Can a lost license plate be reissued in a different location?
3 Answers
If a vehicle license plate is lost in a different location, it cannot be reissued there. The reissuance must be processed at the vehicle management office of the registration location. According to Article 44 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations": If a motor vehicle license plate or registration certificate is lost, missing, or damaged, the owner of the motor vehicle must apply for a replacement at the vehicle management office of the registration location. When applying, the owner must fill out an application form and submit proof of identity. Below are the required materials for authorizing someone to reissue the license plate: 1. Original and copy of the motor vehicle owner's identity proof; 2. Original and copy of the motor vehicle registration certificate; 3. Original and copy of the agent's identity proof, and a written authorization from the motor vehicle owner.
Last month when I was traveling out of town, my license plate suddenly fell off, which made me really nervous. I immediately called the local DMV to inquire, and they said it’s completely fine to get a replacement in another location. However, I had to visit the DMV in person with my ID card, the original vehicle registration certificate, and the vehicle license, and also needed to provide a lost license plate report. The whole process wasn’t particularly fast—it took about 2-3 days to get the new plate, and the cost was around 100 yuan. I think the key is not to delay too long to avoid being stopped by traffic police on the road, which could affect travel safety. Meanwhile, they suggested temporarily writing the plate number on an A4 paper and sticking it on the car to avoid trouble along the way. In short, getting a replacement plate in another location is feasible, but it’s best to handle it as early as possible—don’t wait until the last minute like I did. Also, it’s important to regularly check the screws securing the license plate to prevent such issues in the future.
If you frequently travel for business or leisure, don't foolishly wait until returning to your hometown to replace a lost license plate—the policy allows for out-of-town processing. I've personally tried it: just bring your ID and vehicle registration to the local DMV. You'll need to fill out an application form and may be asked to provide vehicle photos or a police report. The process usually takes 1-2 working days, with fees ranging between 100-150 yuan, similar to your registration location. However, out-of-town processing might be slower due to cross-province data verification via the system. I recommend calling ahead to confirm local requirements to avoid wasted trips. Also, after completion, double-check that the new plate is securely installed—issues like this often occur during travel. Regularly inspecting screws and components during car maintenance can save you a lot of hassle.
