Report the theft to your state's motor vehicle department and local police within 24 hours

When your license plate is stolen, you need to report it to two places: your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) and your local police department. The order matters less than speed — the faster you report, the less time a thief has to use your plate on another vehicle. Most states allow you to report online, by phone, or in person at an office.

Your state's DMV will flag the plate as stolen in their system. This prevents the plate from being registered to another vehicle and creates an official record. Police need the report to investigate and to know the plate is no longer yours if it shows up at a crime scene or traffic violation.

You will need your vehicle registration, proof of identity, and the plate number. If you do not have the plate number memorized, check your registration card or insurance documents — both list it.

Key Takeaways

  • Report to both your state DMV and local police within 24 hours; most states let you report online or by phone.
  • Have your vehicle registration and proof of identity ready, plus the plate number from your registration card or insurance documents.
  • Your state will flag the plate as stolen so it cannot be registered to another vehicle.
  • You will need to order replacement plates from your DMV, which usually costs $15 to $50 depending on your state.
  • If a traffic ticket or crime is tied to your stolen plate, provide the police report number to the court or agency involved.

How to report to your state DMV

Contact your state's motor vehicle department directly. Most states have an online form on their DMV website specifically for reporting stolen plates. Search "[your state] DMV report stolen license plate" to find the form.

If your state does not offer online reporting, call the DMV's main line or visit a local office in person. Have your registration and driver's license ready. The DMV will ask for your vehicle identification number (VIN), plate number, and the date you discovered the theft.

Some states process the report when ready; others take one to three business days. Ask for a confirmation number or reference number when you report — you will need this if you have to dispute a traffic violation or crime later.

How to report to local police

File a police report with the police department in the city or county where the theft occurred. You can usually do this online through your local police department's website, by phone, or in person at a station.

The police report creates an official record that protects you if your plate is used in a traffic violation or crime. When you file, provide the plate number, your vehicle description, the date you last saw the plate, and where it was parked when stolen.

Request a copy of the police report or a report number. Keep this with your vehicle documents. If a traffic ticket or criminal charge later shows up under your plate, you will use this report number to prove the plate was stolen before the violation occurred.

What happens if your stolen plate is used in a crime or traffic violation

If your plate is used in a traffic violation or crime, you will likely receive a notice in the mail — a ticket, a court summons, or a police inquiry. Do not ignore it. Contact the court, police department, or agency that issued the notice when ready.

Provide your police report number and the DMV confirmation number showing the plate was stolen before the violation. Most agencies will dismiss the ticket or charge once they verify the theft report. This process usually takes a few weeks.

If the violation was serious — a hit-and-run, a felony, or a major traffic infraction — you may need to appear in court or provide a written statement. The police report you filed protects you by creating a timestamped record that the plate was not in your possession.

Ordering replacement plates from your DMV

After reporting the theft, you will need new plates. Contact your DMV to order replacements. Most states charge $15 to $50 for replacement plates, depending on the plate type and your state.

You can usually order online, by mail, or in person. Some states mail the new plates to your address within one to two weeks. Others let you pick them up at a local office the same day or next business day.

Until your new plates arrive, you may be able to drive with a temporary registration document. Ask your DMV whether you need one and how to get it. Some states issue them automatically; others require a separate request.

Protecting yourself from future plate theft

License plate theft is often a crime of opportunity. Thieves steal plates to use on stolen vehicles or to avoid tolls and traffic cameras. You cannot prevent all theft, but you can make your vehicle a harder target.

Use anti-theft plate fasteners or security screws that require a special tool to remove. These cost $10 to $30 and are sold at auto parts stores. Park in well-lit, visible areas when possible, and avoid leaving your vehicle unattended in isolated locations for long periods.

Some states now issue plates with tamper-evident features or require registration of plate fasteners. Check your state's DMV website to see what options are available where you live.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the DMV to flag a stolen plate?

Most states flag the plate within one business day of your report. Some process it the same day if you report online. Call your DMV to confirm the plate is flagged before you order replacements, especially if you reported by mail.

Do I have to pay for the police report?

Most police departments issue reports for free or a small fee ($5 to $15). Some charge only if you request a certified copy. Ask when you file the report whether there is a cost and how to get a copy.

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 remove the stolen flag from their system. You can then decide whether to reregister the plate or keep the new one you ordered.

Can I report a stolen plate if I am not the registered owner?

No. Only the registered owner or an authorized representative can report a stolen plate to the DMV. If you are not the owner, ask the owner to file the report, or provide written permission to the DMV authorizing you to report on their behalf.

What if the DMV says my plate was not stolen but used in a crime?

This can happen if someone reported your plate stolen after it was already used in a violation. Contact the police department that handled the crime or violation and provide your vehicle registration and proof of ownership. They can verify when the theft was reported and clear your name.