in their system so it cannot be registered to another vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • Report the theft to both your local police department and your state's DMV — the police create a record of the crime, and the DMV deactivates the plate in their system.
  • You will need a police report number when you contact the DMV, so file the police report first.
  • Most states let you report a stolen plate online or by phone without visiting an office in person.
  • You must order a replacement plate from your DMV, which usually costs between $5 and $25 depending on your state.
  • If someone uses your stolen plate before you report it, the police report protects you by showing the plate was no longer in your possession.

What to do if you discover the plate is missing

Check your vehicle regularly — many people do not notice a stolen plate until they get a traffic ticket or a toll notice in the mail. If you spot it missing, take a photo of your vehicle showing the empty bracket or missing plate area. This photo helps when you file the police report.

If you received a ticket or toll notice for a vehicle you do not recognize, do not ignore it. Contact the police department that issued the ticket or the toll authority when ready. Explain that your plate was stolen and provide the date you discovered it missing. This creates a record that you reported the theft before the ticket was issued, which protects you from liability.

How to order a replacement plate

After you report the theft to the DMV, you will need to order a new plate. Some states issue a replacement automatically once you report the theft; others require you to request one. Contact your DMV to confirm whether you need to take an additional step.

Replacement plates usually cost between $5 and $25, depending on your state and whether you want a standard plate or a specialty plate. You can order most replacement plates online through your state's DMV website, by mail, or in person at a local office. Standard processing takes one to three weeks; expedited options are available in most states for an additional fee.

While you wait for the replacement, you can drive legally with just your registration and proof that you reported the theft. Some states issue a temporary plate or a letter confirming the report. Keep this documentation in your vehicle in case you are stopped by police.

Protect yourself if your plate appears on traffic violations

If you receive a ticket or toll notice for a vehicle you do not own, respond when ready. Do not pay the ticket. Instead, contact the police department or court that issued it and provide your police report number showing the plate was stolen. Include a copy of your DMV report and a photo of your vehicle if the stolen plate does not match your vehicle's description.

Most jurisdictions will dismiss the ticket once they confirm the plate was reported stolen before the violation occurred. Keep copies of all correspondence — the police report, the DMV report, and any letters from the court or toll authority. These documents protect you if the same plate is used again or if the ticket resurfaces later.

Steps to take if your plate was used in a crime

If police contact you about a crime involving your stolen plate, provide them with your police report number and the date you reported the theft. This establishes that you did not have the plate at the time of the crime. Ask the officer for the case number and the name of the detective handling the case.

Follow up with the police department in writing within a few days. Send a letter or email to the detective with copies of your police report and DMV report, along with a brief timeline of when you discovered the plate missing and when you reported it. Keep a copy for your records.

If you are contacted by an insurance company or attorney about the crime, provide the same documentation. Your police report is your protection against being held responsible for something that happened after your plate was stolen.

Prevent future plate theft

License plate theft is often opportunistic — thieves target plates in parking lots where they can work quickly. Anti-theft screws and plate covers make plates harder to remove. Anti-theft screws cost $10 to $20 and take 10 minutes to install; they replace standard bolts with screws that require a special tool to remove.

Park in well-lit, visible areas when possible. If you park in the same spot regularly — at work, at home, or at a frequent destination — thieves may target you repeatedly. Vary your parking location if you can, and consider parking in a garage or secured lot.

Check your plates regularly, especially if you park in high-theft areas. Many people discover a stolen plate only when they receive a ticket or notice. A quick walk around your vehicle once a week takes 30 seconds and can catch theft before it causes problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be responsible for tickets issued with my stolen plate?

No, as long as you report the theft before the ticket is issued or shortly after. Your police report creates a record that you no longer had the plate, which protects you. Respond to any ticket you receive by providing your police report number and the date you reported the theft.

How long does it take to get a replacement plate?

Standard processing usually takes one to three weeks, depending on your state. Many states offer expedited options for an additional fee, which can reduce the wait to three to five business days. Check your state's DMV website for current processing times and expedited options.

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

No, you cannot drive without a plate. However, most states issue a temporary plate or a letter confirming your report while you wait for the replacement. Keep this documentation in your vehicle. If you do not receive one, contact your DMV to ask what you should carry as proof.

What if I find my stolen plate later?

Contact your DMV and police department to let them know the plate was recovered. The DMV will update their records. Do not attempt to use the plate again — it has been deactivated in the system. Dispose of it or return it to your DMV.

Do I need to report a stolen plate if I am selling my vehicle?

Yes. Report it to the DMV and police before you transfer the title. This ensures the new owner does not inherit liability for the missing plate and protects you from future use of that plate number.