Report a stolen license plate to local law enforcement and your state motor-vehicle agency as soon as possible. Ask for an incident or case number, follow your state’s stolen-plate replacement process, and find out whether you may legally drive while waiting for replacement plates. Do not make a homemade plate, use the stolen number on another vehicle, or assume that a police report alone makes the car legal to operate.
A stolen plate can later be attached to another vehicle and used for toll evasion, parking violations, traffic offenses, or other crimes. Prompt reporting and careful documentation help establish that the plate was no longer under your control.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
First, make sure the plate was actually stolen
Before filing a theft report, check whether the plate was moved, covered, removed during towing, or taken by a parking or law-enforcement authority. Check the vehicle’s usual parking area, towing records, and any notices left on the vehicle.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →If the plate is missing and theft is likely:
- Photograph the empty mounting bracket, damaged screws, surrounding bodywork, and any remaining plate.
- Write down where and approximately when you last saw the plate.
- Record the plate number, issuing state, vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, color, and registration details.
- Do not confront anyone you suspect of taking it.
If only one of two plates is missing, keep the remaining plate secure. Do not move it to another vehicle or discard it unless your state motor-vehicle agency tells you to surrender it.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Durable Stainless】Crafted from premium 316 stainless steel, these license plate fasteners deliver superior rust resistance and long-lasting durability. Withstand rain, snow, and car washes without corrosion—keep your plate firmly mounted for years of reliable use.
- 【Perfect Fit】Includes 4 standard self-tapping screws (1/4" diameter × 3/4" length), designed for plastic license plate mounting points commonly found on most U.S. vehicles. The precisely matched size ensures a firm, rattle-free hold for both front and rear plates. Note: Not compatible with vehicles that use metal threaded holes or require OEM-specific hardware.
- 【Secure Locking Design】Each screw set includes anti-vibration washers and lock nuts to keep your license plate stable even on rough roads or at high speeds. Prevents rattling noise and eliminates the risk of plate loss during long drives.
- 【Quick & Easy Installation】Installation takes only minutes—just align, insert, and tighten with a screwdriver. Comes with everything you need to replace old or rusty screws without extra tools or modifications.
- 【All-in-One Kit】Includes 4 stainless steel screws, 4 foam pads, 4 washers, 4 screw caps, and 4 optional nylon inserts for front and rear plates. Designed by LivTee for lasting reliability and a clean, professional finish.
What to do immediately
- Report the theft to local police or the sheriff’s office. Give the agency the plate number, vehicle information, location, and estimated time window. Ask for the report or case number and find out how to obtain a copy or other proof of the report.
- Contact the agency that handles vehicle registration in your state. This may be the state DMV, motor-vehicle department, county tax collector, county assessor-collector, or an authorized tag agency. Use the agency’s stolen-plate procedure, not automatically its ordinary lost-plate procedure.
- Ask whether the stolen number will be canceled or flagged. Also ask whether you must surrender the remaining plate and whether replacement plates will have a different number or configuration.
- Apply for replacement plates and registration documents. Prepare your identification, registration, insurance information, police report or case number, and remaining plate if applicable.
- Ask about lawful interim driving. Before driving, confirm whether your state permits operation with one plate, no plate, a temporary operating permit, or a temporary registration document.
- Keep a paper trail. Save photographs, the police report, DMV receipts, applications, temporary permits, replacement records, and the dates and names associated with every call.
How to report the theft to police
Tell the officer or dispatcher that the physical plate is missing and may be used on another vehicle. Provide:
- The complete plate number and state
- The vehicle’s make, model, year, color, and VIN if available
- The address or area where the vehicle was parked
- When the plate was last seen and when you discovered it missing
- Whether the other plate, registration sticker, or mounting hardware is also missing
- Any nearby camera footage, witnesses, or signs of forced removal
Request the incident number even if the agency does not immediately provide a full report. Some motor-vehicle agencies accept a case number initially but require the completed report or a specific law-enforcement form later.
Do not treat the report as the end of the process. A police report documents the theft; it does not necessarily cancel the plate, issue a replacement, or authorize you to drive without valid plates.
Contact the DMV or registration office
Stolen plates are often handled differently from plates that are merely lost or damaged. The registration agency may flag or cancel the stolen number, require the remaining plate to be surrendered, issue a new plate configuration, or require a police report before processing the replacement.
Ask these questions during the call or appointment:
Rank #2
- Designed for Vehicles that Use Plastic Screw Inserts. Fits standard license plate mounts with nylon or plastic screw inserts used by Ford, Chevy, Dodge, GMC, Jeep, Cadillac and other US-brand vehicles. May fit select import models that use nylon or plastic screw inserts such as Subaru, Honda, and Nissan.
- Not Compatible with Metal Threaded Inserts. Not for import models that use metric machine screws and metal inserts, including Toyota, Lexus, Hyundai, Kia, Audi, Volkswagen, and similar vehicles. Not compatible with Tesla rear plate mounts. Check your vehicle insert type before purchasing.
- Stainless Steel Plate Screws with Replacement Nylon Inserts. Includes 4 stainless steel license plate screws and 4 nylon inserts for repairing worn or damaged license plate mounts. Upgraded to stainless steel to prevent rust and corrosion. Suitable for installing license plates with frames or covers on compatible US domestic vehicles.
- Rustproof with Sleek Black Finish. Black plated stainless steel prevents rust streaks, discoloration, and seizing over time while providing a sleek, finished look.
- Drive Type & Size. 1/4-14 thread, 3/4” length, 3/8” hex washer head screws. Available with slotted drive or Phillips drive (depending on selected option).
- Has the stolen plate number been canceled or flagged?
- Do I need to surrender the remaining plate?
- Will the replacement have a new plate number or configuration?
- What forms, identification, insurance proof, and vehicle documents are required?
- Do I need to replace the registration card, decal, or sticker too?
- What is the current fee, and is it waived when theft is documented?
- May I drive before the replacement plates arrive?
- Is a temporary permit or temporary registration available?
- What document should I use if a toll, ticket, or citation is later connected to the stolen number?
Examples of state procedures
State rules are not interchangeable. These examples show why you should use the official process for the state where the vehicle is registered.
| State | What the official guidance says |
|---|---|
| California | For stolen plates, the DMV requires a police report along with the replacement application and other required documentation. California says lost or stolen plates generally require substitute plates with a new configuration rather than simply reusing the old number. See the California DMV replacement-plate guidance. |
| New York | The DMV lists a new-plate request, the original plate or police documentation, a completed MV-82 application, proof of identity, and proof of insurance among the requirements. A police report or qualifying MV-78B documenting theft can avoid the replacement fee. See New York DMV’s lost, stolen, or destroyed plates page. |
| Texas | Replacement plates are generally handled through the local county tax assessor-collector’s office. TxDMV lists Form VTR-60 for replacement plates or registration stickers. Its listed standard replacement-plate fee is $6 plus a $0.50 automation fee, but confirm the current amount and eligibility with the county office. See TxDMV’s license-plate information. |
| Florida | Florida’s procedure says a stolen plate reported to law enforcement can be replaced without charge when the police report or law-enforcement case card is supplied. Fees may apply without that documentation. See the Florida replacement-plate procedure. |
These examples do not establish a nationwide rule. In particular, do not assume that every state requires a police report, waives the replacement fee, issues a new number, or allows driving without a plate.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteCan you drive without a license plate?
Only if your state’s rules and your temporary documentation allow it. Requirements vary by state and may depend on whether one plate remains, whether the vehicle is registered, whether a temporary permit has been issued, and where the vehicle is being driven.
Call the DMV or law-enforcement agency before driving and ask for precise instructions about:
- Whether one remaining plate may be displayed temporarily
- Whether no plate may be displayed while a replacement is being processed
- How to obtain a temporary operating permit or temporary registration
- Where the temporary document must be displayed
- Its expiration date and whether it may be renewed
- Whether you may drive only for specific purposes, such as going to an inspection or registration office
Do not print a plate at home, alter another plate, display a handwritten number, or attach a plate assigned to a different vehicle. Those actions can create additional legal problems and may make it harder to show that you reported the original theft.
Rank #3
- Anti Theft License Plate Screws: These security screws use a unique tamper-proof design- the top of the Pan Head screw is designed with a hexagonal button head with a thimble in the center. Which cannot be installed or disassembled by an Allen wrench. You need to use the anti-theft screwdriver provided by us to keep your License plate theft proof.
- High quality stainless steel license plate screw set: Rustproof Car Number Plate Screws are made from Premium 100% 304 stainless steel, heavy-duty, sturdy and durable, corrosion-resistant, rust-resistant and weather-resistant.
- Compatibility: License plate screw kit which we provide include, screws bolts, fastener nuts, screwdriver, caps and washers.1/4"X3/4"(M6*20MM) long screws are suitable for the combined mount of tag plate, frame, and cover of most motorcycles, cars, trailers, and trucks. Self-tapping screws fit most domestic Cars & Trucks License Plate Holes that use Nylon/Plastic Retainer. We provide nylon plug- ins to adjust the size of the bumper pre-drilled holes.
- Rattle Proof License Plate:The black license plate rattle proof pad with adhesive backing is used on the back of the metal plate, reduce the vibration noise of the plate, and avoid the car license from scratching the paint of the car.
- Cool: This security screw features a unique anti-theft design with a hex button head on top and a thimble in the center. Cannot be installed or removed with common wrench, you need to use our provided anti-theft screwdriver, keep your license plate anti-theft.
For example, California states that valid plates are required and provides temporary operating permits only in specified circumstances. Its registration-permit guidance warns that a vehicle may be cited or impounded if operated without current registration or a valid registration permit. Read the California DMV vehicle-registration-permit information if you are in California; other states have their own rules.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
What if the stolen plate is used on another vehicle?
Watch for toll bills, parking tickets, automated-enforcement notices, traffic citations, insurer communications, or police inquiries connected to the plate. Do not ignore them, even if the vehicle described is clearly not yours.
Respond in writing when possible. Include:
- The notice or citation number
- The police report or incident number
- The date you reported the theft
- The date replacement plates were requested and issued
- Photographs or other evidence showing your vehicle’s condition
- Evidence that your vehicle was elsewhere, if relevant
Ask the toll agency, parking authority, court, or investigating agency how to contest that specific charge and request that it place a note on the account. Keep proof of delivery and copies of everything you submit. A replacement plate does not automatically erase an earlier toll or citation, so follow the recipient agency’s dispute procedure and deadlines.
You may also want to notify your insurer, toll provider, parking account administrator, leasing company, or fleet manager. This is especially useful if the stolen plate was linked to an electronic toll account or a vehicle that is leased or jointly owned.
When should you take identity-theft precautions?
A stolen plate by itself does not prove that your identity or financial information was stolen. A thief can use the physical plate without accessing your credit or personal accounts.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #4
- What You Get:You will receive 20 self-tapping screws and 20 galvanized nylon bases. These license plate tag screws are ideal for replacing worn-out screws, providing a clean and neat appearance that seamlessly fits with license plates, frames, and covers
- Compatibility:The nylon screw inserts are highly compatible with various license plates, frames, and accessories, allowing for quick and secure installation. Suitable for a wide range of vehicles, including cars, sedans, trucks, and motorcycles
- Easy to Install:Designed for simplicity, our license plate fasteners require no special tools—just a standard screwdriver.The mounting kit enables quick and hassle-free installation, saving you time and effort.
- High-Quality Material:Made from premium stainless steel, these screws offer excellent durability, corrosion resistance, and rust protection. Built to withstand harsh conditions, they provide long-lasting performance and help extend the life of your vehicle’s license plate setup
- Anti-Loosening & Vibration Resistant:The nylon inserts expand as the screw tightens, creating a firm grip that prevents loosening and reduces vibration, ensuring a secure and stable hold
Take additional identity-theft steps if you find evidence of broader misuse, such as unfamiliar accounts, fraudulent applications, unauthorized toll or payment accounts, unfamiliar credit activity, or documents opened in your name. The Federal Trade Commission’s IdentityTheft.gov recovery guidance can provide a personalized plan, including reviewing credit reports and accounts and considering a fraud alert or credit freeze when appropriate.
Do not request a credit freeze solely because a plate was stolen unless there are other signs of identity or financial fraud. Keep the police report and any identity-theft report together with your vehicle records if the problem expands beyond the plate.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Prevent another plate theft
After receiving replacement plates, consider using license plate security screws or other tamper-resistant mounting hardware that is compatible with your vehicle’s bracket. These fasteners may deter casual removal but are not theft-proof. Choose hardware that the vehicle owner or a legitimate repair provider can remove when necessary; do not use a mounting solution that damages the vehicle or prevents lawful service.
Also:
- Photograph the new plates and record the new number and registration details in a secure location.
- Keep a copy of the registration and insurance information available, but do not post a complete registration document publicly.
- Check that the plates are firmly attached and visible after service, repairs, or towing.
- Review toll and parking accounts after the replacement to ensure the old number is removed or marked appropriately.
Keep this document packet
Save these records until the possibility of misuse has passed:
- Photos of the missing plate and mounting area
- Police report, case card, or incident number
- DMV or county-office application and receipt
- Temporary permit or registration document
- Replacement-plate issuance record
- Copies of responses to tolls, citations, and parking notices
- Dates, names, and instructions from agency calls
This paper trail can help establish exactly when the plate disappeared, when you reported it, and when the registration agency replaced or canceled it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I report a stolen license plate if only one plate is missing?
Yes. Report the missing plate to local law enforcement and your vehicle-registration agency. Ask whether the remaining plate must be surrendered and whether the stolen number will be canceled or replaced.
Best Value
- Secure Your License Plates: Rusty or loose license plates can be an eyesore and a hassle, but Prime Ave license plate screws with Inserts make all the difference in ensuring your plates stay secure and looking great. Our car license plate screws set includes 4 screws and 4 nylon inserts, designed to deliver a secure hold for years to come.
- Durable and Dependable Stainless Steel: Constructed from polished 18-8 stainless steel, our license plate fasteners are built to withstand even the harshest weather conditions, offering superior rust resistance, be it rain, snow, or corrosive salty roads. Built to last, our car tag screws can withstand the toughest conditions while staying securely in place and shining bright.
- Anchor Nylon Inserts: Prime Ave’s nylon license plate screw inserts secure license plate screws by expanding inside the hole as the screw is tightened, creating a firm grip. They prevent loosening, eliminate vibrations, and protect the mounting surface. Corrosion-resistant and durable, they ensure a stable, long-lasting attachment, especially in oversized or unthreaded holes.
- Compatible with Most U.S. Vehicles: Whether you're driving a car, truck, or SUV our license plate screw kit is the perfect fit for vehicles with the nylon screw retainer nuts. Our #14 X 3/4" screws for license plate size and nylon retainer inserts work seamlessly with most license plates, frames, and covers, offering a versatile solution that meets all your automotive needs.
- Quick & Easy Installation: Installing your rust proof license plate screws couldn’t be simpler. No hole, no problem—just pre-drill using a 7/16" or 11mm drill bit, and you’re good to go! Truss head screws have a wide, slightly domed head with a low profile, making them ideal plate screw for distributing pressure and providing a clean finish look.
Can I use a temporary paper license plate I printed myself?
No. Do not make or alter a plate yourself. Ask the DMV whether it can issue an official temporary permit or temporary registration and follow its display and expiration rules.
Will my state automatically waive the replacement fee?
Not necessarily. Fee waivers and police-report requirements vary. Some states, including New York and Florida under the procedures cited above, provide a waiver when qualifying theft documentation is submitted; confirm the current rule with your registration agency.
Recommended Free Tools
Do I need to freeze my credit after a plate theft?
Not automatically. A stolen physical plate does not by itself show identity theft. Consider a fraud alert, credit freeze, or other FTC-recommended steps if you also find unauthorized accounts, applications, or financial activity.
The Bottom Line
Report the theft, obtain the case number, notify the correct state or county registration office, and do not drive until you know what temporary authorization—if any—your state permits. Replace the plate through the official process, preserve every document, and challenge any toll, ticket, or investigation tied to the stolen number.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
