How to Report and File a Case for a Lost License Plate?

[AbelMarie]

First, you need to report the loss to the police and then file a case at the local police station. Below is some information about what to do when your license plate is lost: Emergency Contact Numbers: If your car license plate is lost, it is best to call 110. You can also call 122. Reporting to 110 allows you to file a case, and when you need to reapply for a new plate, you will require a police certificate. Alternatively, you can call 122, which is the traffic police service number in China that handles public reports of traffic accidents. Documents Required for Replacing a Lost License Plate: Vehicle registration certificate; the owner's ID card and a copy; the 'Motor Vehicle License Plate Application Form,' which can be obtained at the vehicle management office.

[DiAva]

That day my license plate fell off inexplicably, and I was extremely anxious. When I called the police, the 110 operator asked me to first clarify which road section it fell off on, preferably providing the road name and nearby landmarks to facilitate their registration. After reporting, I had to obtain the police receipt, then immediately rush to the vehicle management office with my ID card and driving license. For the replacement, I needed to fill out forms and pay fees, and they issued a temporary license plate on the spot. Remember not to travel long distances across cities during the validity period of the temporary plate; wait until the official plate arrives before driving with peace of mind. If a license plate falls off, it must be dealt with within a month; exceeding this time and being caught by traffic police will result in point deductions and fines. Usually, when driving, check more often if the license plate screws are loose to avoid trouble later.

[VonJoshua]

I remember the last time my license plate fell off, my immediate thought was how bad it would be if someone picked it up for cloning. I rushed straight to the police station to report it. The officer asked for my vehicle model, color, and license plate number, as well as an estimated time when it fell off. If you see a fallen plate on the road, remember to pick it up—it can save you the cost of replacement. Then, with the report from the police station, head to the DMV, fill out an application form, and submit your documents. They usually issue a temporary plate on the spot. Nowadays, you can also apply for a replacement online via an app, but you need to get a certificate from the public security bureau first. It's best to complete the registration within a week of losing the plate; otherwise, it could affect your annual inspection. When parking, avoid dangerous spots to reduce the risk of it being knocked off.

[LeAlex]

My friend lost his license plate and asked me what to do, so I told him to report it to the police immediately. The police will first confirm whether the plate was stolen before filing a case. If it just fell off, he needs to specify the exact location. The police report is crucial for the record—without it, the DMV won’t process the replacement. The fee for a replacement plate is around 100 yuan, but you’ll need to go to the DMV where the vehicle was originally registered. After processing, you’ll get a temporary plate to stick on the windshield, and during this time, you should drive extra carefully to avoid being pulled over. Don’t delay replacing a lost plate—if it’s not replaced within 30 days, it counts as a traffic violation. Also, when washing your car, pay attention to cleaning the license plate slot to keep it clear and unobstructed.

[OHenry]

I was really confused when my license plate just fell off. A friend reminded me to immediately call 122 to report it. The operator will ask you to clarify the time it fell off and your recent driving route. Remember to get a case receipt. Take this receipt along with your ID card and vehicle license to the DMV. The staff will first verify the vehicle information. During the plate replacement period, they will issue a temporary paper plate, but never drive yourself to pick up the temporary plate. The whole process can be completed in three to four working days. After the old plate is reported lost, it can't be used by anyone who finds it. It's recommended to keep a set of license plate protective frames in the trunk to protect the screws from water and rust.

[LilaDella]

When I discovered my license plate was missing, my palms were sweating, and I quickly looked up the handling procedures. First, search nearby to see if it fell off due to looseness. If you can't find it, report it to the police. The officers will ask about the type and material of the license plate for record-keeping. After filing the report, keep the receipt of the police report. When going to the vehicle management office, you'll need a copy of the motor vehicle registration certificate and the police report receipt. On-site photos and vehicle inspection are required. New license plates take time to produce, and during this period, you can use a temporary plate limited to local driving. If you fail to report the loss within a month, it will be considered driving without a license plate, resulting in a 12-point deduction. When installing the license plate, use anti-theft screws for a more secure fit, reducing the risk of it falling off at high speeds.