Replace lost, damaged, destroyed or stolen plates

If your number plates are stolen, you will need to report it to your local police.

General issue number plates

General issue number plates recorded as stolen or seized by the police, cannot be re-ordered or reissued. You will need to purchase new general issue number plates which have different letters and numbers.

Visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre with evidence of identity to purchase new general issue number plates. 

Custom plates

Custom plates that have been stolen or seized by the police can be re-ordered or re-issued. Information about how to get replacement custom number plates is below.

To change your general issue number plate:

• visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre with your evidence of your identity
• give back your existing number plates
• pay the new general issue number plate fee.

A new set of general issue number plates and an updated registration certificate will be given to you.

If you cannot attend an office, you may appoint an agent to act on your behalf. You will need to provide your agent with a signed and completed Authority to act as an agent form [PDF 254 kb] or a letter of authority.

The authority to act as an agent form or the original letter of authority must include the following information:

• the registered operator’s full name  
• their address 
• their driver licence or learner permit number
• the registered operator’s signature 
• the agent’s full name and driver licence, learner permit or client number 
• the transaction you authorise the agent to complete on your behalf (eg. change number plate)
• the date the authorisation is given.

To order replacement custom plates you will need to:

• visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre with your evidence of your identify
• Pay a replacement number plate fee. If the replacement plate is in the slimline format, an extra fee per plate will apply.

If your custom plates were stolen please be advised that as long as the plates remain listed as stolen, you may:

• be subject to police enquiries about the use of plates that are reported as stolen, and
• receive legal processes arising from parking and other traffic infringements involving the unlawful use of the original plates.

You are responsible for ensuring your old plates are not used illegally. You can destroy your plates by cutting each plate into two or more pieces or return them to a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.

The replacement of plates seized by police are subject to replacement fees. General issue plates cannot be reordered or reissued. You will need to purchase a new set of general issue plates which will have different numbers and letters.

All other plates may be re-ordered. While the registered operator is waiting for the plates to be made, general issue plates may be issued at no fee to allow the vehicle to be driven. 

There will be no fee to reassign the original plates to the vehicle.

If plates were seized by police because a VicRoads system error occurred, the replacement plates will be issued free of charge.

General issue number plates are covered by a manufacturing warranty of 10 years from the date of issue. Custom number plates are covered for seven years from the date of issue.

Warranty cover

The warranty covers deterioration, faulty materials and poor manufacturing. You will be able to tell by the reflective background of the plate beginning to blacken or the paint starting to crack in many fine lines (crazing).

The warranty does not cover physical impact damage or deterioration due to normal wear and tear.

Getting your replacement number plates

Take your faulty number plates to a VicRoads Customer Service Centre for replacement.

When attending a VicRoads Customer Service Centre, you will be asked to provide evidence of your identity. If you cannot attend an office, you may appoint an agent to act on your behalf. You will need to provide your agent with a signed and completed Authority to act as an agent form [PDF 254 kb] or a letter of authority.

Number plates that are covered by the manufacturing warranty will be replaced free of charge.

• General issue plates will be replaced with a new set of plates which will have a different letter and number combination.
• Custom plates will be replaced and mailed to you in approximately 7 - 10 working days.

If your number plates are not covered by the manufacturing warranty, a replacement number plate fee will apply. The fee will differ according to the type of replacement plate you request.

Keeping the same general issue number

You may keep the same general issue letter and number combination but you will be required to pay a replacement number plate fee. The new plate(s) will be mailed to you in approximately 7 - 10 working days.

Replacement plates

If a Club Permit number plate is lost, damaged or destroyed, you can order replacement plates (with the same number) online via myVicRoads (External link) to be mailed to your postal address. Replacement plates (standard or slimline) can only be ordered for vehicles with current club permits. 

Plates type	Single	Pair
Standard size (replacement)	$38.70	$77.40
Slimline size (replacement)	$140	$205
Mixed (standard + slimline)	n/a	$175

If you currently have a Club Permit, you cannot order a replacement plate in a CSC. You can only order a replacement online via your myVicRoads (External link). 

• Classic and modified 'M' type permit holders will get the numbers plates on the spot. Veteran, vintage and street rod permit holders will be mailed new club permit number plates (unless the Customer Service Centre has number plates in stock).

Slimline plates are not available for replacement at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre, they are only available upon first issue when joining the Club Permit Scheme or online via myVicRoads (External link) to be mailed to your postal address.

You will need to bring with you appropriate tools to either remove or affix your plates ensuring they are fitted to your vehicle before leaving VicRoads. Screws are not supplied with new plates.

Use one-way screws to prevent number plate theft - visit the Victoria Police SAFEPL8 Campaign for more information

Fines Victoria

If your number plates have been removed by Fines Victoria you can't replace or change them until your vehicle sanction's removed. If you're not sure whether or not a sanction applies, you can always check the registration online.