Number plate theft is more common than you might think – stolen plates are often used to "clone" a car so that fines and charges go to the real owner. If your plates have gone missing, act quickly.
If your plates have been stolen
- Report it to the police. Call 101 or report it online with your local force. You'll get a crime reference number – keep it safe.
- Get replacements straight away. It's an offence to drive without plates.
- Keep an eye on your post. If you receive a speeding, parking, toll or clean-air zone notice for a journey you didn't make, contact the issuer with your crime reference number and evidence of where your car was.
If your plates are lost or damaged
Plates fall off, crack and fade. You can replace them at any time – you don't need to tell the DVLA, because the registration hasn't changed.
Documents you'll need
To make road-legal plates, a registered supplier must see proof that you're entitled to the registration and proof of who you are:
- Entitlement: your V5C logbook, a V750 certificate of entitlement, a V778 retention document, or a V62/new keeper slip.
- Identity: a photocard driving licence or passport.
With Rogue Automotive you order first, then upload your documents through a secure link – we check them before your plates go into production. Read more in What documents do you need to buy number plates?
Protect your new plates
- Use anti-theft screws or one-way screws so plates can't be removed quickly.
- Combine screws with sticky pads – a plate that's bonded and screwed is much harder to pull off.
- Check your plates every so often, especially if you park on the street.
Our fitting guide explains the options. When you're ready, design your replacement plates – order by 2pm on a working day and we start making them the same day once your documents are checked.