§ 4458 Lost Or Stolen Plates

Vehicle Code·California

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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 plates permanent trailer identification plate lost or stolen registered owner law enforcement agency department exempt from fees

References

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

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

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