Replace lost, damaged, destroyed or stolen plates

The law requires that number plates are displayed on your registered vehicle and they are clearly visible from a distance of 20 metres. If your number plate has been lost, damaged, destroyed or stolen, you can order new or replacement plates.

When replacing your number plates you may either purchase:

  • replacement plates with the same letter and number combination as your existing plates (with exception of motorcycles), or
  • new general issue number plates which will have a different letter and number combination.

Please note that lost, damaged or destroyed standard plates (general issue, primary producer, semi trailer) attached to a heavy vehicle will be required to be replaced with a national heavy vehicle plate.

Stolen number plates

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

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

Customers requesting replacements for stolen custom plates are advised that as long as the plates remain listed as stolen, they may:

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

Please note that general issue number plates recorded as stolen or seized by the police cannot be re-ordered or reissued, and a new general issue number plate will be allocated.

To order replacement plates you will need the following information:

  • full name of the vehicle’s registered operator
  • address of the registered operator
  • vehicle registration plate number
  • driver licence number of the registered operator
  • evidence of your identity (when attending a VicRoads Customer Service Centre).

You can order replacement general issue and custom plates by:

* A card payment fee (External link) applies

A replacement number plate fee will apply. If the replacement plate is in the slimline format, an extra fee per plate will apply.

Replacement plate(s) are normally mailed to the address of the registered operator of the vehicle 7-10 working days after the order is placed. However, delays can occur – see Vplates.com.au.

Motorcycle replacement plates

Replacement motorcycle general issue number plates can only be ordered by visiting a VicRoads Customer Service Centre. The replacement general issue plates will be issued on the spot.

Returning your old number plates

If the damaged or destroyed number plates are in your possession after you have applied for and received the replacement plates you must return them to a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.

If the lost or stolen number plates are found after you have applied for and received the replacement number plates, you must return them to a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.

Replacing plates seized by the Police

The replacement of plates seized by police are subject to the usual replacement fees. General issue plates will not be replaced, you will be issued with the next available plate in the current series.

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 a VicRoads error, such as a renewal payment allocated to an incorrect vehicle, has caused the vehicle to appear unregistered, plates will be replaced at no fee.

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 identify. 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 are normally mailed to you 7-10 working days after the order is placed. However, delays can occur – see Vplates.com.au

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) are normally mailed to you 7-10 working days after the order is placed. However, delays can occur – see Vplates.com.au.

To change your general issue number plate:

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 and address their driver licence or learner permit number
  • their signature your name as the person acting on their behalf
  • a the list of activities that can be performed by you on their behalf (e.g. change number plate... )
  • the date the authorisation is given.

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)  $35.60  $71.20
 Slimline size (replacement)  $125  $185
 Mixed (standard + slimline)  n/a  $160.80

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 (External link) Campaign for more information.

Fines Victoria

If your number plates have been removed by Fines Victoria (External link), 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.

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