Reporting a stolen license plate is the process of notifying authorities that the license plate assigned to your vehicle has been illegally removed without your permission. This needs to be done as soon as possible once you realize your plates are missing. Reporting promptly can help recover stolen plates and prevent crimes done using your license plate.
How To Report Stolen License Plate? If you discover that the license plate has been taken from your car without your consent, you should act quickly to alert the proper organizations. There are important steps to take that can aid police in locating the stolen plate. Being proactive is key for increasing the chances of retrieving your plate and avoiding potential issues.
When a license plate is stolen, it enables thieves to disguise stolen vehicles or commit traffic violations linked to your plate. Therefore, reporting the theft to local police and your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles is critical. You will need to provide information like the plate number, vehicle make and model, etc. Following official procedures quickly can make a big difference.
What Should I Do If My License Plate Is Stolen?
If your license plate is stolen, the first thing you should do is file a police report. This establishes a record of the theft and can help prevent you from being wrongly accused if the plate is used illegally.
You’ll also likely need the police report number when contacting the DMV. Next, contact your state’s DMV to officially report the plates as stolen and apply for replacements. They can cancel the stolen plates so they can’t be used.
What Information Do I Need To Provide When Reporting A Stolen License Plate?
When filing the police report and contacting the DMV, be prepared to provide identifying details about the stolen license plate, including the license plate number, state of issue, plate type (specialty plate, disabled plate, etc.), and the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle it was registered to. Details on exactly when and where it was stolen are also helpful.
Where Can I Report A Stolen License Plate?
To report a stolen license plate, first file a police report with your local law enforcement agency. This creates an official record of the theft. Next, contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles office to report the plates as stolen. The DMV can cancel the plates and issue you new registered plates.
Proof Of Ownership Do I Need To Provide When Reporting A Stolen License Plate
5 types of proof of ownership you may need to provide when reporting a stolen license plate:
- Vehicle registration paperwork showing the license plate number that was stolen
- Insurance documentation with the license plate number listed
- Bank or financial statements addressed to you with the vehicle and plate details
- Original bill of sale or title documentation for the vehicle
- Valid photo ID to prove your identity and ownership of the vehicle the plates were attached to
Providing documentation like vehicle registration papers and proof of ID helps support your claim that the plates were stolen from your property. Having multiple types of records showing the license plate was connected to your vehicle can help speed up the reporting and replacement process.
What Happens After I Report My License Plate As Stolen?
After reporting your plates as stolen, the DMV will cancel those plates so they cannot be used. In most states, they will automatically issue you new registered plates, often with a new plate number. You may need to pay a replacement fee.
Some states provide temporary permits allowing you to drive while waiting for the new plates. Expect a small hassle, Report A License Plate but with police report and DMV notification done, you’ve completed the critical steps.
How Long Does It Take To Get New License Plates After Mine Were Stolen?
It typically takes 1-2 weeks to receive replacement license plates after reporting yours stolen, filing a police report, and submitting the proper paperwork and fees to the DMV. The DMV will issue temporary tags valid for 30 days while you wait for the new plates.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace Stolen License Plates?
The cost to replace stolen license plates varies by state, but usually ranges from $20-$30. There may be additional fees if you have specialty or vanity plates.
Will I Get Temporary License Plates While Waiting For My New Plates?
Yes, after submitting the paperwork and fees to the DMV, they will issue temporary 30-day license plate tags for you to display while waiting for your replacement plates to arrive.
Do I Need To Notify My Insurance Company If My License Plate Was Stolen?
Yes, you should notify your car insurance company that your plates were stolen. They will update your policy and may require a copy of the police report when you file a claim later on.
What Risks Are There With Driving Without License Plates?
It is illegal to drive without license plates displayed. You risk being ticketed, fined, and having your vehicle impounded if caught driving without plates. There is also the risk of issues verifying insurance coverage if pulled over.
What Steps Can I Take To Prevent My License Plates From Being Stolen?
You can take several steps to make your license plates more difficult to steal, such as using lockable license plate frames, Plate Keeper security screws that require a special tool to remove, or anti-theft self-tapping screws.
You can also coat the back of the plate with grease to potentially leave fingerprints. Using wheel locks, parking in garages, and taking other general security precautions can also help deter thieves1.
Are There Any License Plate Locks That Can Secure My Plates?
Yes, there are lockable license plate frames like the LU-100 that come with keys so you can lock the frame around your plate1. These make it harder for thieves to remove your plate without the key. There are also magnetic license plate mounts used by car dealerships that you can remove and take with you.
Should I Consider Getting Special Screws To Attach My License Plates?
Yes, getting tamper-proof, security screws or self-tapping screws that require a special tool to remove is a good idea. These will deter opportunistic thieves that only have standard screwdrivers. The screws are inexpensive and easy to install.
Is There A Specific Place I Should Mount My License Plate To Make It Less Vulnerable?
Some suggestions are to mount your plate in the rear window if legal in your state or to use magnetic mounts and store the plate in your trunk when parked. This prevents thieves from accessing the plates to steal them.
Can I Get Custom License Plates That Are Harder To Steal?
There’s no evidence that custom or specialty license plates are harder to steal. General prevention tips like security screws, plate locks, and mounting plates in less accessible locations apply regardless of the type of plate. The exception is vintage plates that have monetary value to collectors—those could attract more thieves.
Am I Responsible For Citations Issued To My Stolen License Plate?
No, you are generally not responsible for any parking tickets or traffic camera violations issued to your stolen license plate after you have filed a police report declaring it as lost or stolen. However, you will need to provide documentation that it was stolen at the time the citation was issued in order to successfully contest any tickets.
How Can I Dispute Fraudulent Tickets Issued To My Stolen License Plate?
You can dispute fraudulent tickets by requesting a hearing and providing the police report showing your plates were stolen before the ticket was issued. You may need to submit additional evidence like proof of when you reported it stolen. If you dispute within 30 days, you can avoid late fees.
Will Police Cancel Any Tickets Issued To My Stolen License Plate Number?
The police will not automatically cancel tickets issued to your stolen plates. You need to dispute each ticket and provide evidence it was stolen at the time of violation for them to be dismissed. The process takes time but you should not be liable if you can prove the plates were stolen.
Do I Need A Police Report To Contest Tickets From My Stolen License Plate?
Yes, you need a police report documenting that your license plate was stolen in order to contest any tickets issued to those plates. The police report should include the date you reported it stolen. This is key evidence required to show you should not be liable for citations issued after the reported theft.
How Long Will It Take For Tickets To Stop Once I Report My Plate Stolen?
It may take weeks or months for tickets to stop being issued to your stolen license plate. Even after reporting it to police as stolen, the process of updating records takes time. You will need to dispute any tickets issued in the interim in order to avoid responsibility for paying them.
What Charges Can A License Plate Thief Face?
A license plate thief typically faces misdemeanor charges of unlawful use or lending of a registration plate under state motor vehicle codes. Additional possible charges are misdemeanor theft and possession of stolen property. Felony charges may apply if the theft occurs alongside other serious crimes.
Is Stealing A License Plate A Felony Or Misdemeanor?
Stealing a license plate alone is usually charged as a misdemeanor offense under state laws. It only becomes a felony if there are aggravating factors like using the plate to conceal a stolen car or evade law enforcement.
What Is The Typical Jail Sentence For Stealing A License Plate?
The typical jail sentence for a misdemeanor conviction of stealing a license plate ranges from probation up to 90 days in jail as well as fines of a few hundred dollars. Longer sentences up to 1 year are possible for repeat offenders or if there are aggravating circumstances.
Can A License Plate Thief Go To Prison?
A license plate thief is unlikely to go to prison unless there are serious aggravating factors involved in the crime. On its own, stealing a plate would not result in state or federal prison time. However, if stolen plates are used in connection with other felonies, prison may be a possibility.
Are There Federal Penalties For Stealing License Plates?
There are no specific federal laws prohibiting license plate theft. So direct federal penalties do not apply unless the theft occurs on federal property or involves crossing state lines or foreign commerce. Indirectly, federal sentencing guidelines could come into play if license plate theft facilitates other federal crimes.
Frequently Asked Question
What Information Do I Need When Reporting My Plate Stolen?
License plate number, make/model of vehicle, date and location plate was stolen.
Who Do I Report A Stolen License Plate To?
Report it to your local police department or state patrol as soon as possible.
What Proof Of Ownership Is Needed To Report Stolen Plates?
Vehicle registration and a valid driver’s license should be brought to the police station.
What Happens After Reporting Stolen Plates To Police?
You’ll get a police report case number to provide to the DMV, who will cancel those plates and issue new ones.
Can I Still Drive My Car After Plates Were Stolen?
No, it’s illegal to drive without license plates. Report the theft before driving again.
Conclusion
Reporting a stolen license plate is an important step to protect yourself from potential legal issues or fines. First, contact local law enforcement to file a police report documenting the theft. Be sure to include details on when and where the theft occurred.
Next, notify your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to cancel the stolen plates and apply for replacements. You may need to provide the police report number. The DMV can issue new license plates and registration stickers. Finally, install theft-deterrent screws, frames, or covers on your new license plate to help prevent future thefts.
Acting quickly to report license plate theft to the police and DMV can help minimize headaches from fraudulent tickets or criminal activity. Taking protective measures with new plates also reduces risk. With the proper steps, drivers can resolve a stolen plate situation and restore compliance.
