Lost or Stolen License Plates in California: How to Replace Them Safely

In California, lost or stolen license plates must be replaced. This can be done online (through the DMV Virtual Office) or at a DMV office. In case of theft, it is recommended to contact the police first. The replacement cost is approximately $23–27 per set. Temporary driving permits can be obtained immediately, and new plates will arrive by mail within 2-4 weeks.

Loss or theft of license plates in California is quite common. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, tens of thousands of cases of illegal use of lost or stolen plates are reported annually in the United States alone.

If you find yourself in this situation, the main thing is to act quickly. In this article, we will look at how to replace lost or stolen license plates in California, what documents are required, and how long you will have to wait.

What to do if your license plates are lost or stolen?

It is important to act quickly to avoid possible fines or the use of your plates for illegal purposes. The procedure depends on whether it is theft or ordinary loss.

Theft of license plates

1. Reporting to the police:
   • Immediately file a theft report with your local police department.
   • Include the vehicle's VIN, the date and location of the incident, and any suspicious circumstances.
   • Although the police sometimes do not require a mandatory report for the DMV, having a report helps you avoid liability if the plates are used for illegal activities.
2. Keep a copy of the report:
   • You will need a copy of the police report to submit to the DMV when ordering a duplicate set of plates.
   • It also confirms that you took timely action to protect your vehicle.

Loss of plates

1. Verify the loss:
   • Make sure that the plates are actually lost and have not simply fallen off or onto the road.
   • Sometimes owners think their license plates are lost when they are actually nearby.
2. Submitting an application to the DMV:
   • If the plates are truly missing, you can immediately contact the DMV to get a replacement.
   • In most cases, a police report is not required if it is a normal loss.

Additional tips:

• Applying online or in person:

The DMV allows you to order replacement plates both online (through partner services or Virtual DMV) and in person at a branch. For online applications, you will need scanned copies of your registration certificate, driver's license, and proof of payment of fees.

• Payment of fees:

Replacing license plates involves a small fee, depending on the type of plates and processing speed.

• Temporary solutions:

While you wait for your new plates, you can attach a temporary replacement (Temporary Operating Permit) from the DMV to avoid fines for driving without license plates.

• Safety and control:

Ensure that the new plates are installed correctly and securely fastened to avoid loss or theft. Keep copies of all documents in case of traffic police checks.

Replacement options

Car owners in California can choose from several ways to replace their license plates depending on the situation, urgency, and availability of online services.

1. Through the DMV Virtual Office (online)

• Suitable for most cases of plate loss, especially if you have your registration and driver's license in digital format.
• You will need to upload scanned copies of vehicle registration certificate, driver's license or ID, possible additional confirmation (e.g., proof of residency)
• The fee is paid online through the DMV system.
• After the application is processed, the new plates are sent by mail or are available for pickup.

2. In person at a DMV office

• You must complete form REG 156 (Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents).
• The following must be attached to the form:
  • Proof of ownership of the vehicle (title or registration)
  • Driver's license
• This method is mandatory in complex situations: damaged title, suspected fraud, or if the car was previously registered in another state.
• Advantage: the ability to get new plates on the spot (depending on availability).

3. Through DMV business partners

• Some licensed auto services and DMV business partners can expedite the license plate replacement process.
• Partners work with the same DMV system but often process applications faster than the state office.
• The same documents are required: proof of ownership, ID, possible proof of residence, and payment of the fee.
• Convenient for those who want to avoid queues at the DMV.

Additional tips:

• Check if a police report is really necessary (recommended for theft, not required for ordinary loss).
• Plan to pay the fee in advance (depends on the type of plates and processing speed).
• After receiving new plates, make sure they are securely attached to avoid repeated loss or theft.

Replacement cost

Delivery times

1. Through the DMV Virtual Office (online)

Estimated processing time: 2–3 weeks. New plates are sent by mail. Payment and application confirmation is sent electronically, so you can track the status of your replacement.

2. In person at the DMV office

Estimated time: 2–4 weeks, depending on how busy the office is. You might get a temporary replacement (temporary plate/sticker) that lets you use your vehicle until you get the new plates.

3. Through DMV business partners

The timeframe may be shorter than at the state DMV, especially for standard plates. The time it takes to receive them depends on the type of license plates and how quickly the partner processes the documentation.

Tips:

• Plan your replacement in advance, especially if your old plates have been stolen or lost, to avoid fines for operating an unregistered vehicle.
• Check if the service provides temporary plates if you need urgent access to your vehicle.

Common mistakes

1. Not reporting stolen plates to the police

If plates are stolen, car owners often skip the step of filing a police report.

Consequences: Criminals can use stolen plates for fraud, transporting illegal goods, or avoiding fines.

Recommendation: Always file a police report and keep a copy for the DMV.

2. Incorrect or missing REG 156 form

The REG 156 form (Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents) is mandatory for the DMV. Applicants often submit their application without a completed form or with errors, causing the DMV to reject the request.

Recommendation: Check that all fields are filled out correctly, including the VIN, plate type, and owner information.

3. No current smog check

If plates are replaced at the same time as registration renewal, a missing Smog Check certificate will result in the application being blocked. This is especially important for cars older than 4 years that are not electric or hybrid.

Recommendation: check the Smog Check expiration date before submitting documents.

4. Incorrect owner or address information

The address on the forms and at the DMV must exactly match the proof of residency (lease agreement, utility bill). Any discrepancy may result in the documents being returned by mail or refused for online processing.

5. Lack of proof of ownership (title or registration)

Without a valid title or registration certificate, the DMV will not issue new plates.

If the car is under lien, you must attach a Lien Release from the bank.

6. Problems with paying fees

Online or in person at the DMV, you must pay the processing fee and, if necessary, additional taxes. Payment errors will result in delays or refusal to process your application.

FAQ

1. Can I drive without license plates if they are lost?

 No. You can obtain a temporary permit from the DMV, but the plates must be replaced.

2. Is it necessary to notify the police?

 In case of theft — strongly recommended. In case of loss — no.

3. Can I replace just one plate?

 No, in California, plates are only issued as a set (2 pieces).

4. How long does replacement take?

 On average, 2–4 weeks.

5. Can I order plates online?

 Yes, through the DMV Virtual Office, if you have standard plates.

6. Will my old number be retained?

 If your plates were personalized, you can renew that same number. For standard plates, a new number will be issued.

7. Can I transfer control to another person while the plates are being replaced?

 Yes, if you have temporary confirmation from the DMV.

8. What should I do if my plates were stolen along with my registration sticker?

 You can order both plates and a new sticker at the same time in your application.

9. Is the procedure different for motorcycles?

 No, the principle is the same, only the plates are smaller in size.

10. Is it possible to expedite the receipt of plates?

 No, in most cases, plates are manufactured centrally and sent by mail.

Conclusion

The loss or theft of license plates in California should be taken seriously and acted upon quickly, as the legality of driving and the safety of the owner depend on it. In most cases, plates can be replaced online through the DMV Virtual Office, in person at a DMV office, or through licensed business partners who have access to the DMV system. 

In case of theft, it is recommended to first report it to the police and keep a copy of the report for further submission to the DMV to avoid potential fraud. When replacing plates, it is important to submit all necessary documents, including the registration certificate or title, driver's license, proof of payment of fees, and additional documents if necessary, such as proof of residence or lien release. A current Smog Check for older cars and the correct completion of the REG 156 form are also critical for successful application processing. 

The time it takes to receive new plates depends on the method chosen: online applications are processed in 2-3 weeks, in person at the DMV in 2-4 weeks, and through business partners the process may be faster. Temporary permits allow you to drive legally until you receive your new plates. Following these recommendations reduces risks and ensures safe and efficient replacement of license plates, making the process as convenient as possible for the owner.