What To Do If My License Plate Was Stolen?
If you are a victim of license plate theft, call the police as soon as possible. Your local police agency will maintain a stolen license plate register and may be able to assist you in locating the stolen plate. You must also contact your state's DMV to obtain a temporary license plate so that you can drive your vehicle.
If your license plate was stolen, consider contacting your insurance company to see if you are covered for this type of theft.
This type of theft is far more common than most of us think, so here are the steps you must follow to get a replacement plate and report yours stolen.
This type of theft is far more common than most of us think, so here are the steps you must follow to get a replacement plate and report yours stolen.
Why Would Someone Steal a License Plate?
Thieves steal license plates for three main reasons.
1. A thief might want to conceal the identity of a stolen vehicle—and use your license plate to do it.
2. Some license plates may have monetary value as collection items; perhaps the thief intends to sell yours.
3. Some people steal license plates so they can avoid traffic, red lights, and speeding fines. Cameras will capture your stolen plate number, and you will get the ticket instead of the perpetrator.
Regardless of the reason, stealing a license plate is a serious crime.
1. A thief might want to conceal the identity of a stolen vehicle—and use your license plate to do it.
2. Some license plates may have monetary value as collection items; perhaps the thief intends to sell yours.
3. Some people steal license plates so they can avoid traffic, red lights, and speeding fines. Cameras will capture your stolen plate number, and you will get the ticket instead of the perpetrator.
Regardless of the reason, stealing a license plate is a serious crime.
What To Do If Your License Plate Was Stolen?
If your license plate is stolen, it is important to take immediate action.
Report License Plate Theft To The Police
The first step is to report the theft to your local police department. They will cross-check your plate number in their records and will also create an incident report. If you’re lucky, they may just find your stolen plate (but don’t hold your breath).
Remember that reporting a stolen plate is not optional–it's required by law. The police will need to know when and where the theft occurred, as well as any identifying information about the license plate.
Remember that reporting a stolen plate is not optional–it's required by law. The police will need to know when and where the theft occurred, as well as any identifying information about the license plate.
Get A Police Report
If your license plate is stolen, you need a police report as soon as possible. While it may seem like a hassle, the report can be used to help prevent identity theft and to clear your name if you are ever ticketed for a traffic violation that was committed by the person who stole your plate.
The report can also be used to support an insurance claim if your vehicle is ever involved in an accident or stolen.
The report can also be used to support an insurance claim if your vehicle is ever involved in an accident or stolen.
Report The Stolen Plate To Your DMV Office
Once a police report has been filed, you will need to visit the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office to cancel the license plates that were stolen, and obtain a replacement plate. When your plates are lost or stolen, you must be able to prove that you are the registered owner of the vehicle before you can get replacement plates.
Applying for new license plates can be a time-consuming process. While many DMVs now allow you to download the necessary forms and apply online, most require an in-person visit.
Before you visit your local DMV learn what submission method your DMV requires. Some states require you to email the application for replacement plates, while others require you to submit it in person.
You should also find out whether or not the application needs to be notarized.
In most cases, you will receive temporary license plates and tabs while you are waiting for your new permanent plates. However, in some cases you may need to collect the new plates in person.
Knowing these simple requirements ahead of time will save you a lot of time and hassle when applying for new license plate registration.
Check with your local DMV by calling them or visiting your state’s DMV (or equivalent organization) website:
Obtain a Temporary Tag Or a New Plate
In most states, temporary and new license plates are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). In some states, the plates are issued by a different agency, such as the Department of Transportation or Department of Revenue.
Some of the most common types of license plates include:
- Standard license plates are issued for passenger vehicles, commercial motor vehicles, motorbikes, permanent trailers, trailer coaches, and park trailers.
- Special interest plates are issued as a support for arts, environmental causes, or various charities.
- Special license plates are personalized license plates issued to recognize service, achievements, licenses, status, historical significance, occupations, etc. Subcategories of special license plates include:
- Special license plates: exempt, livery, historical vehicles, HAM radio, military and veteran
- Occupational license plates: dealers, dismantlers
- Special Recognition license plates: Legion of Valor, Purple Heart, Gold Star Family, etc.
- Apportioned license plates: power unit and prorate
- Legislative license plates: Senate, Assembly
- The off-highway vehicle "plate" is a self-stick decal that you affix directly to an OHV or other off road-only vehicle.
- Agricultural license plates and farm vehicle plates are available in most states and are usually less expensive than standard license plates. When it comes to license plates, agricultural vehicles have a few different options. A farm vehicle can either have a standard license plate, or an agricultural license plate.
- Digital license plates are permitted to drive in the United States if purchased and registered in one of the following states: California, Arizona, Michigan, and Texas.
Every state has different requirements for issuing temporary license plates (also known as a temporary tag), but commonly required documents include:
- Certificate of Title
- Temporary tag application
- Proof of car insurance
- A valid driver’s license
- Results of inspections or emissions testing, if applicable
- Loan documentation or release, if applicable
Some states require you to show multiple forms of vehicle identification. Typically, one must be a government-issued ID card, while the other can be something like a vehicle registration, bank statement, or utility bill.
A license plate may only be replaced by the vehicle owner, by a member of the owner’s family living at the same address, or by someone the vehicle owner designates through an Appointment of Agent form. The Appointment of Agent form must be notarized, and can be obtained from any motor vehicle office or county tax collector's office. The completed form must be submitted to the county tax collector when ordering replacement license plates or tabs.
Only one appointment can be on file at a time. If an appointment is revoked, the vehicle owner must submit a new form to appoint another agent.
Secure License Plates
Now that you've finally gotten your new license plates, it's time to think about how to keep them secure.
- Get a lockable and decorative license plate frame. This will protect your plate from getting scratched or dented, and it will also deter thieves.
- Use Plate Keeper special screws with a custom removal tool. These screws are designed to be tamper-resistant, so they'll make it more difficult for thieves to steal your plate.
- Install anti-theft self tapping screws. These screws require a special tool to remove, so they'll deter thieves who don't have the right equipment.
Following these tips will help prevent theft.
Obtain a Temporary Tag Or a New Plate
In most states, temporary and new license plates are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). In some states, the plates are issued by a different agency, such as the Department of Transportation or Department of Revenue.
Some of the most common types of license plates include:
Every state has different requirements for issuing temporary license plates (also known as a temporary tag), but commonly required documents include:
Some states require you to show multiple forms of vehicle identification. Typically, one must be a government-issued ID card, while the other can be something like a vehicle registration, bank statement, or utility bill.
A license plate may only be replaced by the vehicle owner, by a member of the owner’s family living at the same address, or by someone the vehicle owner designates through an Appointment of Agent form. The Appointment of Agent form must be notarized, and can be obtained from any motor vehicle office or county tax collector's office. The completed form must be submitted to the county tax collector when ordering replacement license plates or tabs.
Only one appointment can be on file at a time. If an appointment is revoked, the vehicle owner must submit a new form to appoint another agent.
Some of the most common types of license plates include:
•
Standard license plates are issued for passenger vehicles, commercial motor vehicles, motorbikes, permanent trailers, trailer coaches, and park trailers.
•
Special interest plates are issued as a support for arts, environmental causes, or various charities.
•
Special license plates are personalized license plates issued to recognize service, achievements, licenses, status, historical significance, occupations, etc. Subcategories of special license plates include:
•
Special license plates: exempt, livery, historical vehicles, HAM radio, military and veteran
•
Occupational license plates: dealers, dismantlers
•
Special Recognition license plates: Legion of Valor, Purple Heart, Gold Star Family, etc.
•
Apportioned license plates: power unit and prorate
•
Legislative license plates: Senate, Assembly
•
The off-highway vehicle "plate" is a self-stick decal that you affix directly to an OHV or other off road-only vehicle.
•
Agricultural license plates and farm vehicle plates are available in most states and are usually less expensive than standard license plates. When it comes to license plates, agricultural vehicles have a few different options. A farm vehicle can either have a standard license plate, or an agricultural license plate.
•
Digital license plates are permitted to drive in the United States if purchased and registered in one of the following states: California, Arizona, Michigan, and Texas.
•
Certificate of Title
•
Temporary tag application
•
Proof of car insurance
•
A valid driver’s license
•
Results of inspections or emissions testing, if applicable
•
Loan documentation or release, if applicable
Some states require you to show multiple forms of vehicle identification. Typically, one must be a government-issued ID card, while the other can be something like a vehicle registration, bank statement, or utility bill.
A license plate may only be replaced by the vehicle owner, by a member of the owner’s family living at the same address, or by someone the vehicle owner designates through an Appointment of Agent form. The Appointment of Agent form must be notarized, and can be obtained from any motor vehicle office or county tax collector's office. The completed form must be submitted to the county tax collector when ordering replacement license plates or tabs.
Only one appointment can be on file at a time. If an appointment is revoked, the vehicle owner must submit a new form to appoint another agent.
Secure License Plates
Now that you've finally gotten your new license plates, it's time to think about how to keep them secure.
Following these tips will help prevent theft.
•
Get a lockable and decorative license plate frame. This will protect your plate from getting scratched or dented, and it will also deter thieves.
•
Use Plate Keeper special screws with a custom removal tool. These screws are designed to be tamper-resistant, so they'll make it more difficult for thieves to steal your plate.
•
Install anti-theft self tapping screws. These screws require a special tool to remove, so they'll deter thieves who don't have the right equipment.
Following these tips will help prevent theft.
Is It Possible For My Digital License Plate To Be Stolen?
It’s probably possible for a digital license plate to be stolen, but it’s much more unlikely, due to built-in deterrence factors.
A digital license plate transmits a wireless signal which can be tracked. It is intended to work with the car's computer system, and to communicate with external sources that may access it remotely for vehicle regulatory purposes. When removed illegally from the car to which it belongs, a digital license plate is rendered non-functional by design.
Digital license plates also help track and retrieve a stolen vehicle. You can share the location of your stolen vehicle with police authorities via your app. The digital plate will also display the word "STOLEN," alerting other people to the crime.
A digital license plate transmits a wireless signal which can be tracked. It is intended to work with the car's computer system, and to communicate with external sources that may access it remotely for vehicle regulatory purposes. When removed illegally from the car to which it belongs, a digital license plate is rendered non-functional by design.
Digital license plates also help track and retrieve a stolen vehicle. You can share the location of your stolen vehicle with police authorities via your app. The digital plate will also display the word "STOLEN," alerting other people to the crime.
What Should I Do If Someone Stole My License Plate Sticker?
If someone stole your license plate sticker, you need to report the theft to the police immediately. You will also need to replace the stolen sticker as soon as possible.
In most states, you can order a replacement sticker online or by mail. You will need to provide your license plate number and proof of identity, and you may have to pay a plate fee. Once you have received your new sticker, be sure to apply it to your license plate as soon as possible.
Taking these steps will help you avoid any penalties for driving without a valid registration sticker.
In most states, you can order a replacement sticker online or by mail. You will need to provide your license plate number and proof of identity, and you may have to pay a plate fee. Once you have received your new sticker, be sure to apply it to your license plate as soon as possible.
Taking these steps will help you avoid any penalties for driving without a valid registration sticker.
Is Stealing License Plates a Felony?
It depends on the regulations in your state. In most states, stealing license plates is considered a gateway crime. However, stealing a license plate in Ohio is a felony, carrying a fine of up to $5,000 and up to five years in prison.
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Stolen License Plates FAQ
What do I do if my license plate falls off?
If your license plate falls off, you'll need to replace it as soon as possible. If your plates were lost, you can usually get a new license plate from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). In some cases, you may be able to order a replacement online or by mail. You'll need to provide your ID information, proof of insurance and registration, as well as a fee.
For a standard replacement, you typically can pick up your new plates as soon as you submit your application and pay the fee. If you had a custom order for a specific configuration like a veteran plate, disabled parking or parking placards, license plate for autonomous vehicles, or plate for recreational vehicles, you may have to wait for your plate to be mailed to you.
Once you receive your new license plate, make sure to attach it securely to your vehicle.
For a standard replacement, you typically can pick up your new plates as soon as you submit your application and pay the fee. If you had a custom order for a specific configuration like a veteran plate, disabled parking or parking placards, license plate for autonomous vehicles, or plate for recreational vehicles, you may have to wait for your plate to be mailed to you.
Once you receive your new license plate, make sure to attach it securely to your vehicle.
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Dana Marchlowitz
Contributing Author
Dana is a seasoned executive with a strong background in startups and product management. Currently serving as the Chief Product Officer for PrivateAuto, Dana brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role....