Why replace your number plates?
By law, your number plates must be clearly displayed and readable at all times. This means it’s important to replace them if they’re lost, damaged, destroyed or stolen.
How to replace your plates
Replace your plates online
The easiest and fastest way to replace your number plates is through your myVicRoads account or app.
You can replace plates online for these vehicles:
- car
- motorbike
- trailer.
Go online if you want to replace:
- lost or damaged general issue number plates
- your car’s general issue number plates with slimline number plates
- lost or damaged club permit plates.
Simply follow the instructions, pay the replacement fee and you’ll receive your plates in the mail within 7-10 working days.
You can also arrange replacement plates by calling our Custom plates team from 8.30am-5pm Monday-Friday.
The only time you’ll need to visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre is if you want to:
- purchase a new set of general issue plates or a next out of the box, custom product (like slimline black or motorcycle black plates)
- replace:
- stolen number plates
- general plates with custom plates (or vice versa)
- custom plates
- faulty number plates covered under warranty
- plates for vehicles that can’t be replaced online (see above section).
Follow these steps:
- Visit us at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre. Don’t forget to bring along evidence of your identity.
- Give back your existing number plates, if you have them.
- Pay the new or replacement number plate fee (if applicable).
- Receive your replacement plates and an updated registration certificate. For general issue plates, you’ll receive these on the spot. For custom plates, you’ll receive these in the mail within 7-10 working days.
- Attach your new number plates to your vehicle before leaving VicRoads. Make sure you bring along the right tools, as screws are not supplied with your new plates. We recommend using one-way screws to reduce the risk of theft – visit Victoria Police SAFEPL8 Campaign for more information.
Can’t visit us? You can give someone permission to act on your behalf. Simply complete and sign an Authority to act as an agent form (PDF) or letter of authority.
Make sure you include the following:
- the registered operator’s full name
- their address
- their driver licence or learner permit number
- the registered operator’s signature
- the agent’s full name and driver licence, learner permit or client number
- the transaction you authorise the agent to complete on your behalf (e.g. change number plate)
- the date the authorisation is given.
What to do about stolen or seized number plates
If someone steals your number plates, it’s important to report it to your local police station. Then simply follow the steps above to get your replacement plates.
If the police seize your plates, it’s your responsibility to replace them.
You’ll need to pay a replacement fee. If your plates are seized because of a VicRoads system error, you’ll receive them free of charge.
These can’t be re-ordered or reissued. You will need to purchase new general issue number plates with a new letter and number sequence. Follow the process above to replace your plates at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.
These can be re-ordered and re-issued. Follow the process above to replace your plates at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.
Keep in mind, if your custom plates are listed as stolen, then you may:
- be subject to police enquiries about the use of plates that were reported as stolen
- receive legal processes from parking or other traffic infringements involving the unlawful use of the original plates.
What happens if your plates are seized by Fines Victoria
They may seize your plates if you have outstanding fines or infringements and a sanction has been placed on your licence or vehicle registration. You won’t be able to replace or change your plates until your vehicle sanction has been removed.
You can do an online registration check to see if a sanction applies to your vehicle.
What to do if your plates are faulty
You have a 10-year manufacturing warranty for general issue plates, and 7-year warranty for custom plates.
Warranty covers:
- deterioration
- faulty materials
- poor manufacturing.
Warranty does not cover:
- physical impact damage
- deterioration due to normal wear and tear.
To replace faulty number plates, follow the process above to replace your plates at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre. Don’t forget to bring proof of your identity and your number plates.
If your plates are covered by the warranty, you’ll receive the new plates free of charge. For those not covered by warranty, a replacement number plate fee will apply.