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HomeVehicle CodeDiv. 3Ch. 1Art. 4§ 4458 Lost Or Stolen Plates

§ 4458 Lost Or Stolen Plates

Vehicle Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 4458 Lost Or Stolen Plates

Key Takeaways

  • •If both of your car's license plates or your trailer's ID plate are lost or stolen, you must tell the police right away.
  • •You also need to ask the DMV for new plates with a different number as soon as possible.
  • •The DMV will give you new plates with a new number for your car or trailer.

Example

Your car's license plates get stolen from your driveway.

You need to call the police to report the theft and then go to the DMV to get new plates with a new number.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 4458 Lost Or Stolen Plates

If both license plates or a permanent trailer identification plate are lost or stolen, the registered owner shall immediately notify a law enforcement agency, and shall immediately apply to the department for new plates in lieu of the plates stolen or lost. The department shall in every proper case, except in the case of plates which are exempt from fees, cause to be issued applicable license plates of a different number and assign the registration number to the vehicle for which the plates are issued. (Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 826, Sec. 12. Effective January 1, 2002.)

Last verified: January 21, 2026

Key Terms

license platespermanent trailer identification platelost or stolenregistered ownerlaw enforcement agencydepartmentexempt from fees

Related Statutes

  • § 16074 Correcting Department Actions
  • § 4459 Replacing Lost Vehicle Certificates
  • § 4465 Vehicle Registration Owner Information
  • § 6051 Vehicle Transfer Requirements
  • § 11106 Temporary Instruction Permits

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 4458.
View Official Source