Vehicle registration number – Report theft or loss
Have one or both of your vehicle’s number plates been stolen? Have you lost one or both of your number plates?
If so, you must report the theft or loss of your number plates immediately and apply for new ones.
The old number plate will then be deactivated.
This ensures that you cannot be held responsible if another person commits an administrative offence or a criminal offence using your old number plates.
Please note: You are not permitted to drive your vehicle on public roads without number plates.
Responsible authority
- To report a theft: the police
- To obtain new number plates: the vehicle registration authority in whose district you have your main residence, business premises or branch office
is the relevant vehicle registration authority,- for a city district: the city council
- For a rural district: the district administration
Details
Prerequisite
This applies if one or both of your car’s number plates have been stolen or lost.
Procedure
What do you need to do?
- In the event of theft: You must report the theft to the police as soon as possible. The report mustinclude the followingdetails:
- official registration number
- which number plates were stolen (rear or front number plate)
- the date and time when the theft took place
- In the event of loss: You or an authorised person must expressly declare the loss to the vehicle registration authority.
The vehicle registration authority may require an affidavit regarding the whereabouts of the number plate. Many vehicle registration authorities offer forms to download for:- a statutory declaration regarding the loss of number plates
- power of attorney
- In the event of theft or loss, you or an authorised person must apply for a new number plate for your vehicle from the relevant authority. Many vehicle registration authorities offer a form to download or an online service via the internet.
The vehicle registration authority will issue your vehicle with a new number plateiand will affix the stickers (annual roadworthiness test sticker and tax disc) to it.
If you wish to drive in low-emission zones, you should also apply for a particulate matter sticker for the new number plate.
You can also have a new personalised number plate issued. Your old number plate will be deactivated for a specific period to prevent misuse.
Deadlines
Without delay
Required documents
- a valid identity card or passport
- if represented by another person: additionally
- written power of attorney
- a valid identity card or passport of the authorised person
- in the case of minors: additionally, a declaration of consent and identity documents of the legal guardians
- In the case of legal entities or companies:
- an extract from the commercial register or
- business registration certificate or
- an extract from the register of associations
- Vehicle Registration Certificate Part I (formerly: vehicle registration document)
- Vehicle registration certificate, Part II (formerly: vehicle title)
- Proof of a valid general inspection (HU)
- In the event of loss: where applicable, a declaration of loss or an affidavit from the vehicle owner
- in the event of theft, additionally: written confirmation from the police that a theft report has been filed
- if only one number plate has been stolen: the second number plate
Costs
- The fees are charged on the basis of the administrative costs involved, in accordance with the Schedule of Fees for Road Traffic Measures (GebOSt).
- Additional costs apply for number plates.
Miscellaneous
If you have retained your number plate after moving from another administrative district, the number plate combination will revert to the original registration authority and you will be issued with the distinguishing mark of your current administrative district.
Detailed information
Legal basis
Straßenverkehrsgesetz (StVG):
- § 5 Verlust von Dokumenten und Kennzeichen
Gebührenordnung für Maßnahmen im Straßenverkehr (GebOSt)
Release note
machine generated, based on the German release by: Verkehrsministerium Baden-Württemberg, 05.06.2026
