My license plate was stolen from my car. Should I be worried?

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to overlook seemingly insignificant things, such as the papers we keep in our cars. We only check our car documents when required by law or for insurance reasons, right? However, what happens when you find out that your car’s license plate has been stolen and you have no idea how long it’s been stolen? Wouldn’t you panic? This article, My Car License Plate Was Stolen. Should I Be Worried?  explains what to do in such situations.

My license plate was stolen from my car. Should I be worried?

Losing your car registration can be a stressful experience. You may wonder if this will lead to further complications, such as identity theft or other complicated legal issues. Here’s what you need to know. 

Why would someone steal a car license plate?  

You might think that a car license plate doesn’t have much value to a thief. After all, it’s just a non-transferable piece of paper, easily replaceable and with no monetary value. In contrast, a car license plate contains personal information, such as your name and home address. In the wrong hands, this information could be used to steal cars, clone documents, defraud insurance companies and steal identities. People don’t steal without a reason! 

For example, with your car’s license plate in hand, they will know your home address and can target your residence, steal your car, and easily create fake documents to sell it. 

What immediate steps should you take?  

When you realize that your license plate has been stolen, you need to act immediately. Don’t put it off for another day. Here’s what you should do. 

Step 1: Report the theft 

The first step you should take in this case is to file a police report. It is very important to document that a theft has occurred. This report will protect you in case your information is misused. Visit your local police office to file a report for the stolen registration. If you do not have time, you can also do this by phone or email. Whatever your option, do not forget to get a copy of the police report. You will need it when you apply for a replacement vehicle registration, for insurance purposes, and to show the police if you are stopped. 

Step 2: Notify your DMV 

Your next priority is to report the stolen license plate to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and request a replacement registration card. The DMV may also flag your vehicle information to prevent fraudulent activity. 

In some states, the DMV requires you to appear in person to apply for a replacement. Remember to bring your vehicle information, such as proof of ownership, VIN numbers, license plate, and police report, along with the license plate replacement fee. Other states require the application to be made through the local Secretary of State or tax collector’s office. 

Step 3: Report the theft to your auto insurance provider

When you report your license plate theft to your car insurance provider, they may launch a VIN search. This can be useful for detecting inconsistencies, such as cloning, and if the thief tries to claim insurance using this license plate information, they will be reported. 

Step 4: Secure your home and vehicle

You cannot take lightly the fact that a burglar has access to your address and other personal data. You should consider improving the security of your home. Make sure that doors are locked and security systems are working properly. 

Take good anti-theft measures for your vehicle and install an alarm system. A thief will think twice before considering a vehicle with a sounding alarm. You may want to park your vehicle in a garage or other secure location until you are sure the situation is under control. Why tempt the thief? 

Control your credit 

Even if your vehicle’s license plate doesn’t include your Social Security number or any other financial information, it’s a good idea to keep track of your credit report. Identity theft can come in many forms, and it’s a good idea to be on the lookout. 

Lock your credit report with the major credit bureaus to protect against identity theft. This can help prevent unauthorized credit accounts from being opened in your name. 

It would also be a good idea to run your VIN through the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) VIN Check or the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). 

What are the chances of vehicle registration theft and fraud? 

The possibility of someone using your stolen license plate to steal your car is a worrying one, but what are the odds? While it’s not very common, it has been known to happen. Thieves often choose high-end vehicles, especially those with resale value, and often strip the vehicle down for parts. Having the license plate on them makes them look legitimate. 

As for identity theft, your vehicle’s license plate provides a wealth of personal information that a determined thief can use to carry out scams, such as opening fake accounts in your name. You have to remember that we are talking about these thieves and that the vehicle was stolen for a reason. 

Nota final 

While losing your license plate may cause you to panic, it is important to stay calm. Your priority should be to protect yourself from any further harm. Take the necessary steps to resolve the problem immediately. By following these guidelines and replacing your license plate as soon as possible, you will be able to minimize any potential risks. I hope you found this guide helpful.