Prevent license plate theft by using special screws that require a special security wrench to remove. They're inexpensive and take only minutes to install.
A Simple Hack to Keep Your License Plates from Getting Stolen
Updated on Feb. 24, 2025
When gas prices are high, nasty people have been known to steal someone else’s license plates, fill their own cars with gas, drive off without paying and let the gas station cameras capture the stolen license plate number. And this practice actually is more common than one might think, says Alex Black, chief marketing officer at EpicVIN.
“I’ve heard many clients express their frustrations about this issue,” he says. “Thieves often switch license plates to evade tolls and parking fines. In some cases, they may use stolen plates to carry out more serious crimes, making it difficult for investigators to track them down.”
Thankfully, there is a way keep your license plate safe from thieves. He’s the hack, plus what to do if your tags do get stolen.
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Install License Plate Security Screws
Install a set of license plate security screws to stop the crooks before they get their sticky fingers on your plates. The screws are cheap, easy to install and available in a style to fit your vehicle. The kits come with a security wrench; keep it in a safe place so you can change plates when they expire.
What To Do If Your License Plate Gets Stolen
- Contact law enforcement agency to report the stolen license plate. Request a copy of the police report, as it can be valuable when dealing with potential legal or identity theft issues.
- Inform your auto insurer and request guidance on whether you need to file a claim or take any specific actions.
- Talk to a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) official or equivalent agency to apply for a replacement license plate. They may issue you a new plate with a different number to prevent identity theft.
- Monitor your financial accounts and personal information, as stolen license plates could potentially be used in other fraudulent activities.
FAQ
What else are car thieves targeting?
Thieves tend to go after items that are easy and quick to remove, including spare tires, exterior lamps, catalytic converters, expensive emblems (think Mercedes, BMW, Lexus), navigation systems, side mirrors on luxury cars, airbags, registration stickers and even third-row seats.
“They also steal tailgates from trucks because they’re easy to remove,” says Melanie Musson is an auto industry expert with CarInsurance.org. “Since tailgates are frequently damaged, there’s a higher demand for tailgates in good condition.”
How can I keep thieves from stealing my license plate tags?
You can score the sticker with a razor blade, to make it harder to peel off, plus park in secure or well-lit areas.
Alternatively, Chris “Moose” Pyle, an automotive expert with JustAnswer, recommends cleaning the area well and put a dab of Krazy glue under it to prevent someone from being able to peel it off.
About the Experts
- Melanie Musson is an auto industry expert with CarInsurance.org, where she has worked for nearly a decade.
- Chris “Moose” Pyle is a master-certified technician with 20-plus years of automotive experience. He has also worked as an expert for JustAnswer, the expert on-demand platform, since 2006.
- Alex Black is chief marketing officer at EpicVIN. He has been car expert for more than 15 years, working at car auctions, vehicle history providers and more.
