If one or both of your SA standard issued 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.
Your local Service SA centre can issue you with new standard issue 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.
There is a different process if your plates are damaged or worn.
Keeping the same plate number
If the plates have been reported as lost or stolen to the police, we recommend you change the plate number. Once it's added to police records, use of the same number can trigger false police alerts.
Your local Service SA centre can issue you with new standard plates which don't incur an annual fee, or you can choose a new special plate.
In some cases you may be able to request the same plate number, for example, you have custom or personalised plates.
You will be required to sign a disclaimer on the application form if you decide to retain the plate. In these circumstances you will be charged the normal $33 replacement plate fee.
You may be questioned by the police while driving a vehicle with plates that have been reported as lost or stolen.
1. Complete the form
Replace number plates (186.9 KB PDF)
2. Submit the form
In person
Submit the form in person to a Service SA centre and pay the fee.
Post
Post the form with payment by cheque or money order to:
Service SA
GPO Box 1533
Adelaide SA 5001
Cost
$33 with a police report number
$64 without a police report number
What happens next
If you apply for new standard issue 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.
Someone can pick up the plates on your behalf if they have a digital or paper copy of the tax invoice.
Plates will only be issued if the vehicle's registration is current.
