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What To Do When Your License Plate Is Stolen

by Cobus F. Potgieter / 4.8 (90) Replacing a license plate can be a hassle, so here are some tips to help you through the process Read in this article: Someone Stole My License Plate What to Do if My Licence Plate Gets Stolen How to Report a Stolen License Plate If My License Plate is Stolen Can I Still Drive My Car Conclusion FAQs

Someone Stole My License Plate

Having your license plate stolen is always frustrating, because not only do you have to deal with the fact that you've been a victim of crime, but you have to go through the trouble and expense to replace the stolen license plate. You might not even know what to do if someone steals your license plate or how to report a stolen license plate. While this process varies depending on the state in which you live, we will summarize the basic steps drivers have to go through in the case of stolen car tags. To be fair, sometimes the problem is not stolen plates; you may have simply lost your plates or they've become old and unreadable and need to be replaced. The bottom line is, regardless of whether you drive a 20-year old Ford truck with old, worn-out plates, a brand-new station wagon with a damaged plate, or a small SUV or city car that had its plates stolen while parked on the street, understanding the process to get a new replacement is vital. Pexels.com

What to Do if My Licence Plate Gets Stolen

Obviously, you have to go to your local DMV for a stolen license plate to be replaced and the procedure varies by state. Some DMVs allow you to download the necessary forms and apply for new plates online. However, most states in the USA require an in-person visit. Check with your local DMV by calling them or visiting their website. If you're enquiring about replacing stolen car-registration plates, ask them the following while you're on the line with them:Method of submission. Ask whether you can mail or email your application or whether you must submit it in person.Notarization or not? Some DMVs may require the application to be notarized and others not, so be sure to ask them.Do you receive temporary plates? Ask your DMV whether you will be issued with temporary plates while you wait for your new permanent ones and how you obtain them.How you receive the new plates. Ask them whether you have to collect your new plates in person or whether they are mailed to you. Even if you collect them yourselves, some states, such as Washington, require that you verify your address right at the beginning of the application process. These are the basic steps you'll have to go through, summarized:
Complete and submit a plate-replacement application with your DMVIf required in your state, submit the police report with your applicationSurrender any remaining or damaged license plates to your DMVIf required in your state, produce proof of address and/or identityPay for your replacement plates

How to Report a Stolen License Plate

You have to report your stolen plates to your DMV, but some states, such as California, require that you also report the theft to the police. Do this first, because the DMV requires the police report at the time of your replacement application. Even if your state doesn't require it, you should probably report the theft to the police anyway. This way, your license plates are on record as being stolen and may result in the thieves being apprehended if the plates are spotted. It also keeps you in the clear if the plates are ever involved in traffic violations.

If My License Plate is Stolen Can I Still Drive My Car

It's only natural to wonder if you can still drive your car if the license plate gets stolen. Nobody likes being stranded and losing that sense of freedom. Sadly, the law states that no vehicle may be operated without valid license plates, so the answer is no. Luckily, there are some workarounds. Quick remedies vary by state; some allow for the issuance of a temporary plate or permit if you produce the police report. This would make you legal on the road until you get your permanent plates. When reporting the theft to the police, ask them what you should do in your state to drive legally while waiting for your replacement plates. Pexels.com

Conclusion

Nobody wants to go through the hassle of replacing a stolen, lost, or damaged license plate, but it's likely to happen, sooner or later. Thus, it is important to familiarize yourself with the legal requirements in your state by perusing your local DMV's website or visiting them, so you know what to do, should it become necessary. Hopefully, uur tips and advice on what to do and how the process works should help put your mind at ease. Pexels.com

FAQs

What do I do if my license plate is stolen and I want the same number again

Some states do allow for this, but others don't, so be sure to check with your local DMV. Just keep in mind that having multiple sets of the same plates driving around may lead to you being charged with traffic violations that weren't even your fault. However, you can hang onto your license plate when you sell your car, in most cases, so long as you follow these steps.

Someone stole my license plate off the back of my car - can I keep the remaining front plate

If you had two license plates and only one was stolen, you still have to surrender any remaining plates to the DMV. This is simply part of the replacement process and helps to avoid confusion. This is true even in states that allow you to only have a single license plate showing, such as Florida, the Carolinas, Oklahoma, and Kentucky. This rule also lends itself to cars that look better without a front plate, such as the Tesla Model 3 or Chevrolet Corvette.

What is the price of replacing stolen plates

While this is different in every state, the good news is that this should cost no more than what you would have paid for your plates when you first registered your vehicle. In fact, the fee might be lower than the initial fee. In Virginia, the replacement fee is waived if you request your replacement plates at the same time as your registration renewal. Of course, theft cannot be timed, so this option is only usually applicable if you want to replace worn or damaged plates.

How can I prevent my license plates from being stolen

The best solution is to buy special screws that require a matching security wrench to remove them and cannot be removed by any standard wrench or screwdriver. Secure your license plates with these screws and it will be virtually impossible to steal it without destroying it, which would render it useless to the thief anyway. Enquire about this at your local car-parts or hardware store. Was this article helpful?Please rate itThis article is rated 4.8 by 90 readers Tags: #Essential Car Knowledge Cobus F. Potgieter Senior Editor After completing his studies in Public Relations Management, Cobus' career took him into writing and editing in many fields. But cars were always his obsession, especially the '80s and '90s bangers he loves so much, reciting their specifications, and always telling you what can go wrong with them if you're interested in buying a used one. Which is exactly what he now does at CarBuzz. He'll rattle on about transmission families and unreliable engines ad nauseam. He buys cars simply because he finds them mechanically quirky and interesting, which might explain why he owned a Smart, several ancient luxury sedans, and now runs a small hatchback that "corners on rails" or whatever he muttered under his breath when nobody was listening. He likes blocking the exit and regaling captive colleagues with such information - completely unsolicited. Contact Cobus @jfpotgieter How Wireless Chargers For Electric Cars Work SUVs Vs. Minivans: The Battle Continues Now Buzzing Tuning 700-Horsepower 2023 Nissan Z By AMS Performance Hits Nine-Second Quarter Mile Electric Vehicles Rivian Angers R1T Customers By Removing A Desirable Feature From The Electric Truck Electric Vehicles Tesla Cybertruck Spotted With Production-Ready Rear End First Drive 2023 Toyota Crown First Drive Review: A Tale Of Two Hybrids Crash Watch A Seventh-Gen Toyota Hilux Truck Launch Into The Air After Losing Control Sports Cars 2023 BMW M2 Coming With Optional Center-Lock Wheels LoginSign Up Home News Features Car Reviews Car Advice 2021 CarBuzz Awards New Cars Used Cars Future Cars Compare Cars Sell My Car Car Dealerships Buy Here Pay Here Used Car Reviews Popular Tags Cars # Video # TOP # Spy Shots # Reveal # Rumor # Auto Show # Supercar # Tuning # Car Culture # Industry News # Motorsport Acura Alfa Romeo Aston Martin Audi Bentley BMW Bollinger Bugatti Buick Cadillac Caterham Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Fisker Ford Genesis GMC Hennessey Honda Hyundai Infiniti Jaguar Jeep Karma Kia Koenigsegg Lamborghini Land Rover Lexus Lincoln Lordstown Lotus Lucid Motors Maserati Mazda McLaren Mercedes-Benz Mini Mitsubishi Nissan Pagani Polestar Porsche Ram Rimac Rivian Rolls-Royce Spyker Subaru Tesla Toyota Volkswagen Volvo By Make Acura Alfa Romeo Aston Martin Audi Bentley BMW Bollinger Bugatti Buick Cadillac Caterham Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Fisker Ford Genesis GMC Hennessey Honda Hyundai Infiniti Jaguar Jeep Karma Kia Koenigsegg Lamborghini Land Rover Lexus Lincoln Lordstown Lotus Lucid Motors Maserati Mazda McLaren Mercedes-Benz Mini Mitsubishi Nissan Pagani Polestar Porsche Ram Rimac Rivian Rolls-Royce Spyker Subaru Tesla Toyota Volkswagen Volvo By Car Type SUVs Crossovers Sedans Coupes Trucks Sports Cars Wagons Vans Hatchbacks Convertibles Small Cars Luxury Cars Electric Cars Hybrid Cars Future Cars By Price Up to $15K $15K - $25K $25K - $35K $35K - $45K $45K - $55K $55K - $75K $75K - $100K $100K - $200K $200K - $300K Above $300K Back To Top