Delaware plate replacements can be handled online or at a DMV office. Whether yours was stolen, damaged by road salt, or simply lost, here is the exact process and what it costs.
My Delaware Plate Was Stolen. What Shall I Do First?
A stolen Delaware plate can be used on another vehicle immediately. Violations, toll evasion, and other activity will initially trace back to your plate number. The faster you act, the easier it is to dispute any fraudulent use.
Immediate action checklist
- Call your local Delaware police or State Police to file a theft report, and get the report number
- Notify your auto insurance company
- Apply for a replacement at dmv.de.gov or visit a DMV office within 5 business days
- Request a new plate number; do not reuse the stolen number
- Keep a copy of your police report in the vehicle until new plates arrive
- Monitor your mail for any toll or violation notices linked to your old plate, and dispute them with the police report number
How to Get a Replacement Delaware Plate
Delaware offers online and in-person replacement. Online is the fastest option for most situations.
Online
Visit dmv.de.gov and navigate to “Replace a Registration.” Enter your vehicle registration details and pay by card. Your replacement plate arrives by mail within 7–10 business days.
In Person
Visit a Delaware DMV office in Dover, Wilmington, or Georgetown. Bring your valid Delaware driver’s license or state ID, current registration, damaged plate (if applicable), police report number (for stolen plates), and payment for the replacement fee.
| What to Bring | Required For |
|---|---|
| Valid Delaware driver’s license or ID | All replacements |
| Current vehicle registration | All replacements |
| Payment for the replacement fee | All replacements |
| Damaged plate (to surrender) | Damaged replacements |
| Police report number | Stolen plate replacements |
Delaware Plate Replacement Fees
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard plate replacement | $6.00 per plate |
| Personalized plate replacement | Higher — varies by plate type |
| Replacement decal sticker only | $3.00 |
Delaware requires two plates on all standard passenger vehicles, one front and one rear. If both plates were stolen or damaged, you pay the replacement fee for each separately. Motorcycles require only a rear plate.
Damaged and Lost Plates
For damaged plates, bring the plate to the DMV office, you will surrender it and receive a replacement on the same day for standard plates. You may keep your existing plate number.
For lost plates, apply online at dmv.de.gov or visit a DMV office. No police report is required for a lost plate (only for a stolen). You may keep your existing plate number.
Keep or Change Your Plate Number?
| Situation | Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Stolen | Request a new number | The stolen plate is in circulation, violations trace to your old number |
| Damaged | Keep the existing number | No risk of misuse |
| Lost | Keep the existing number | Usually safe unless theft is suspected |
| Personalized | Always retained | Your combination is reserved exclusively to you |
Delaware Requires Two Plates
Delaware requires front and rear plates on all standard passenger vehicles. If only one plate was stolen or damaged, you replace only that one. Motorcycles require only a rear plate.