What to Do in Case of a Lost or Stolen License Plate

Losing or having a vehicle license plate stolen is one of the most frustrating situations that drivers may encounter. Especially when a plate falls off while driving or is stolen from a parked vehicle, the process does not only require obtaining a new plate; it also brings important legal and administrative procedures that must be handled carefully.

A stolen license plate can be used by malicious individuals on different vehicles and carries the risk of being used in speeding violations, fuel theft, toll road violations, or other crimes. Therefore, once you realize that your license plate has been lost or stolen, it is extremely important to start the official procedures without delay.

In this guide, according to the latest 2026 practices, we explain in detail all procedures to follow when a license plate is lost or stolen, the required documents, the license plate renewal process, fees, and important points to consider.

What Should Be Done If a License Plate Is Lost?

When you notice that your license plate is missing, first remain calm and try to determine whether the plate actually fell off or whether it was stolen.

If the route where you think the plate may have fallen is known, you can make a quick check. However, if the plate cannot be found, you should not delay the official procedures.

Especially if you suspect that the plate has been stolen, it is recommended to apply to the security authorities without wasting time.

The Difference Between a Lost and a Stolen License Plate

A new license plate may be required in both cases. However, there are important legal differences between the two situations.

Lost License Plate

This refers to situations where the plate falls off while driving, the connection becomes loose, or it is lost due to natural causes.

Stolen License Plate

This refers to situations where the plate is intentionally removed and taken. Stolen plates can sometimes be used by criminals on different vehicles.

Therefore, making an official report in cases of theft is extremely important.

The First Step: Reporting to the Security Authorities

As soon as you realize that your license plate has been lost or stolen, you must apply to the nearest:

Police Station

Gendarmerie Command

and report the situation.

The official report prepared by the authorized personnel will provide an important safeguard for you during the following process.

If your old license plate is later used in any crime, your official notification will have great legal importance.

Can a Lost Plate Notification Be Made Through e-Government?

According to the 2026 practices, a Lost License Plate Notification can only be made through e-Government in certain lost plate situations.

This preliminary notification process can especially be used in cases such as losing only one plate.

However, in cases of stolen plates or suspicious situations, directly applying to the security authorities is the safest method.

What Happens If Only One License Plate Is Lost?

If only one of the front or rear plates is lost, the process is easier.

In this case, the existing license plate number is generally preserved.

The same license plate number is printed again with the license plate printing document obtained from the notary.

No new letters or numbers are assigned.

What Happens If Both License Plates Are Lost?

If both the front and rear plates are lost or stolen, the process works differently.

For security reasons, the existing license plate number may be cancelled.

A completely new license plate number may be created for the vehicle.

In this case, the vehicle registration information must also be updated.

Required Documents for Issuing a New License Plate

The documents that may be required during the license plate renewal process are as follows:

Turkish Identity Card

A valid identification document belonging to the vehicle owner.

Vehicle Registration Certificate

The registration document must be presented.

Lost or Stolen Plate Report

The official document obtained from the security authorities.

Mandatory Traffic Insurance

Valid traffic insurance must be available.

Vehicle Inspection

It is important that the vehicle inspection is valid.

In addition, MTV (Motor Vehicle Tax) and any traffic penalty debts may need to be checked according to the relevant regulations.

How Are Notary Procedures Completed?

Vehicle registration procedures are carried out by notaries.

The vehicle owner can apply to any notary with the required documents.

The necessary checks are performed through the system by the notary, and if approved, a License Plate Printing Document is issued.

The reference number on this document is used for the license plate printing process.

How Much Is the 2026 License Plate Printing Fee?

License plate printing fees have been updated as of 2026.

A standard license plate production fee is applied for both single and double plate printing.

In addition, the total cost may vary depending on the transaction due to notary procedures, registration changes, and other official expenses.

Especially when both plates are replaced together and a new license plate number is assigned, the total cost may be higher.

Before applying, it is recommended to check the current fees through the relevant institutions.

How Is the License Plate Printing Fee Paid?

An important change has been made to the payment system in 2026.

The license plate production fee is deposited through the digital payment systems of contracted banks using the reference number provided by the notary.

After the payment is completed, the system electronically sends information to the license plate printing center.

License plate production cannot be carried out without this approval.

Where Is the New License Plate Printed?

After completing the notary procedures, the vehicle owner applies to the Plate Printing Center of the Chamber of Drivers and Automobile Manufacturers in the relevant province.

The sealed license plate produced according to official standards is prepared within a short time.

After the plate is delivered, it is installed on the vehicle.

Can APP License Plates Be Used?

No.

The use of APP (American Press) plates that do not comply with official standards may result in various administrative penalties.

In addition, if an unsealed or fake license plate is used, the vehicle may be removed from traffic and high administrative fines may be imposed.

Therefore, only sealed license plates produced by authorized license plate printing centers should be used.

What Should Be Done After Changing the License Plate?

After receiving your new license plate, some updates must also be completed.

Update the Insurance Policy

If the license plate number has changed, you should contact the insurance company and have an endorsement prepared for your traffic insurance and, if applicable, comprehensive insurance policy.

Update HGS and OGS Records

Highway toll accounts registered with the old license plate must be updated with the new license plate information.

Otherwise, toll violations may occur.

Check Corporate Records

Records such as residential parking, workplace parking, vehicle tracking systems, and similar registrations should also be updated with the new license plate.

Can a Vehicle Be Driven After the License Plate Is Lost?

Driving a vehicle without a license plate is not legal.

Once you realize that your license plate is lost, official procedures should be started as soon as possible, and the vehicle should not be used until the new license plate is installed.

In mandatory situations, actions must be taken according to the instructions of authorized institutions within the scope of relevant regulations.

Tips for Completing the License Plate Loss Process Quickly

Report the loss officially without delay as soon as you notice your license plate is missing.

If there is a suspicion of theft, be sure to contact the security authorities.

Keep the lost plate report.

Prepare the required documents completely.

Do not delay notary procedures.

Pay the license plate printing fee using the correct reference number.

Have your new license plate printed only at authorized license plate printing centers.

Do not forget to update your insurance and HGS records.

Frequently Asked Questions

I lost one of my license plates. Will my plate number change?

No. In cases where only one plate is lost, the existing license plate number is generally preserved and a new plate is printed with the same number.

What happens if both license plates are stolen together?

For security reasons, the existing license plate may be cancelled and a new license plate number may be created for the vehicle.

Is it mandatory to go to the police when a license plate is lost?

In cases where theft is suspected, making an official report is extremely important. This report provides significant protection in possible future legal issues.

Can a new license plate be obtained on the same day?

Depending on whether the documents are complete and the workload, notary and license plate printing procedures can often be completed on the same day.

Conclusion

Losing or having a license plate stolen is an important situation that requires quick action. Especially due to the possibility that stolen plates may be used in illegal activities, official reports should not be delayed. Although notary procedures, digital payment systems, and license plate printing processes have become more organized with the 2026 practices, vehicle owners must prepare the required documents completely and carry out procedures only through authorized institutions. Completing official procedures correctly will both prevent possible legal problems and ensure that the vehicle can safely and legally return to the road.