What to Do If Your Car License Plate is Lost?
4 Answers
The first thing to do after losing your license plate is to call the police, then go to the local police station to file a report. Make sure to prepare all the necessary documents for plate replacement before going to the vehicle management office. It is advisable to carry the other old license plate that was removed from the vehicle. Fill out the 'Motor Vehicle License Plate Application Form', submit the required documents, pay the fee, and receive a temporary license plate.
Last time my license plate mysteriously went missing when I parked roadside, which really worried me. That night after discovering it, I immediately rushed to the nearby police station to file a report. The officer issued a loss certificate - this step is crucial to prevent anyone from misusing my plate for illegal activities. The next morning, I brought my ID card, vehicle registration, and that certificate to the DMV, waiting in a long queue before my turn came. After filling out an application form and paying about 100 yuan, the staff said the new plate would be delivered to my home address by express mail. It arrived four days later. During this period, I couldn't drive my car and had to take taxis to work. The whole process wasn't difficult, but delaying could lead to fines or safety risks. So when discovering a missing license plate, immediate action is necessary - reporting the loss and applying for replacement is the best strategy.
Losing a license plate is no trivial matter—it involves both driving safety and legal risks. I remember once when my plate fell off during a move, and I didn't handle it promptly, nearly getting fined at a checkpoint. My advice: Report it to the police immediately to obtain proof, which protects your vehicle information from misuse. Also, avoid driving without a plate to prevent fines or accidents. When applying for a replacement at the DMV, bring all required documents, such as your ID and vehicle registration. Costs are usually low, though policies vary by region. Driving without a plate for an extended period is not only illegal but may also void insurance coverage. In short, if you lose it, report it, apply for a replacement, and wait patiently—safety comes first.
Don't panic if your license plate is lost, just follow these three steps: First, report the loss by going to the police station to explain the situation and obtain a proof document; then, apply for a replacement by bringing your ID card and vehicle registration to the DMV to submit an application, which may require a photo of the vehicle; finally, wait to pick up the new plate and install it once received. If you still need to drive the car, remember to apply for a temporary license plate for short-distance use. The whole process doesn't take much time, so don't delay too long to avoid trouble.
