If your plates have been lost or stolen, you should report it to the South Australia Police (SAPOL) and apply for a new set of number plates.
There's a different process if your plates are damaged or worn.
- Step 1
Report the lost or stolen plates
If one or both of your SA standard set of number plates have been lost or stolen, report it to the South Australia Police (SAPOL) and ask for a report number.
To make a report (including if your vehicle has been stolen too) call the police assistance line on 131 444 or attend a police station.
- Step 2
Complete the form
Download and print the form, or get one from a Service SA centre:
Replace number plates (218.8 KB PDF)
Your local Service SA centre can issue you with a new set of standard plates. These will have a different plate number than your previous set.
If your vehicle had special number plates, like custom or personalised, you may decide to replace the same number.
Replacing the same plate number
If the plates are reported to police, we recommend you change the plate number. This is because:
- once it's added to police records, use of the same number can trigger false police alerts
- you may be questioned by the police while driving the vehicle.
If you decide to retain the plate, you'll be required to sign a disclaimer on the application form.
- Step 3
Submit the form and pay the fee
For a new set of standard number plates, you'll need to pay either:
- $34 if you have a police report number
- $65 if you don't have a police report number.
You can submit the form:
In person
Submit the form in person to a Service SA centre and pay the fee.
By post
Post the form with the correct fee (cheque or money order) to:
Service SA
GPO Box 1533
Adelaide SA 5001
What happens next
If you apply for a new standard set of plates, these will be available immediately at any Service SA centre when you attend in person.
If you're ordering replacement or new special plates, these can be collected from Service SA, or be posted, in approximately 10 working days. You can continue to drive your vehicle, but you must you keep the receipt with you when driving.
A third party can collect the plates on your behalf providing they have a digital or paper copy of the tax invoice.
Plates will only be issued if the vehicle's registration is current.
