License plate theft is a rising issue across Denver and the Front Range. Stolen plates are frequently swapped onto other vehicles to evade tolls on E-470, bypass I-25 Express Lane charges, or commit traffic violations. Until you formally report and replace your plates, those violations and their associated fines will trace straight back to you.
My Colorado Plate Was Stolen. What Shall I Do?
Do not wait. A stolen plate can be on another vehicle within minutes. Here is the correct order of actions:
- File a police report with your local department or Colorado State Patrol, and get the report number
- Notify your auto insurance company
- Visit your county clerk’s motor vehicle office within 5 business days
- Request a new plate number; do not reuse the stolen number
- Keep a copy of the police report in your vehicle until new plates arrive
- Monitor for toll notices (E-470, Express Lanes) or violations linked to your old plate, dispute with your report number
How to Get a Replacement Colorado Plate
Colorado plate replacements are handled at your county clerk and recorder’s motor vehicle office. Some counties also allow online replacement requests; check your specific county’s website.
What to Bring
- Valid Colorado driver’s license or state ID
- Current vehicle registration
- Damaged plate to surrender (if applicable)
- Police report number (stolen plates)
- Payment for the replacement fee
Replacement Fees
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard plate replacement | $10.58 per plate |
| Personalized plate replacement | Higher, varies by plate type |
| Replacement decal sticker only | $4.00 |
Colorado requires two plates on all standard passenger vehicles, one front and one rear. If both were stolen or damaged, each is replaced separately at the per-plate fee. Motorcycles require only a rear plate.
Damaged or Lost Plates
Damaged Plate
Bring the damaged plate to your county clerk’s motor vehicle office. You will surrender it and receive a replacement the same day for standard plates. You may keep your existing plate number.
Lost Plate
Visit your county clerk’s office or check if your county offers online replacement. No police report required for a lost plate. You may keep your existing plate number.
Keep or Change Your Plate Number?
| Situation | Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Stolen | Request new number | Stolen plate in circulation, toll and violation records trace to your old number |
| Damaged | Keep existing number | No risk of misuse |
| Lost | Keep existing number | Usually safe unless theft is suspected |
| Personalized | Always retained | Your combination is reserved exclusively to you |
Colorado Requires Two Plates
Colorado requires front and rear plates on all standard passenger vehicles under CRS § 42-3-202. Motorcycles are required to display only a rear plate.