What to Do If You Lose Your License Plate in Ontario

Introduction

Losing a license plate is one of those unexpected occurrences that can happen to anyone with a vehicle. It may fall off while driving on a bumpy road, be stolen, or simply go missing. However, in Ontario, it’s illegal to drive an unlicensed motor vehicle, and it can lead to fines or greater consequences if you don’t report it quickly. Many people are unsure of what happens next or who to contact.

This article provides helpful information on how to report it, get a replacement, and possibly save yourself from a scenario where your plate has landed with someone else without your knowledge.

What Happens if You Lose Your License Plate?

In Ontario, all vehicles must always display a valid license plate. If one or both of your plates are missing and you’re driving your vehicle, not only can you be pulled over and fined, but if someone finds your missing plate and uses it illegally – for example – jumping a red light or travelling across a toll without paying it, any subsequent fines or penalties will come in your name. You may also run into problems with insurance claims if your car gets into an accident, and your vehicle does not have a plate attached to it.

What to Do Immediately After Realizing It’s Missing

When you realize your plate is missing, immediately stop driving and check inside your vehicle and the area where you were last parked. It may just have fallen off to the side. Check to see if it was just a plate or if both plates are missing. Don’t take your car on the road until you sort it out, as driving without a plate is illegal in Ontario. If you parked your car at home and discovered you no longer had a plate, be sure to act quickly so that someone doesn’t take advantage of it.

Is It Lost or Stolen? And Why It Matters?

There’s a fundamental difference between lost and stolen license plates. If you’ve lost it because you misplaced it, or it fell off while you were driving, it is considered lost. If you believe that someone intentionally took it, then it is stolen.

Why does that make a difference? Because stolen plates are often used for violations like improper parking, toll skips, or worse. In Ontario, if it is stolen, you must report the theft to the police first. If you lost it, you can go straight to ServiceOntario for a replacement. For example, a Toronto driver reported their front plate stolen, only to find it had been used in a toll violation in Mississauga. Because they hadn’t filed a police report right away, the fine was initially sent to them. Filing the report helped clear the record, but it delayed the process and caused unnecessary stress.

Also Read: How To Keep Your Personalized Number Plates When Scrapping Your Car?

What Can Criminals Do With a Stolen Plate?

Stolen license plates are often used in illegal or shady activities. That’s why it’s critical to report it as soon as possible. Here are some common misuse cases:

• • Avoiding toll charges by attaching your plate to a different vehicle.
  • Disguising a stolen car to avoid detection or delay recovery.
  • Fuel theft at gas stations, especially where pay-after-fill is allowed.
  • Traffic violations, such as running red lights or speeding, where the plate is caught by cameras.

Any of these activities can be traced back to you if you don’t report your plate as missing or stolen.

Reporting a Stolen or Lost License Plate in Ontario

If your plate was stolen, you should contact your police department as soon as possible. Supply them with your plate number, the make and model of your vehicle, and where and when you saw it last. Most police services allow you to submit a report online or by phone. Make sure you get a report number, because you will need that to obtain your new plate. If you lost your plate, you can bypass the police department and go directly to ServiceOntario. Explain what happened and go through the process of obtaining a replacement plate.

Documents You Will Need for a Replacement Plate

When you go to ServiceOntario to get your missing or stolen license plate replaced, you need to bring a couple of important documents with you to help verify who you are and to prove that you own the vehicle. Additionally, providing the proper paperwork will help ensure that the old plate is cancelled in proper order because you do not want anyone to reuse your old plate.

You will want to bring the following documentation:

• • Your driver’s licence to prove your identity.
  • Proof of valid vehicle insurance is required to prove the car is insured.
  • Vehicle ownership permits the green paper slip you receive when you register your car.
  • Police report number only if your plate was stolen.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Handling a Lost Plate

Don’t make these errors—they can cost you time, money, or legal trouble:

• • Driving to ServiceOntario without a plate: It’s illegal; you should arrange a tow or inquire about temporary permits.
  • Throwing away your remaining plate: If only one is missing, return the second one to ServiceOntario. You can’t legally mix old and new plates.
  • Delaying your report: The longer you wait, the greater the risk of someone misusing your plate.

How Much Do License Plate Replacements Cost?

Currently, replacing a regular Ontario license plate costs $59. Personalized plates cost more, depending on the kind of design and options. If your plate was defective (like if it was peeling or fading) within five years of being issued, you might receive a replacement for free. Otherwise, it will never be free if it is lost or stolen.

After you get a new license plate, make sure you affix it securely to your vehicle with the proper screws. If you still have one of the plates from a pair, you have to return it to ServiceOntario. You are not allowed to have an old and a new plate on the same vehicle. Keep your receipt for your new plate and any copy of a police report you made in case you have to dispute a fine later that comes from your old plate.

Also Read: The Scrap Car Glossary: Key Terms You Should Know

Tips to Prevent License Plate Theft

You can’t always stop a plate from getting lost, but here’s how to make theft less likely:

• • Use theft-proof screws: Special screws make it harder to remove your plate.
  • Check for loose screws regularly: Plates can fall off due to vibrations or bumpy roads.
  • Avoid leaving your car parked in dark, isolated areas: These are easy targets for plate theft.

Being proactive can save you the hassle of replacing a plate and the risk of criminal misuse.

Conclusion

It may not seem like a big deal, but losing a license plate in Ontario could mean a world of trouble if you don’t act fast. First of all, check your car, report it as missing, and go to ServiceOntario to get your replacement plate. Also, don’t forget about the potential for unexpected tickets interlinked with your lost plate; contact the ticket-issuing parties as needed. And if you are having your car scrapped, ensure you are not going with just any junk car removal company. Greenway Auto Recycling has been a trusted name in safe and easy car removal throughout Ontario. They don’t just take your car,  they safely take your plates off and help you with the paperwork as well, so you have no loose ends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question 1: Can I drive to ServiceOntario if my license plate is missing?

No, driving without a valid license plate in Ontario is illegal. You should arrange a tow or contact ServiceOntario to ask if a temporary permit is available before moving the vehicle.

Question 2: Do I need to pay fines if someone misuses my lost or stolen plate?

If you report the plate lost or stolen promptly, you’re usually not liable for future violations. Without an official report, however, you could be held responsible for any tolls, tickets, or criminal misuse linked to the plate.

Question 3: How long does it take to replace a lost or stolen plate in Ontario?

In most cases, you can get a replacement license plate the same day by visiting a ServiceOntario centre with the required documents. Delays may occur if you’re missing paperwork or need to file a police report.

Question 4: What should I do if only one plate is missing from my vehicle?

You must still replace both plates, as Ontario vehicles require matching front and back plates. If one plate is missing, treat it as lost or stolen and follow the reporting and replacement process.

Question 5: Do I need a police report to replace my license plate?

Only if the plate was stolen. If it was simply lost or fell off, you can go straight to ServiceOntario without a police report. Stolen plate replacements require a police report number at the time of application.