If your Vermont license plate has been lost, stolen, damaged, or become unreadable, you should replace it as soon as possible. License plates are directly connected to your vehicle registration record, and a missing or stolen plate can create significant problems if it is used on another vehicle.
Fortunately, Vermont offers several convenient replacement options. Vehicle owners can request replacement plates online, visit a Vermont DMV office in person, or complete the process by mail. Acting quickly helps protect your registration record and ensures your vehicle remains compliant with Vermont law.
What to Do If Your Vermont Plate Is Stolen
A stolen license plate can be used to commit traffic violations, parking violations, toll infractions, and other offenses that may initially appear under your name. The longer a stolen plate remains active, the greater the risk of receiving notices connected to activity you did not commit.
Taking immediate action helps protect you and creates a record of the theft.
Step 1: File a Police Report
Contact your local police department, county sheriff, or the Vermont State Police as soon as you discover the theft.
Although Vermont does not require a police report to issue replacement plates, filing one is strongly recommended because it creates an official record showing:
- The plate number involved
- The date the theft occurred
- The law enforcement agency that received the report
- The incident report number
Keep a copy of the report or incident number for your records. If future violations are connected to the stolen plate, the police report can help establish that the plate was no longer in your possession.
Step 2: Notify Your Insurance Company
While plate theft is not typically an insurance claim, notifying your insurer creates an additional record of the incident.
Provide your insurance carrier with:
- Vehicle information
- Policy number
- Date of theft
- Police report information
Maintaining thorough documentation can simplify future disputes.
Step 3: Request Replacement Plates
After reporting the theft, submit a replacement request through the Vermont DMV.
Drivers may replace plates:
- Online through Vermont DMV services
- In person at a DMV office
- By mail
Replacing the plate promptly helps prevent future issues associated with the stolen registration number.
How to Replace a Vermont License Plate
Vermont provides several methods for replacing lost, stolen, or damaged plates.
Online Through Vermont DMV Services
Online replacement is often the most convenient option.
Eligible vehicle owners can access Vermont DMV online services, verify vehicle information, pay applicable fees, and request replacement plates from home.
Once processed, replacement plates are mailed to the address associated with the vehicle registration.
For many drivers, online service is the fastest replacement method.
Replace Plates In Person
Drivers who prefer face-to-face assistance may visit any Vermont DMV office.
Bring:
- Valid Vermont driver’s license or state ID
- Current registration certificate
- Plate number or vehicle information
- Proof of insurance
- Payment for replacement fees
In-person service can be especially helpful if there are questions about vehicle records or ownership information.
Replace Plates By Mail
Mail-in replacement requests remain available for drivers who cannot visit a DMV office or use online services.
Applicants should verify current mailing instructions before submitting paperwork.
Most mail requests require:
- Vehicle registration information
- Copy of a Vermont driver’s license or ID
- Payment
- Supporting documentation if requested
Processing times may be longer than online transactions because paperwork must be reviewed manually.
Documents Required for Plate Replacement
Before beginning the replacement process, gather the required documents.
All Replacement Requests
Most applicants will need:
- Vermont driver’s license or state-issued ID
- Current vehicle registration certificate
- Vehicle information or plate number
- Proof of Vermont liability insurance
- Payment for applicable fees
Lost or Stolen Plates
Drivers replacing stolen plates should keep:
- Police report number
- Date of theft
- Law enforcement agency information
Although not required, these records provide valuable protection if future disputes arise.
Damaged Plates
If a plate is being replaced because it is damaged or unreadable, the DMV may request surrender of the original plate.
Vermont License Plate Replacement Fees
Replacement fees are established by the Vermont DMV and may change periodically.
| Replacement Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard plate replacement | Verify current fee with Vermont DMV |
| Replacement registration certificate | Verify current fee with Vermont DMV |
Drivers should confirm current fees before submitting an application because DMV fee schedules are periodically updated.
When Should You Replace a Vermont License Plate?
Many drivers assume replacement is necessary only when a plate is stolen or completely lost. However, damaged or deteriorated plates should also be replaced.
Consider replacing your plate if:
- The reflective coating is peeling
- Numbers or letters are difficult to read
- The plate is bent or cracked
- Rust or corrosion obscures information
- Mounting damage affects plate visibility
License plates must remain legible for law enforcement, parking systems, and vehicle identification purposes. Replacing a worn plate before it becomes unreadable can help prevent citations and unnecessary traffic stops.
Vermont Registration Stickers
Vermont no longer requires registration validation stickers on license plates.
Following changes implemented under state law, registration stickers were eliminated and are no longer issued for standard registrations.
As a result, replacement plates do not require the application of a registration decal.
How Long Does It Take to Receive Replacement Plates?
Processing times vary depending on the replacement method.
Online Requests
Online applications are typically processed the fastest because vehicle information can be verified electronically.
In-Person Requests
In-person service may provide the quickest resolution for drivers dealing with record discrepancies or special registration situations.
Mail Applications
Mail requests generally require the longest processing period because documents must be received, reviewed, and processed before replacement plates are issued.
If your address has recently changed, update your registration information before ordering replacement plates to avoid delivery delays.
Protecting Yourself After a Plate Theft
Replacing the plate is only part of the recovery process.
After reporting the theft and ordering replacement plates, retain copies of:
- Police reports
- DMV receipts
- Replacement applications
- Registration documents
Monitor your mail carefully in the weeks and months following the theft. If you receive parking tickets, toll notices, traffic citations, or collection letters associated with the stolen plate number, respond immediately and provide documentation showing when the theft occurred.
Keeping organized records can significantly simplify the dispute process.
Vermont License Plate Display Requirements
Most Vermont passenger vehicles are required to display both front and rear license plates.
The plates must remain:
- Securely mounted
- Clearly visible
- Legible at all times
- Free from obstructions
Drivers should periodically inspect their plates to ensure they remain in good condition and comply with Vermont display requirements.