Lost, Stolen & Damaged Plates
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Lost or stolen number plates
What do I do if my number plates have been lost or stolen?
If one or both of your number plates have been lost or stolen, report it to South Australia Police (SAPOL) and ask for a report number.
To make a report, call the police assistance line on 131 444.
Your local Service SA customer service centre can issue you with new standard issue plates. These will have a different plate number than your previous set.
Complete an application form (186 KB PDF) and go to a Service SA customer service centre.
A new number plate fee will apply.
Can I keep the exact same plate number?
If the plates have been reported as lost or stolen to the police, it is recommended you change the plate number. As the plate number is added to the police records, use of the same number plate can trigger false police alerts.
Your local Service SA customer service centre centre can issue you with new standard issue plates which don’t incur an annual fee, or you can choose a new special plate.
A new number plate fee will apply. This may vary depending on the type of plate you have or plate you decide to change to.
In some cases you may be able to request the same plate number, for example, you have custom or personalised plates.
You will be required to sign a disclaimer on the application form if you decide to retain the plates. In these circumstances you will be charged the normal replacement fee.
You may be questioned by the police while driving a vehicle with plates that have been reported as lost or stolen.
Can I apply for new number plates online?
No. You can download the application form (186 KB PDF) online, but must attend a Service SA customer service centre in person.
Can I still drive my car with missing number plates?
Yes, but only after you have ordered new or replacement number plates.
Once the number plates have been ordered, you can continue to drive your vehicle provided you keep the receipt with you when driving.
How much do new or replacement number plates cost?
To replace or apply for new plates, a number plate fee will apply. This may vary depending on the type of plate you have or plate you decide to change to.
How long do they take to arrive?
If you apply for new standard issue plates, these will be available immediately at any Service SA customer service centre when you attend in person.
If you are ordering replacement or new special plates, these will be available to collect from Service SA, or be posted, in approximately 10 working days.
Plates will only be issued provided the registration of the vehicle is current.
I had a special number plate and decided to change it. Can someone else now get that same special number plate?
Yes. Special number plates that have been recorded as lost or stolen and not recovered may be made available for reissue or transferred to new owners if all other criteria for availability are met.
The new applicant must be made aware of the stolen status of the number plate and that they may be subject to questioning by police. The customer must sign a disclaimer on the application form.
I have a Custom / Euro plate with an annual renewal fee. Can I get a refund on the portion of my renewal fee for the time the plate was missing?
No. No refunds are available.
How can I prevent my new number plates being lost or stolen again?
Secure your number plates with tamper-resistant screws on your vehicle. These are available from any auto or car parts store.
The screws have a one-way head which means although they can be tightened to fix the plate, screwdrivers cannot grip in an anticlockwise direction to remove them.
Check your vehicle regularly to ensure the number plates are secure.
Damaged, broken or worn number plates
What do I do if my number plates are damaged or worn?
If one or both of your SA-issued number plates are damaged or worn, you can order replacement plates online. You’ll keep the same plate number as your previous set.
Alternatively, you can complete an application form (186 KB PDF) and go to a Service SA customer service centre.
A replacement number plate fee will apply.
My number plates have some wear and tear, how do I know if they need replacing?
If your number plates cannot be easily read, and cleaning does not fix the problem, you will need to replace them. You can order replacement plates online.
Police and transport inspectors regularly check the condition of number plates. Number plates that are easy to read are essential for accurate identification of vehicles.
Number plates need to be visible from up to 20 metres away.
They must not be covered by anything, including a tow ball, plastic cover, dirt build-up, or any part of the vehicle's bodywork.
Number plates can be damaged over time by wear and tear, including exhaust fumes, chemicals, stones, the sun - all making them harder to read.
You should check the condition of your number plates regularly, particularly if you have older plates.
Can I still drive my car if my number plates are damaged or worn and I am waiting for new ones?
Yes, but only after you have ordered replacement number plates.
Once the number plates have been ordered, you can continue to drive your vehicle provided you keep the receipt with you when driving.
How long do they take to arrive?
Replacement number plates will be available to collect from your chosen Service SA customer service centre, or be posted, in approximately 10 working days.
What do I do with my damaged number plates?
When you pick up your replacement number plates from your chosen Service SA customer service centre, you can hand in your old, damaged plates.
