How Do I Replace a Lost or Stolen License Plate in California?

Updated August 2026

Quick answer: To replace a lost or stolen license plate in California, report a stolen plate to law enforcement, complete the correct replacement application, surrender any remaining plate, and pay the required DMV fee. Notify law enforcement immediately if both plates are missing or a single-plate vehicle's only plate is missing. Eligible standard plates can be replaced online, while personalized plates and certain other cases require a DMV office or a mail application. If your transaction qualifies, you can replace your plate online with Xtreet.

A lost or stolen license plate can affect legal driving requirements, create reporting obligations, and complicate a replacement if the vehicle record isn't current. The correct process depends on the type of plate, the number of plates missing, and the vehicle's registration status.

California's replacement rules require lost, stolen, damaged, or illegible plates to be replaced immediately. When a standard plate is lost or stolen, the DMV issues a new plate number instead of duplicating the missing plate.

How to replace a lost or stolen license plate in four steps

Follow these steps to identify the correct reporting requirements, prepare the necessary documents, and select an eligible replacement method.

1. Report stolen or missing plates when required

If someone stole your license plate, contact your local police department, sheriff's office, or the California Highway Patrol. The DMV requires a police report for stolen plates, so request a copy and keep it with your application records.

If both plates are missing, or a motorcycle, trailer, or another single-plate vehicle is missing its only plate, notify law enforcement immediately. This reporting requirement applies even if you think the plates were lost instead of stolen.

If just one plate from a two-plate vehicle is lost, the remaining plate must still be surrendered when you request a replacement.

2. Gather your vehicle information and documents

The required documents depend on the application route and the vehicle's DMV record. Before submitting a request, gather:

• Your current license plate number.
• Your vehicle identification number, including the last three digits, for a direct online DMV request.
• The registered owner's name and contact information.
• A California driver's license, state identification card, or another acceptable form of identification.
• A police report, if a plate was stolen.
• Any remaining license plate.
• The correct replacement application for your plate type.
• A valid payment method and current mailing address.

For standard plates that can't be replaced online, complete REG 156. Personalized, special-interest, and special-recognition plates may require form REG 17, REG 17A, or another plate-specific application. Please note that Xtreet cannot complete transfers or replacements for certain specialized plates online due to DMV requirements that require a visit in person to a DMV or AAA office.

Our guide to personalized plates explains those differences.

The DMV's online application doesn't allow address changes, and mailed requests require the registered owner's address to match DMV records. If your address has changed, the DMV may require an in-person application and proof of ownership. A California Highway Patrol vehicle verification may also be required if replacement plates were issued within the previous 90 days.

3. Choose the right replacement option

Eligible drivers can apply directly through the DMV or use our guided online service. The appropriate route depends on the plate type, vehicle registration status, mailing address, and applicable documentation requirements.

Our service and shipping charges are separate from state fees. You can review our fees and the current DMV fees before applying. Shipping estimates don't change DMV processing or plate-production times.

The DMV's direct online eligibility rules exclude personalized plates, disabled-person plates, vehicles with two stolen plates, motorcycles with a stolen plate, and vehicles with registration due within 30 days. Expired or suspended registration, planned nonoperation, outstanding record holds, and certain specialized plate categories can also prevent online processing.

Replacement plates can't be issued for a vehicle that isn't currently registered. If your registration has expired, complete the renewal before or as part of the replacement transaction.

4. Submit your request and save your confirmation

Submit the application through the route that matches the vehicle, plate type, and DMV eligibility requirements. An online request may require owner information, identification, a signed application, or supporting documents, depending on the transaction.

Eligible California drivers can start a replacement through Xtreet and review the applicable charges before payment. Save your confirmation, payment receipt, and any theft report until the replacement plates arrive.

If you have already submitted the same request directly to the DMV, don't submit a duplicate application. Contact the DMV for updates on the existing transaction.

Can you drive with a missing license plate in California?

Driving without a required license plate can violate California law, even if you have a police report or a replacement confirmation.

Under California Vehicle Code Section 5200, vehicles issued two plates must display one on the front and one on the rear. Vehicles issued with one plate generally display it on the rear. Section 5201 also requires plates to be securely attached, visible, and legible.

The DMV may issue a Temporary Operating Permit in qualifying situations when registration fees have been paid, but plates haven't been issued. Approval isn't automatic. Contact the DMV before driving to confirm if your vehicle qualifies.

Frequently asked questions

What should you do if someone steals your license plate in California?

Report the theft to local law enforcement, obtain a copy of the police report, and submit the appropriate replacement application as soon as possible.

What happens if you lose your license plate in California?

Request a replacement, surrender any remaining plate, and meet the requirements for your plate type. Notify law enforcement immediately if both plates or a single-plate vehicle's only plate is missing.

How much does it cost to replace a stolen license plate in California?

The cost depends on your plate type, application method, shipping choice, and payment method. The comparison table above lists the current DMV replacement fee, our service fee, and optional charges.

Is it illegal to drive without a front license plate in California?

Yes, if the DMV issued two plates for your vehicle. California requires one plate on the front and one on the rear; vehicles issued a single plate generally display it on the rear.

How long does it take to get a replacement license plate in California?

The DMV's current processing times estimate about three weeks for sequential license plates and about four months for personalized plates. If standard plates haven't arrived within eight weeks of applying, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133. Our guide to replacement plate wait times explains common delays and next steps.

Replace your lost or stolen license plate with Xtreet

A lost or stolen California license plate should be replaced promptly using the application method that matches the vehicle record, plate type, and reporting requirements. Once the replacement plates arrive, install them and update any toll, parking, insurance, or permit accounts connected to the previous plate number.

Xtreet can assist with eligible standard plate replacement requests and guide applicants through the required owner, vehicle, identification, and application information. Personalized or special-interest plate cases, two stolen plates, a stolen motorcycle plate, or certain address discrepancies may require physical forms or direct DMV processing. Expired registration must be resolved before replacement plates can be issued.

Start your plate replacement online.