Cloned vehicle number plates
Criminals steal or copy vehicle number plates to use on other vehicles.
They do this to avoid fines, sell stolen vehicles, and commit crimes.
You may have reason to believe that someone is using your number plate if, for example:
- you received a driving fine or notice, but it's not your vehicle; or
- you saw or heard about a vehicle using your number plates
You can report this to us.
My number plates were stolen
If someone removed and took your vehicle number plates, you can report the theft.
I received a fine or notice, but it’s not my vehicle
When you report cloned number plates, we'll ask you for details of any fines or notices you may have received. This helps us build a picture of where the other vehicle may be.
We're unable to stop letters from being sent to you, even if they're coming from the police. Instead, you need to respond to each letter you receive, explaining the situation. Each letter will include details on how to respond. If you have reported cloned plates to us, you can let them know.
What happens when I report
Our priority is to stop criminals and keep roads safe. Where possible, we'll update you about the other vehicle. We'll contact you if we need more information.
Please continue to respond to the sender of each fine or notice you receive.
Using your vehicle
You can continue to use your vehicle as long as it has number plates. If a police officer stops you, please tell them you have submitted a cloned plates report.
They may ask to see:
- the receipt code from your cloned plates report
- your vehicle log book (V5C)
- your driving licence
Report it
Tell us using our online form.
We'll share the details of your report with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You do not need to contact them. For information on how your data is handled, please read our privacy notice.
You may still receive fines or notices after reporting. These letters may continue until we find the other vehicle.
If you'd like to report again, every new fine or notice can tell us something about the vehicle's activity.
We'd especially like to know about fines or notices from new locations.