Stolen Licence Plate: What to Do and How to Replace It in Alberta
Most people don’t notice a stolen licence plate until someone else points it out. Whether you spotted it yourself or received a call from the police, a lost or stolen licence plate in Alberta needs to be addressed quickly. Whether you are dealing with lost, stolen, or damaged plates, most people agree that the process is straightforward once you know the steps. The longer it goes unreported, the more exposure you have to fines, fraud, and legal headaches that have nothing to do with you.
What to Do If Your Licence Plate Is Stolen
Once you have filed a police report, there are a few more steps to take right away.
- Do not drive your vehicle without a plate. It is illegal to drive without a valid licence plate, so make arrangements to tow the vehicle or obtain a temporary permit before moving it.
- Contact your insurance provider to let them know what happened. While a stolen plate alone may not trigger a claim, your insurer should be aware in case the plate gets used in an incident. Once your replacement plate is issued, you must update your insurance provider with the new plate number to prevent future issues.
- Note the date and time you discovered the plate missing, along with your plate number and vehicle make and model. The more detail you provide, the stronger your report will be.
- Visit a GoldKey Registry location to get your replacement plate processed as quickly as possible.
Note: If the registration is under your spouse’s name or belongs to a family member, such as a mother, father, son, or daughter, they will need to be present or provide written authorization before the replacement can be processed.
Someone Stole My Licence Plate: What Happens After You Report a Stolen Plate?
After you report the theft, the plate gets flagged in the police stolen vehicle database. This means that if anyone is caught using it or if it triggers a camera violation, the system can trace it back to the theft report rather than to you. That is exactly why reporting it matters. If a stolen licence plate is not reported to the police, the registered owner may be held responsible for automated traffic violations like photo radar or red light camera tickets tied to that plate.
How Do I Report a Stolen Licence Plate in Alberta?
The first thing to do when your licence plate is stolen is to call your local police service. Do not wait. Reporting a stolen licence plate promptly protects you from being held responsible for any violations tied to that plate after it leaves your possession.
Some police services require you to report in person or through a non-emergency phone line rather than online, so check your local service’s website before heading out. Once you file the report, confirm that you receive a police file number, also called a police report number, before leaving. Hold on to it. You will need it to replace the plate.
Here is a table of police services information, including Alberta agencies and their non-emergency contact numbers:
| Police Agency | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Agency Phonency Phonency Phone | 1-855-565-7555 |
| Blood Tribe Police | 403-737-3800 |
| Calgary Police Service | 403-266-1234 |
| Camrose Police Service | 780-672-4444 |
| Edmonton Police Service | 780-423-4567 |
| Lacombe Police Service | 403-782-3279 |
| Lakeshore Police Service | 587-749-0208 |
| Lethbridge Police Service | 403-328-4444 |
| Medicine Hat Police Service | 403-529-8481 |
| Taber Police Service | 403-223-8991 |
| Tsuu T’ina Police Service | 403-271-3777 |
How Do I Replace a Lost Licence Plate in Alberta?
To replace a stolen or lost plate in Alberta, visit a registry agent office after filing your police report. The replacement cost is $28, and you will need to bring the following:
- Your Alberta driver’s licence or another piece of identification proof showing your name and date of birth
- Your police file number
- A completed Licence Plate Cancellation Declaration form, which you will sign at the registry office
Add as a new bullet point directly below that bullet: If only one plate is stolen, the other must be removed and brought to the registry office to have it cancelled.
If there is any damage to your remaining plate, bring the old plate with you so the agent can assess whether it qualifies for a damaged licence plate replacement instead.
If you are replacing a lost plate rather than a stolen one, a police report may not be required in every case, but you will still need to declare it missing at a registry agent. Either way, to replace a stolen plate, visit a provincial registry agent after reporting the theft to the police.
In Ontario, the process is similar, though you would visit a ServiceOntario centre and pay a replacement fee of $59. It is also illegal to drive without a valid licence plate in Ontario, and offenders may face fines ranging from $85 to $170. You will also need to provide your police report number to ServiceOntario as proof that the plate was reported stolen. Additionally, you will need to bring the completed Application for Vehicle Registration form (SR-LV-006) when visiting the centre.
Why Do People Steal Licence Plates?
It might seem like an odd crime, but licence plate theft is more common than most people expect. Thieves often use stolen plates to hide their identity while committing crimes, which can create legal liability for the original owner.
The reasons vary, but the most common motivations include:
- Evading tolls or fines: A stolen plate lets a driver rack up charges that go to someone else’s name.
- Covering up a stolen vehicle: Plates are swapped to make a stolen car harder to track.
- Committing fraud or identity theft: Stolen licence plates are used in criminal activities, including dangerous driving, fraud, and break-ins, all under a different person’s name.
Many registered owners do not realize their licence plate has been stolen until they are contacted by law enforcement, which is why it pays to give your plate a quick check now and then. Do not forget that a stolen plate can be in use for days before anyone notices, so the sooner you spot it, the lower the risk to you as the registered user of that vehicle.
What Happens If Someone Reported Your Licence Plate?
If your plate has been flagged in the police system and you were not the one who reported it, do not panic. Contact your local police service right away to find out what the report relates to and whether the plate was used in connection with any incident.
If there are fines or violations linked to the plate during a period when it was out of your possession, your police report can serve as proof that the plate was stolen before those incidents occurred. The theft of a licence plate must be reported promptly to reduce the risk of liability for fines and criminal activities associated with the plate. Liability for tickets or criminal activity associated with the plate persists until it is officially reported stolen and cancelled.
How to Prevent Your Licence Plate from Being Stolen
There is no foolproof method, but these tips can make your plate a much less attractive target.
- Install anti-theft locking screws. These replace the standard screws and require a special tool to remove. They are inexpensive and widely available at auto shops, and some registry agents provide them free of charge. Do not forget to check that the screws are secure each time you inspect your plate, and replace any that look defective before they become a problem. If you want more tips, a quick search of images online can show you exactly how anti-theft screws are installed, which makes the whole process less of a hassle.
- Park in well-lit areas. Thieves prefer low-traffic, poorly lit spots where they can work unnoticed.
- Check your plates regularly. A glance each time you approach your vehicle takes seconds and can catch a thief early.
- Consider a plate cover. Some covers can deter casual theft while still keeping the plate visible to cameras and officers.
How to Change Your Licence Plate in Alberta
How to Get a Personalized Licence Plate in Alberta
If you want to replace an existing plate by choice, such as switching to a personalized licence plate, the process is straightforward. Visit any authorized registry agent to request your plate change, and bring your driver’s licence and vehicle registration. A personalized plate lets you choose a custom combination of letters and numbers for passenger vehicles and motorcycles, within the Government of Alberta guidelines. You can order a personalized plate through any authorized registry agent, and if your combination needs to be produced, it will be mailed to the office for pickup.
A personalized plate also makes a practical gift for a new driver or someone celebrating a milestone. Standard plates can also be transferred when you purchase a new vehicle, so you are not always starting from scratch.
What Can Someone Do With Your Licence Plate?
More than most people realize. A stolen plate gives a criminal a working identity for a vehicle. Using your licence plate number, someone could potentially link back to your vehicle’s registration details, including your VIN and owner information. In today’s world, that kind of information can be used to target a vehicle owner in ways that go well beyond a simple traffic fine.
That information, in the wrong hands, can be used to target you specifically.
Beyond identity concerns, plates are used to avoid detection while committing crimes. For example, a vehicle used in a break-in may have plates swapped from another car entirely so that witnesses or cameras capture the wrong information. That is why even a “small” crime like plate theft is taken seriously by police.
Stolen Licence Plate – Frequently Asked Questions
How to prevent plates from getting stolen?
Install anti-theft locking screws on your plate and park in well-lit, high-traffic areas when possible. Checking your plate regularly is also a simple habit that helps. While you are at it, look for signs of wear that might make the plate hard to read, since a worn plate can get you a fine just like a missing one.
How much is a replacement licence plate in Alberta?
The replacement cost is $28. You will need your police file number and valid identification when you visit a registry agent.
What do police see when they run your plates in Alberta?
When a police officer runs your licence plate, they can access your vehicle registration details and owner information through the provincial database.
What is the most stolen vehicle in Alberta?
According to recent data, the Dodge Ram 1500 Series tops the list of most stolen vehicles in Alberta, followed by various Chevrolet/GMC truck models.
Can I get a new licence plate in Alberta?
Yes. You can purchase a new licence plate through any authorized registry agent. You will need your driver’s licence and proof that the vehicle is registered in your name.
Is Alberta changing licence plates?
Yes. Alberta selected a new licence plate design featuring Moraine Lake and the provincial motto. The new plates are expected to come into service in mid-2026, though existing plates in good condition can continue to be used.
Do you need to cancel the licence plate in Alberta?
If your plate is stolen, you should complete a Licence Plate Cancellation Declaration form when you visit the registry agent. This formally removes the plate from circulation under your name.
How to terminate a licence plate in Alberta?
Terminating or cancelling a licence plate is done at a registry agent’s office. You will fill out the cancellation form and surrender any remaining plate if applicable. This is especially important after a theft.
When can I order the new Alberta license plate?
The new Alberta licence plates featuring Moraine Lake and the motto “Strong and Free” are expected to come into service in mid-2026. Existing plates in good condition can continue to be used until then.
Do you have to replace a cracked number plate?
A cracked or damaged plate that is no longer clearly readable should be replaced. Visit a registry agent office to have it assessed and get a replacement if needed.
Can I use my licence plate on another car in Alberta?
No. In Alberta, licence plates are registered to a specific vehicle, not to the owner. If you purchase a new vehicle, you will need to transfer or obtain a new plate through a registry agent.
Do I have to renew my licence plate in Alberta?
Yes. Your vehicle registration, which is tied to your plate, must be renewed annually. You can do this online or through a registry agent.
Summary: Stolen Licence Plate
As covered in this article, a stolen licence plate is more than a minor inconvenience. It can lead to fines, fraud, and criminal activity tied to your name if it is not reported right away. The steps are simple: call your local police service, get a copy of your police file number, and visit a registry agent to get your replacement plate for $28. Taking a few minutes to install anti-theft screws and check your plate regularly can save you a lot of trouble down the road.
Need to handle your plate replacement quickly? Visit GoldKey Registry to take care of it in person, or Renew Your Registration Online Now.