What to Do If Your Number Plate Is Stolen in the UK
Quick Answer
If your number plate is stolen, report it to the police immediately and get a crime reference number, notify the DVLA, then order replacement plates straight away. Car Plates Pro dispatches the same day on orders before 2PM.
If your number plate has been stolen, you need to act quickly. Stolen plates are most commonly used to disguise vehicles involved in crimes, evade speed cameras, or commit fuel drive-offs. Until you report the theft and get replacement plates fitted, your registration could be linked to offences you had no involvement in. Here is exactly what to do.
Step 1 — Report it to the police immediately
Report the theft to the police as soon as you discover it. You can do this online at gov.uk/report-crime, by calling 101, or in person at a police station. Make sure you get a crime reference number. You will need this for the DVLA and it is your protection if your registration is later associated with any offences committed while the plates were not in your possession.
Step 2 — Notify the DVLA
Contact the DVLA to make them aware the plates have been stolen. You can write to DVLA Swansea, SA99 1AT, or call 0300 790 6801. Provide your registration number, crime reference number, and V5C details. In serious cases, it is possible to apply for a replacement registration number through the DVLA to distance yourself from ongoing misuse.
Step 3 — Order replacement plates straight away
Your vehicle must display number plates at all times when driven on a public road. Driving without plates, even because they were stolen, is an offence. Car Plates Pro dispatches plates the same day on orders placed before 2PM, with next working day delivery to 98% of UK addresses. Order your replacement plates here from £6.99.
As a DVLA-registered supplier, Car Plates Pro will ask for proof of identity and entitlement. See our guide on what ID you need to buy number plates.
What if I receive a fine linked to my stolen plate?
If you receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution, a penalty charge notice, or any other fine linked to an offence that occurred while your plates were stolen, contact the issuing authority immediately with your crime reference number and the date you reported the theft. The authority should cancel the notice once they confirm the plate was stolen at the time of the alleged offence.
Should I worry about number plate cloning?
Yes. Stolen plates are often used to create cloned vehicles displaying your registration. If a cloned vehicle commits offences, the notices come to you as the registered keeper. Your crime reference number creates a timestamped record that the plates were no longer in your possession. Any offence recorded after that date can be challenged using that reference. See our guide on UK number plate laws for more on your rights and responsibilities.
Can I drive while waiting for replacement plates?
Technically no, a vehicle must display plates at all times on a public road. If you must drive urgently, carry your crime reference number. Ordering with same-day dispatch from Car Plates Pro minimises the time you are without plates.
Summary: four things to do straight away
- Report to the police and get a crime reference number.
- Notify the DVLA with the crime reference number.
- Order replacement plates — same-day dispatch on orders before 2PM.
- Keep the crime reference number to challenge any fines linked to your stolen plates.