Number plate stolen or cloned?

Practical steps from RevPlate365, with links to official DVLA guidance.

If your plates have been stolen

Report the theft and replace the missing plates before driving.

1. Contact the police and keep your crime reference number.
2. Write to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR, giving your vehicle registration and the police crime reference. You must be the registered keeper or have their permission.
3. Arrange replacement plates through a registered number plate supplier. DVLA will send confirmation to the address on your V5C.

Read DVLA’s stolen-plate guidance

If your registration has been cloned

Cloning means someone is displaying your registration on another vehicle. Unexpected fines for journeys you did not make can be a warning sign.

1. Report it to the police. In England and Wales, use the online cloned-plate form linked from the DVLA guide below, or call 101. The online form also informs DVLA. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, call 101.
2. Tell DVLA if you did not use that online form. Write to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR, with your registration and copies of incorrect fines or charges. You must be the keeper or have their permission.
3. Challenge incorrect charges with the issuing organisation. Explain the police/DVLA report and include DVLA’s confirmation letter. Follow the notice’s appeal instructions and deadlines; cancellation is not automatic.

DVLA says you can continue driving. Police may stop you and ask for the report reference, V5C and driving licence.

Read DVLA’s cloned-plate guidance and reporting link

Need replacement plates?

RevPlate365 can help with legal replacement plates. Contact us to discuss what you need and current turnaround times.

We need to check documents proving your name and address and your entitlement to use the registration. A driving licence and V5C are common examples; other accepted documents are listed in the official guidance. Reporting a theft does not replace these checks.

See our documents guide · DVLA’s accepted documents

Replacing the physical plates with the same registration does not resolve cloning. Follow the reporting and appeal process above even if you order replacements.

Independent customer guidance from RevPlate365. We are not DVLA or the police and cannot file reports or cancel penalties on your behalf. Checked against GOV.UK guidance on 12 October 2026; follow the linked official pages for updates.