If your plates are lost, damaged or unreadable, you may order a duplicate set of plates with the same number and style or obtain entirely new plates with a new number in any style. See options below.
If you wish to obtain standard or specialty plates with a new standard number, please bring your old plates if possible to a DMV office.
If you wish to order a new personalized plate number, see Personalized Plates or the application for your specialty plate. You may also order Previously Issued Plate Numbers subject to some limitations.
All fees for original license plates will apply plus a $5 substitute plate fee. A set of standard license plates costs $12 total. Fees for other plate styles will vary.
To order new plates with the same number and style, you may order by mail (best option), fax or in person at a DMV office. Fees are listed on the application.
Plates will be shipped to the DMV or Assessor's office you chose on the application and you will be notified by mail when they are ready. Please bring the old plates to the office with you if possible.
If only your plates were stolen, you must apply in person at a DMV office and obtain a new plate number. Please bring the VP 202 affidavit, any remaining plate and any police report.
All fees for original license plates will apply plus a $5 substitute plate fee. A set of standard license plates costs $12 total. Fees for other plate styles will vary.
It is recommended that you report any lost or stolen plate to your local law enforcement agency in the event your license plates are used in an unlawful manner. However, the DMV does not require a police report to accept notification of lost or stolen license plates.
You do have the option of renewing your vehicle registration for a full year. Complete an emission inspection if required and if the last test was completed more than 90 days ago. Your expiration date will change if the current expiration date is more than 35 days away. Credit will be given for the unused portion of your current Nevada registration.
If you choose to keep the same expiration date, we will issue a new registration slip and decal with your new plates or temporary movement permit. No emission inspection or registration renewal is required.
You have the option of renewing your vehicle registration for a full year. Complete an emission inspection if required and if the last test was completed more than 90 days ago. Your expiration date will change if the current expiration date is more than 35 days away. Credit will be given for the unused portion of your current Nevada registration.
License Plate Reissue
Nevada replaces nearly all license plates every eight years under a "rolling reissue" program.
This program has ended as of October 1, 2023. See AB457.
How it Works
If your license plates are more than eight years old, you may receive replacement license plates in the mail after you renew your registration. Please ensure we have your correct address.
Plates and decals are mailed separately. Place your new decal on your new plates when you receive them. DO NOT put the decal on your old plates. If you lose the decal or put it on the wrong plate, the fee for a duplicate decal is $5.00.
If your plates are unreadable and you are not due for a reissue, please order Duplicate License Plates.
Renewal Notification
Renewal postcards, web services and kiosks indicate whether you will be receiving plates. The plates are manufactured and mailed only after you renew the registration.
Renewal postcard without plate reissue
Renewal postcard with plate reissue
Notice on an internet registration renewal
Fees
Registration renewals that include replacement plates will include a Prison Industry Fee of 50 cents per plate in addition to all other applicable registration fees.
Renewals may or may not include a Plate Cost Recovery Fee of $3.00 per plate depending on the style. Generally, this fee will be applied to plates with the standard Home Means Nevada background, including Classic Vehicle and similar plates.
Specialty plates already include a production fee with the renewal and will be charged only the Prison Industry Fee.
Recycling Old Plates
The DMV encourages our customers to recycle the old license plates with us to ensure proper disposal unless the original owner wishes to keep them. You can mail them to the Carson City DMV or return them to a DMV office. Please include a note specifying the reason for the return. No appointment is necessary.
Department of Motor Vehicles
Central Services Division
555 Wright Way
Carson City, NV 89711-0700
Plate Numbers & Styles
New plates will have the same number. Nearly all replacement plates will have embossed lettering.
Plates with the Sunset background will be converted to the Home Means Nevada background. Specialty plates will keep the same style.
Exempt Styles
Nearly all standard and specialty plates including discontinued plates are subject to the plate reissue.
The following plate styles are exempt:
Blue plates manufactured through December, 1981
Circa 1982 Replica plates manufactured through June, 2015
Nevada State Anniversary plates (150th and 125th)
UNLV/UNR Plates
The UNLV plate has been redesigned twice and the UNR plate has been updated once since they were first issued in 1993. Registered owners were not required to change to the new styles. Your plates will be reissued in the original style issued when purchased. If your reissued UNLV or UNR plates are the wrong style, the DMV will make the correct plates and mail them at no charge. Contact us.
