License Plates can become lost, stolen, damaged, or unreadable, leaving Louisiana vehicle owners needing a replacement. A missing plate should be addressed promptly so the vehicle continues to meet state registration requirements. Louisiana provides procedures for obtaining replacement plates based on the reason for replacement and the condition of the existing plate. Vehicle owners may need registration information, identification, and applicable fees during the process. Knowing the basic replacement requirements can make it easier to handle a lost or damaged plate and keep vehicle records current.
License Plates are linked to a vehicle’s registration, so a missing or damaged plate can create practical and legal concerns for Louisiana drivers. Replacement options may differ based on whether a plate was lost, stolen, damaged, or simply needs to be replaced. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles provides requirements for requesting a replacement and receiving a new plate. Having the correct documents and registration details ready can help vehicle owners complete the replacement process with fewer delays and keep their vehicle properly registered.
How to Get a Replacement License Plate in Louisiana
If your Louisiana license plate is lost, stolen, damaged, or otherwise needs replacement, the process starts with identifying the vehicle and preparing the appropriate OMV paperwork. A Louisiana Replacement License Plate request may require vehicle and registration details, identification, and payment of applicable fees. The exact paperwork can vary based on the reason for replacement and the type of plate involved. Louisiana OMV maintains current title and registration forms through its Forms & Documents resources, so use the form that matches your transaction. For the required application and current vehicle-related paperwork, visit the official Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.
- Forms & Documents page:
- https://expresslane.la.gov/omv/resources/forms-documents
This page provides access to current OMV forms and documents used for vehicle title and registration transactions, helping you identify the appropriate paperwork for your replacement plate request.
Start by checking the official Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles Forms & Documents page for the current paperwork related to vehicle title and registration transactions. For a replacement plate request, review the available vehicle forms and confirm which application applies to your situation. Before completing the form, have these details ready:
- Plate number associated with the vehicle
- VIN and vehicle information, where applicable
- Registration information or registration certificate
- Identification required for the transaction
- Details showing whether the plate was lost, stolen, or damaged, when applicable
What Documents Do You Need for a Louisiana Plate Replacement?
For a Louisiana Replacement License Plate, the current OMV policy for a lost or stolen plate calls for a completed DPSMV 1799 Vehicle Application, with Section C completed on the reverse. The application identifies the transaction as a lost, stolen, or replacement plate request. OMV policy lists the plate number or vehicle information needed for the transaction and sets replacement and handling charges. Requirements can vary for certain specialty plates, so the exact documents should match the plate type and transaction.
DPSMV 1799 Vehicle Application
The DPSMV 1799 Vehicle Application is the key form used for a lost, stolen, or replacement plate request. The form contains a specific Section C for “LOST, STOLEN, OR REPLACEMENT” and asks for the license plate number. Louisiana OMV policy states that the applicant must complete Section C on the reverse of the form for a lost or stolen plate.
Current Registration Information
Have your current registration information available when requesting a replacement. The plate number helps identify the vehicle record, and the registration certificate can provide other vehicle details. Some special plate categories have their own replacement rules and may require the current registration certificate with the replacement request.
Identification and Vehicle Information
Keep your vehicle information ready, including the VIN, make, model, and plate number where applicable. OMV uses vehicle identifiers to connect the replacement request with the correct registration record. Identification requirements can depend on the transaction, so the current OMV instructions for your specific request should be checked before submitting the application.
Additional Information for Stolen Plates
For a stolen plate, Louisiana OMV policy states that the owner should furnish an affidavit or information of fact to the department. The same policy says the owner may report the theft to local law enforcement. A police report is not listed in this OMV policy as a universal requirement for the replacement request. Requirements can differ for dealer plates or certain special plates, so those plate categories should be checked separately.
How to Replace a Lost License Plate in Louisiana
If you have a lost plate, Louisiana OMV policy provides a direct replacement process. The current OMV policy states that a registered owner should make immediate application for a replacement when a license plate or validation sticker is lost or stolen.
- Confirm the plate is missing. Make sure the plate has actually been lost before starting the replacement request. If the plate may have been stolen, use the stolen-plate process instead.
- Gather registration and vehicle information. Have the plate number, VIN or other vehicle details, and current registration information available. These details help identify the correct vehicle record.
- Complete the appropriate application. Use the DPSMV 1799 Vehicle Application and complete Section C for a lost, stolen, or replacement plate.
- Visit the appropriate OMV or authorized location. Louisiana OMV handles vehicle transactions through its offices and other authorized service locations. Confirm the current location and transaction options before going in.
- Pay applicable replacement charges. Current OMV policy lists a $10 replacement plate fee and $8 handling fee, with other charges possible based on the plate type or vehicle.
- Install the replacement plate. After the replacement is issued, place it on the vehicle in the required position and keep the registration information with the vehicle as required.
How to Replace a Stolen License Plate in Louisiana
A stolen license plate should be handled differently from a plate that is simply missing. Louisiana OMV policy says the registered owner should make immediate application for a replacement when a plate is lost or stolen. For a stolen plate, the policy calls for an affidavit or information of fact to be furnished to the department.
What to Do After Discovering the Theft
If you discover that your plate has been stolen, record the plate number and vehicle information you have available. Start the OMV replacement process rather than continuing to use an absent plate. The current OMV policy states that an owner who has reason to believe a plate or validation sticker was stolen should furnish an affidavit or information of fact to the department.
Documents and Theft Information
Complete the DPSMV 1799 and use Section C for the lost, stolen, or replacement plate request. Have the plate number and vehicle information ready. For a stolen plate, OMV policy calls for an affidavit or information of fact. Certain special or dealer plates can have separate requirements, so their specific rules should be checked before filing.
Should You File a Police Report?
A police report is a separate law-enforcement matter. The current OMV policy says an owner may report the offense to local law enforcement; it does not list a police report as a universal requirement for a standard stolen-plate replacement. Dealer plates have a different rule: the Louisiana Used Motor Vehicle Commission states that stolen dealer plates must be reported to law enforcement and a copy of the report provided with the replacement application.
How to Replace a Damaged Louisiana License Plate
A damaged license plate can become difficult to use if its identifying characters are bent, obscured, missing, or otherwise difficult to read. Physical damage can affect the plate’s ability to clearly display the assigned plate number. A replacement request gives the registered owner a way to address a plate whose condition prevents clear identification.
Examples include:
- A bent plate that cannot sit correctly on the vehicle
- A damaged surface that makes characters difficult to read
- Missing sections or pieces of the plate
- Damage that obscures the assigned plate number
- Physical deterioration that affects clear vehicle identification
For a replacement request, have the vehicle and registration information available and complete the applicable OMV application. The DPSMV 1799 includes a specific section for lost, stolen, or replacement plates. The exact process can vary by plate type, so specialty and other special plates should be checked against their applicable OMV requirements.If the damaged plate is still in your possession, keep it available for the transaction and follow the instructions given by OMV for that plate type. The replacement request should identify the correct vehicle and existing plate record before the replacement plate is issued.
How Much Is a Replacement License Plate in Louisiana?
The cost of a replacement license plate in Louisiana includes the applicable plate fee and any required handling or transaction charges. The amount can vary based on the plate type and transaction. The table and details below show the main fees that may apply when requesting a replacement plate through the Louisiana OMV.
| Fee / Charge | Amount | When It May Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Duplicate / Replacement Plate Fee | $10 | When a replacement or duplicate plate is issued |
| OMV Handling Charge | $8 | Lost plate or sticker transactions |
| Registration-Related Charges | Varies | When the transaction includes registration services |
| Plate-Type Charges | Varies | Certain specialty or other plate categories |
| Public Tag Agent Convenience Fee | Up to $23 | When the transaction is handled by a public tag agent |
| Online Convenience Charge | Varies | When an applicable service is completed online |
Louisiana Duplicate Plate vs. Replacement Plate
Louisiana uses both duplicate and replacement terminology in its vehicle and registration processes, but the terms should be read in context. State law specifically provides for a duplicate or substitute when a number plate is lost, mutilated, becomes illegible, or is transferred from one person to another.
The distinction can be summarized this way:
| Situation | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Lost plate | The original plate is missing and a replacement or substitute is requested. |
| Stolen plate | The plate was taken from the vehicle; additional theft-related information may apply. |
| Damaged or illegible plate | The existing plate can no longer provide clear identifying information and a replacement may be requested. |
| Duplicate terminology | Louisiana law uses “duplicate or substitute” for certain lost, mutilated, illegible, or transferred plates. |
| OMV replacement | Refers to the applicable process for obtaining another plate or registration credential under OMV requirements. |
What Happens to Your Plate Number After Replacement?
When a lost plate, stolen plate, or damaged plate is replaced, the existing plate information remains important for identifying the vehicle and registration record. Louisiana law provides for a duplicate or substitute when a number plate is lost, mutilated, or becomes illegible. The owner must provide an affidavit or other satisfactory information about the situation.
Before submitting a replacement request, record your plate number if it is available. Have these details ready:
- Current or previous plate number
- Vehicle identification information
- VIN, when available
- Current registration information
- Details about whether the plate was lost, stolen, or damaged
Can You Replace a Louisiana Specialty or Personalized Plate?
Louisiana allows both specialty plates and personalized plates, but these plates can have requirements that differ from standard plates. OMV maintains a dedicated Special & Personalized Plates resource with plate options, eligibility information, fees, and application details.
Personalized Plate Replacement
A personalized plate carries a customer-selected combination rather than a standard assigned number. If the plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, the replacement request should follow the applicable OMV process. Louisiana law provides for a duplicate or substitute when a number plate is lost, mutilated, or becomes illegible.
Have the following information ready when applicable:
- Existing personalized plate number
- Vehicle registration information
- VIN or other vehicle identification
- Identification required for the transaction
- Information about the lost, stolen, or damaged plate
Specialty Plate Replacement
A specialty plate can represent a military organization, university, cause, organization, or another qualifying category. Louisiana OMV provides separate information for special and personalized plates, including eligibility and application requirements.
For a specialty plate replacement, keep the relevant information available:
- Specialty plate number
- Vehicle information
- Current registration
- Required identification
- Details about the plate’s condition or loss
Plate-Specific Requirements
OMV maintains separate resources for specialty and personalized plates, so check the requirements for the exact plate before submitting a replacement request.
- Some plates have specific eligibility rules.
- Some specialty plates have additional application requirements.
- Personalized plates can involve plate-specific rules.
- Replacement fees can vary by transaction or plate type.
Replacement License Plate vs. Replacement Registration or Sticker
A replacement license plate, replacement registration, and replacement sticker are separate vehicle documents. The correct replacement depends on what was lost, damaged, stolen, or no longer usable. This section explains the difference between each item and the information typically needed for the replacement process.
| Problem | What Needs Replacement | When It Applies | Key Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lost or damaged plate | Replacement plate | The physical license plate is lost, stolen, damaged, mutilated, or becomes illegible | Plate number, vehicle information, and applicable OMV paperwork may be needed |
| Lost registration certificate | Duplicate registration | The vehicle’s registration certificate is lost, damaged, or unreadable | VIN or current plate number, vehicle information, insurance, and applicable fee may be requested |
| Lost validation sticker | Replacement sticker | The applicable registration sticker or validation item is lost or needs replacement | Registration and vehicle information may be required depending on the transaction |
| Lost plate number information | Plate record/replacement transaction | The owner needs to identify the plate connected with the vehicle | Check available registration records or OMV information |
| Damaged plate with unreadable characters | Replacement plate | Physical damage prevents the plate number from being clearly identified | The replacement request concerns the plate itself, rather than the registration certificate |
Frequently Asked Questions
Louisiana replacement plate requests can involve different requirements based on whether a plate is lost, stolen, damaged, or no longer readable. The questions below cover the replacement fee, required form, OMV process, and what to do after a stolen plate.
How much is a replacement license plate in Louisiana?
If you are asking how much is a replacement license plate in Louisiana, state law sets a $10 fee for a duplicate plate. An OMV handling fee may apply to the transaction. The exact amount can vary for certain plate types or transactions, so check the current OMV fee information before submitting the request.
How do I get a replacement license plate in Louisiana?
To learn how to get a replacement license plate in Louisiana, start with the vehicle information and current plate details. Complete the required Vehicle Application and submit the replacement request through the appropriate OMV process. Louisiana law requires an immediate application for a duplicate or substitute plate when a number plate is lost, mutilated, or becomes illegible.
What form do I need to replace a Louisiana license plate?
The main form used for Louisiana vehicle transactions is DPSMV 1799, also called the Vehicle Application. Louisiana OMV states that this form is required for vehicle title and registration transactions. For a replacement plate, complete the sections that apply to the lost, stolen, damaged, or replacement plate request and provide the vehicle information requested.
Can I replace a lost plate at the OMV?
Yes, a lost plate can be replaced through the Louisiana OMV process. Louisiana law requires the person entitled to the plate to make immediate application for a duplicate or substitute and provide an affidavit or satisfactory information about the loss. OMV policies may require the DPSMV 1799 and applicable fees for the OMV replacement transaction.
What should I do if my Louisiana plate was stolen?
If you have a stolen plate, request a replacement through the OMV process and provide the required information about the theft. Louisiana law allows the commissioner to require an affidavit or satisfactory information about the loss. A police report can document the theft and may be useful for law-enforcement purposes, but it should not be treated as a universal OMV requirement for every replacement plate request.