During the rainy season, one common problem drivers may face is a lost license plate, especially when driving through flooded roads. Strong water pressure can easily dislodge a plate that is not securely fastened and carry it away.
If you suddenly discover that your license plate is missing, you may wonder what to do next and whether you need to file a police report. This article explains the process for requesting a replacement plate in simple, easy-to-follow steps.
Do You Need to File a Police Report for a Lost License Plate?
If a vehicle license plate is lost, the owner can request a replacement plate from the Department of Land Transport office responsible for that vehicle.
According to the Department of Land Transport, a police report is not required. The replacement request should be submitted to the transport office responsible for the vehicle’s registration.
Required Documents
If the Vehicle Owner Applies in Person
- Original vehicle registration book
- Original national ID card of the vehicle owner
If Someone Else Is Authorized to Apply
- Letter of authorization
- Copy of the vehicle owner’s national ID card
- Original national ID card of the authorized representative
- Original vehicle registration book
If the Vehicle Is Under Finance
- Contact the finance company to obtain the required authorization documents
- Copies of the finance company’s documents as required by the transport office
- National ID card of the authorized representative
- Vehicle registration book or other documents provided by the finance company
If the Vehicle Is Registered Under a Company
- Company registration certificate
- Copy of the national ID card of the authorized signatory
- Letter of authorization if another person is assigned to handle the application
Steps to Request a Replacement License Plate
1. Check Which Transport Office You Need to Visit
Go to the transport office where the vehicle is registered or the office responsible for the vehicle.
You can check the province shown on the license plate or refer to the information in the vehicle registration book.
2. Request a Replacement License Plate
Inform the officer that the license plate has been lost, complete the required application form, and provide details regarding the loss.
3. Submit the Required Documents
Once all documents are complete, the officer will verify the vehicle and owner information.
4. Pay the Fees
The application fee is 5 baht, and the replacement license plate fee is 100 baht per plate for cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses.
5. Wait for the New License Plate
A replacement plate generally takes approximately 15 days to produce.
While waiting, keep the payment receipt or application evidence in the vehicle in case you are stopped or asked to provide proof by an officer.
Main Costs for a Replacement License Plate
- Application fee: 5 baht
- Replacement license plate: 100 baht per plate
Therefore, if one plate is lost, the estimated total cost is 105 baht. If both the front and rear plates are lost, the estimated total cost is 205 baht.
Reference:
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Important: Do Not Make Your Own License Plate
- If your license plate is lost, do not write, print, or order a replacement from a general sign shop. Vehicle license plates are official government-issued identification plates.
- Using an incorrect or unauthorized plate may violate the law. Operating a vehicle without properly displaying the official license plate may result in a fine of up to 2,000 baht. If a plate is found to be counterfeit or an official document has been falsified, more serious penalties may apply under criminal law.
Losing a license plate during the rainy season is relatively common, especially when driving through flooded roads or areas with strong flowing water.
If your plate is lost, do not panic. Prepare the required vehicle and owner documents and contact the transport office responsible for your vehicle to request a replacement plate.
While waiting for the new plate, always keep the payment receipt or application evidence in the vehicle. It is also a good idea to regularly check that the license plate screws and mounting points are secure to help prevent the plate from coming loose again.
