What replacement plates are and when you need them
Replacement plates are new license plates issued by your state's DMV when your current plates are damaged, lost, stolen, or worn beyond readability. The DMV will issue you plates with the same registration number as your original plates — you are not getting a new registration, just new physical plates.
You need replacements if your plates are bent, rusted, faded so the numbers are hard to read, or missing entirely. If your plates were stolen, you should also file a police report and bring that report number when you visit the DMV, because stolen plates can be used on other vehicles. If you lost plates in an accident or they fell off your vehicle, you can request replacements without a police report, though some states ask you to sign a statement saying they were lost.
The process is straightforward and usually costs less than your original registration fee — most states charge $20 to $50 for replacement plates, though the exact amount varies by state. You do not need to re-register your vehicle or renew your registration early; replacement plates straightforward restore what you already have.
Key Takeaways
- Replacement plates carry your same registration number and cost between $20 and $50 depending on your state.
- You can request replacements in person at your DMV office, by mail in most states, or online if your state offers that option.
- If your plates were stolen, bring a police report number; if they were lost, you may need to sign a statement at the DMV.
- Replacement plates usually arrive within one to three weeks if ordered by mail, or you can leave the DMV with them the same day if you visit in person.
- Temporary plates are not issued for replacements — you will need to display your old plates or a temporary registration document until your new plates arrive.
How to order replacement plates by mail
Most states allow you to order replacement plates by mail without visiting a DMV office. The process begins with your state's DMV website, where you will find a form specifically for replacement plates — this is different from a new registration form. You will need your current vehicle registration number, your driver's license number, and your vehicle identification number (VIN), all of which appear on your registration card.
Fill out the form, include the fee (usually a check or money order, though some states now accept credit cards by mail), and mail it to the address listed on the form. Include a brief explanation of why you need replacements — "plates damaged" or "plates lost" is sufficient. If your plates were stolen, include a copy of the police report or the report number.
Processing time varies by state. Most DMVs process mail orders within one to two weeks and mail the plates to your address on file. Some states send a tracking number so you can monitor delivery. If you do not receive your plates within three weeks, contact your DMV to confirm they received your request.
Ordering replacement plates in person at the DMV
If you visit a DMV office in person, you can often leave with replacement plates the same day, though this depends on whether your state stocks plates at that location. Bring your current vehicle registration card, your driver's license, and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease agreement). If your plates were stolen, bring the police report or report number.
Tell the DMV employee that you need replacement plates and explain why — damaged, lost, or stolen. They will verify your registration information, collect the fee, and either hand you new plates on the spot or give you a receipt and timeline for pickup. Some DMV offices keep plates in stock; others order them and ask you to return in one to two weeks.
Call your local DMV office before you visit to confirm they can issue replacements the same day. This saves you a trip if they need to order plates from a central facility. Many DMVs now allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce wait times significantly.
Online replacement plate orders in states that offer them
A growing number of states allow you to order replacement plates directly through their DMV website without printing forms or writing checks. You will log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, verify your vehicle information, select "replacement plates" as your request type, and pay the fee by credit or debit card.
The system will ask why you need replacements and may require you to upload a photo of your damaged plates or a copy of a police report if they were stolen. After you submit your order, you will receive a confirmation number and an estimated delivery date. Plates ordered online typically arrive within one to three weeks.
Not all states offer online ordering yet. Check your state's DMV website to see if this option is available. If it is not, you can still order by mail or visit in person.
What to do if your plates were stolen
If your license plates were stolen, file a police report before you contact the DMV. The report creates an official record that those plates are no longer in your possession, which protects you if someone uses them on another vehicle. Write down the police report number — you will need it when you order replacements.
When you submit your replacement request to the DMV, include the police report number or a copy of the report itself. This tells the DMV that the plates are stolen and not straightforward lost. Some states flag stolen plates in their system so law enforcement can identify them if they are spotted on another vehicle.
Until your replacement plates arrive, you can drive your vehicle using your current registration card as proof of registration, though you should not display the stolen plates. If you are stopped by police and do not have plates on your vehicle, show them your registration card and explain that you have reported the plates stolen and ordered replacements. Keep your police report number and DMV confirmation number with you in the vehicle.
Scam alert: Fake DMV replacement plate websites
Several websites pose as state DMV offices and offer to process replacement plate orders for a higher fee than the official DMV charges. These sites look similar to real DMV websites but have slightly different URLs — for example, using ".net" instead of ".gov" or adding extra words to the domain name.
To avoid these scams, always go directly to your state's official DMV website. The correct URL will end in ".gov" and will be listed on your vehicle registration card or on your state's main government website. Never click a link from an email or search ad claiming to be the DMV; instead, type the DMV website address directly into your browser.
If you order through a fake site, you may pay $50 to $100 extra and receive nothing, or receive plates that are not properly registered to your vehicle. Order only through your state's official DMV website, by mail using forms from the official website, or in person at a DMV office.
Temporary registration while you wait for replacement plates
If you need to drive your vehicle before your replacement plates arrive, you have a few options depending on your state. Some states issue a temporary registration document that you can display in your window until your plates arrive. Others allow you to continue driving with your old plates if they are still readable, even if they are damaged.
Ask the DMV when you order your replacements whether you need a temporary registration. If you ordered by mail, call your DMV office to ask. If you ordered in person, the employee will tell you what to display while you wait. In most cases, carrying your registration card and the DMV confirmation number is sufficient, but it is better to confirm with your specific DMV office.
Do not drive without any plates or registration document. If you are stopped by police and cannot show proof of registration, you can be cited even if you have ordered replacements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to renew my registration early if I order replacement plates?
No. Replacement plates do not change your registration renewal date. Your registration remains valid until the expiration date on your current registration card, and you will renew at that time as usual. The new plates straightforward restore your existing registration.
Can I choose a different number or vanity plate when I order replacements?
No. Replacement plates must carry the same registration number as your original plates. If you want a different number or a vanity plate, you would need to request a new registration, which is a separate process and usually costs more. Contact your DMV to learn about vanity plate options.
What if I moved to a different state since I got my original plates?
If you moved and registered your vehicle in a new state, you cannot order replacement plates for your old state's plates. You will need to register your vehicle in your new state, which includes getting new plates. Contact your new state's DMV to begin the registration process.
How long do replacement plates take if I order by mail?
Most states process mail orders within one to two weeks and mail the plates to your address. Total delivery time is usually one to three weeks from the date you mail your request. Some states provide tracking numbers so you can monitor delivery. If you do not receive your plates within three weeks, contact your DMV to confirm they received your order.
Can I get replacement plates if my registration is expired?
No. You must have a current, valid registration to order replacement plates. If your registration has expired, you will need to renew it first. Contact your DMV about renewing your registration, and then you can order replacement plates.