License plates; notification in the event of theft, loss or discovery

Only if you report stolen or lost license plates can you be prevented from being charged if third parties commit administrative offenses or criminal acts with your license plates.

File a theft report with the police immediately if a license plate has been stolen.

Also report the theft, loss or discovery to the responsible registration authority. At the request of the registration authority, the vehicle owner must make an affidavit. No representation by authorized persons is possible.

In the event of loss or theft, you must also apply to the registration authority for a new license plate (see "License plates; replacement due to theft, loss or discovery" under "Related topics"). You may not operate the vehicle without license plates.

You can find information about the licensing authorities under "Further links".

• § Section 5 of the Road Traffic Act (StVG)

• Vehicle registration authorities in Bavaria
• Online police stations in Germany

  You can report the loss or theft of your license plate or vehicle in the online police station.

• Motor vehicle; information on vehicle registration
• Vehicle license plates; information
• Vehicle license plates; applying for a replacement in the event of theft, loss or illegibility