Massachusetts has a unique replacement system; you can print a temporary plate from the RMV website while your permanent replacement is processed. The fee is $10 per plate. Here is the full process.
My Massachusetts Plate Was Stolen. What Can I Do?
A stolen Massachusetts plate can be placed on another vehicle and used to commit violations that initially trace to your registration. Massachusetts has extensive automated toll collection and traffic enforcement throughout the Boston metro area, Route 128, and the Pike; a stolen plate can generate violations within hours.
Work through the following in order:
1. File a police report
Contact your local police department or the Massachusetts State Police. Request the incident report number; you may need it to request new plates with a new number at the RMV.
2. Notify your insurer
Call your auto insurance carrier with your policy number and the police report number.
3. Apply for replacement plates
If both plates were stolen, visit an RMV Service Center in person, you must request new plates with a new number, and cannot do this online. If only one plate was stolen, you can apply online through myRMV.
4. Print a temporary plate
After submitting your replacement application, Massachusetts allows you to print a temporary paper plate from the RMV website to use until your permanent plates arrive.
5. Monitor for violations
Watch your mail for E-ZPass toll notices, camera enforcement citations, and any other violations bearing your old plate number. Dispute each with your police report number and the theft date.
How to Get a Replacement Massachusetts Plate
The method you use depends on whether one plate or both were stolen or damaged. Massachusetts has a specific rule: if both plates were stolen, you must visit an RMV Service Center in person to be issued new plates with a new number.
Online, myRMV
Log in at mass.gov/rmv. You can order a single replacement plate online, front or rear, not both. After submitting, you can print a temporary plate immediately. Permanent replacement plates can take up to 12 weeks to arrive by mail.
By Phone
Call the Massachusetts RMV at (800) 858-3926 with your vehicle registration number, vehicle information, and a credit or debit card. Phone replacement is available for single plate replacements.
In Person, RMV Service Center
Required if both plates were stolen and you need new plates with a new number. Visit any Massachusetts RMV Service Center. Schedule an appointment at mass.gov/rmv to minimize wait time.
Both Plates Stolen?
If both front and rear plates were stolen, you cannot complete the replacement online. You must visit an RMV Service Center in person to receive new plates with a new plate number. Bring your police report.
Massachusetts Printable Temporary Plate
Massachusetts offers something most states do not: the ability to print a temporary paper plate directly from the RMV website after you submit your replacement application. This temporary plate covers you legally while you wait for your permanent replacement plates to arrive by mail, which can take up to 12 weeks.
Print the temporary plate, cut it to size, and display it in the rear license plate position. It must be clearly visible, and the printed information must be legible. The temporary plate is tied to your specific replacement request in the RMV system.
Note: The printable temporary plate is only available after you have submitted a replacement application through myRMV or by phone. It is not available for new vehicle purchases, only for replacement situations (lost, stolen, or damaged plates).
Document Checklist
Have everything ready before visiting an RMV Service Center or submitting online. Missing the RMV-3 form for both-plate situations is the most common cause of delays.
ALL REPLACEMENTS
- Valid Massachusetts driver’s license or state ID
- Vehicle registration number
- Payment for $10.00 per plate fee
- Proof of current insurance
BOTH PLATES STOLEN (ADD)
- Completed Form RMV-3, signed and stamped by your insurance agent
- Police report, strongly recommended; may be required
- An in-person visit to the RMV Service Center required
Replacement Fees
Massachusetts charges a flat $10 per plate for replacement. One important exception: if your plate was damaged to the point of illegibility, the replacement is free.
| ITEM | FEE |
|---|---|
| Standard plate replacement (per plate) | $10.00 |
| Damaged plate replacement (illegible) | Free |
| Printable temporary plate | Included with the replacement application |
Damaged or Lost Plates
Damaged Plate
If your plate has become illegible due to damage, fading, or corrosion, it must be replaced. Massachusetts waives the $10 replacement fee for plates that are damaged beyond legibility. Apply online at myRMV, by phone, or in person. You can print a temporary plate immediately after submitting. Your plate number is retained.
Lost Plate
For a genuinely lost plate where theft is not suspected, the replacement process is the same as for a damaged plate. A police report is not required but is recommended if any misuse is possible. The $10 fee applies. Apply online, by phone, or in person at an RMV Service Center.
Keep or Change Your Plate Number?
For most replacement situations, Massachusetts retains your existing plate number on the replacement. The exception, and the most important case, is when both plates are stolen. In that situation, you must visit an RMV Service Center in person, and a new plate number is assigned.
| SITUATION | NUMBER OUTCOME | PROCESS |
|---|---|---|
| Both plates stolen | New number assigned | In-person RMV visit required, bring RMV-3 and police report |
| One plate stolen | Existing number retained | Online, phone, or in-person |
| Damaged plate | Existing number retained | Online, phone, or in-person, free if illegible |
| Lost plate | Existing number retained | Online, phone, or in-person |