Where to go and what you need
You replace a license plate at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State, or equivalent agency — the name and location vary by state. Most states now let you start the process online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. A few states require you to appear in person, but that is uncommon.
What you bring depends on whether you lost the plate, it was stolen, or it is damaged. For a lost or stolen plate, you will need your vehicle registration and a government-issued ID. If the plate is damaged but readable, some states let you order a replacement without extra steps. If it is so damaged that the number is unclear, you may need to fill out a form stating the plate is unreadable.
The fee for a replacement plate ranges from about $5 to $30, depending on your state and whether you want a standard or specialty plate. Some states charge less if you report the plate stolen versus straightforward lost. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee before you go.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state DMV or equivalent agency — the process and fees differ by state, so start with your state's official website.
- For a lost or stolen plate, bring your vehicle registration and a government-issued ID; for a damaged plate, you may only need to show the vehicle is registered to you.
- Most states let you order a replacement online or by mail, though a few still require an in-person visit.
- Replacement plates usually arrive within two to four weeks; some states offer expedited service for an additional fee.
- If your plate was stolen, file a police report first — some states require the report number when you order the replacement.
Online versus in-person replacement
Many states have moved their plate replacement process online. You log into your DMV account, enter your vehicle information and current plate number, pay the fee by credit or debit card, and the new plate ships to your address. This route takes about five minutes and works if you have your registration number handy.
If your state does not offer online replacement, you can usually mail in a form. Your state DMV website will have a form — often called a "Replacement License Plate Request" or similar — that you print, fill out, and mail with a check or money order. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks longer than online.
In-person replacement at a DMV office is fastest if you need the plate urgently. You walk in with your registration and ID, pay the fee, and in some states you can leave with a temporary plate or a receipt to use until the permanent one arrives. Call ahead to confirm your local office has plates in stock and whether you need an appointment.
What to do if your plate was stolen
If someone stole your plate, report it to your local police department first. You do not need to wait for police to file a report — you can report it yourself online in many jurisdictions, or by phone. Get the report number or a copy of the report; some states require this when you order the replacement.
After you have the police report, follow the same process as a lost plate: go online, by mail, or in person to your DMV. Tell them the plate was stolen, not lost. Some states charge a lower fee for theft, and a few will expedite the replacement at no extra cost if you provide the police report number.
While you wait for the new plate, you can drive legally with your registration and ID. You do not need a temporary plate unless your state requires one. If a police officer stops you and your plate is missing, show your registration and explain that you reported it stolen and ordered a replacement.
Damaged plates and unreadable numbers
If your plate is bent, faded, or otherwise damaged but the number is still clear, most states let you order a replacement without extra documentation. You straightforward tell the DMV the plate is damaged and request a new one. The fee is the same as for a lost plate.
If the number on the plate is so faded or obscured that it cannot be read, you will need to provide proof that the plate is unreadable. Some states ask you to submit a photo of the plate. Others require you to fill out a form swearing that the number is no longer legible. Check your state's DMV website for the exact requirement.
In rare cases, if the damage is severe — the plate is cracked in half, for example — the DMV may ask you to bring the old plate in when you pick up the replacement. This is to prevent fraud. If your state requires this, they will tell you when you place the order.
Temporary plates and driving while you wait
Most states do not issue temporary plates for replacements. You can drive legally with your registration and ID while the new plate is in the mail. If a police officer stops you, your registration proves the vehicle is yours and that you own it legally.
A few states do offer temporary plates or a receipt that serves as proof of a pending replacement. If you are concerned about being stopped, ask the DMV when you order whether they provide a temporary document. Some online systems print a receipt that you can keep in your car as proof you ordered the replacement.
The new plate usually arrives within two to four weeks. If it does not arrive within that window, contact your DMV to confirm the order went through and ask for a tracking number or reshipment.
Specialty and personalized plates
If your original plate was a specialty plate — a vanity plate, a military plate, a conservation plate, or one with a custom design — the replacement process is slightly different. You cannot straightforward order a standard replacement; you must reorder the specialty plate.
When you go online or to the DMV, select the same plate type you had before. You will pay the specialty plate fee again, which is usually higher than a standard plate fee. If you no longer want the specialty plate and prefer a standard one instead, you can switch at this time, though some states charge a small fee to change plate types.
If your vanity plate had a specific number or phrase, that number is still yours as long as your registration is active. The DMV will reissue it to you. If you let your registration lapse, the number may become available to other drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement plate?
Standard replacement plates arrive within two to four weeks by mail. In-person replacement at a DMV office may be faster — some states let you leave with a temporary plate the same day. Expedited shipping is available in some states for an additional fee, usually $10 to $15, and cuts the time to one to two weeks.
Can I drive without a plate while I wait for the replacement?
Yes. Your registration and ID prove you own the vehicle legally. You can drive with a missing or damaged plate as long as you have those documents. If stopped, show your registration to the officer. Some states prefer you to keep a copy of your replacement order in the car as proof you reported the issue.
What if I ordered a replacement and it never arrived?
Contact your DMV and provide your order number or confirmation email. Ask them to verify the address where the plate was shipped and whether it was delivered. If the plate was lost in the mail, the DMV can reissue it or investigate further. This usually takes a few business days.
Do I need a new registration if I get a replacement plate?
No. Your registration stays the same. The plate number changes, but your registration document does not. You do not need to update anything with your insurance company — they have your vehicle identification number (VIN), not your plate number.
Can I keep my old plate number if I get a replacement?
If your plate was lost or stolen, the DMV will assign you a new number. You cannot request the same number back. If your plate was damaged but still readable, the DMV will typically issue the same number on a new plate. If you had a vanity plate, that custom number remains yours and will be reissued to you.