Your plate number is printed on your physical license plate and on your vehicle registration card

Your license plate number — also called your plate number or registration number — appears in two places you already have. The most obvious is the metal plate bolted to the front and back of your vehicle. The second is your vehicle registration card, which you keep in your glove compartment or with your insurance documents. Both show the same number: a combination of letters and numbers unique to your car.

You need this number when you renew your registration, file an insurance claim, report a stolen vehicle, or get a parking ticket. It is also what a mechanic or service center asks for when you call ahead to schedule work.

Key Takeaways

  • Your license plate number is printed on the metal plate attached to your vehicle and on your registration card kept in your glove compartment.
  • If your plate is missing or unreadable, your state's Department of Motor Vehicles can look up your number using your vehicle identification number (VIN).
  • Your registration card shows your plate number along with your vehicle make, model, and expiration date.
  • You can photograph your plate for your records, or write the number down and store it with your insurance information.

Reading the number on your physical plate

Walk to the front or back of your vehicle and look at the metal plate. The number is printed in black characters on a white or yellow background. Most plates follow a state-specific format — some states use three letters followed by three numbers, others use a different combination. The exact format depends on which state issued your plate.

Write down or photograph the number exactly as it appears, including any spaces or hyphens. If the plate is dirty, wipe it clean first so you can read it clearly. If the plate is damaged, faded, or missing, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to request a replacement plate and confirm your number.

Finding it on your registration card

Your vehicle registration card is a small document, usually wallet-sized, that came with your vehicle when you bought it or last renewed your registration. It lists your name, address, vehicle make and model, and the license plate number. The card is typically kept in your glove compartment, but some people store it with their insurance documents or in a home file.

If you cannot find your physical card, you can request a replacement from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. You will need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on your dashboard (visible through the windshield on the driver's side) and on your insurance card.

Using your VIN if you cannot find your plate number

Your vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-character code that uniquely identifies your vehicle. If you have lost your registration card and cannot read your plate, you can use your VIN to look up your plate number through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or by calling their office directly.

Your VIN appears in three places: on your dashboard just below the windshield on the driver's side, on your insurance card, and on your vehicle title. You can also find it on any service records or repair invoices from a mechanic. Once you provide your VIN to the DMV, they can tell you your plate number and send you a replacement registration card if needed.

Storing your plate number for future reference

Keep a record of your plate number in at least one place outside your vehicle. Take a photo of your plate and save it to your phone, or write the number in a notebook you keep at home. This is useful if your vehicle is stolen or damaged and you need to report it quickly, or if you need the number for insurance or registration purposes and cannot access your vehicle.

You can also store your plate number with your insurance documents or in a file with your vehicle title and maintenance records. Some people add it to their phone contacts under their vehicle name, or keep it in a password-protected notes app.

What to do if your plate is damaged or missing

If your plate is bent, faded, or illegible, or if it has been stolen, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to request a replacement. You will need to provide your VIN and proof of ownership (your vehicle title or registration card). The DMV will issue a new plate with the same number and send it to your address.

Replacement plates usually arrive within one to three weeks, depending on your state. Some states offer expedited replacement for an additional fee. Until your new plate arrives, you may be able to use a temporary permit or plate issued by the DMV — ask about this when you request the replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly on my vehicle is the license plate?

The license plate is bolted to the front and back of your vehicle, usually centered below the bumper. On the front, it is mounted on the bumper or the frame just above it. On the back, it is typically mounted on the trunk lid or the bumper. Both plates show the same number.

Can I look up my plate number online?

Yes, most state Departments of Motor Vehicles allow you to look up your plate number on their website using your VIN and driver's license number. Some states require you to log into an online account, while others let you search without logging in. If you cannot find it online, you can call your state DMV office and provide your VIN.

What if my registration card is expired but my plate number is still the same?

Your plate number does not change when your registration expires — it stays the same until you renew your registration or request a new plate. You can still use the plate number from your expired registration card. However, you should renew your registration with your state DMV to keep your vehicle legal to drive.

Is my plate number the same as my VIN?

No, they are different. Your plate number is the combination of letters and numbers on your metal plate, usually 6 to 8 characters. Your VIN is a 17-character code that identifies your vehicle's make, model, year, and history. Both are unique to your vehicle, but they serve different purposes.

What should I do if I see my plate number on another vehicle?

Contact your local police department or your state's Department of Motor Vehicles when ready. Duplicate plate numbers are rare but can happen if a plate is stolen or if there is an error in the DMV system. The DMV will investigate and issue you a new plate if needed.