When my car was gone for a while, I had to learn how to report a stolen car to the DMV all on my own, since the insurance company basically said to “keep all my documentation and report it to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) after 30 days” and even that information was not specific enough.
I live in California, so this information was based on my research from here. It can apply to where ever you live as long as you find the appropriate forms.
Please note that the main reason why you are reporting your car stolen to the DMV is to waive registration fees and not accrue additional fees while you are not operating the vehicle.
If the alleged thief is caught driving your vehicle, the police typically would have already added the car to the registry via other means and it would be identified as such.
How to Report A Stolen Car to the DMV
- Have your police report and documentation from your insurance company, dealer, or lienholder available
- Look up the procedure for Stolen or Embezzled Vehicles in your state
- Fill out the Miscellaneous Certifications form and attach supporting documentation
- Submit the form in person at a field office or by mail at the appropriate address listed on the form
IMPORTANT: If your registration was already expired and you operated the vehicle before your car was stolen, you will owe those fees. Also, as soon as you recover your car you will start to owe the registration fees again.
You do not need to get a A Certificate of Non-Operation/Planned Non-Operation Certification nor do you have to get a Salvage Certificate.
Please verify the information for your state. Here is a link to California’s procedure manual that details what I listed above.
Here are the links to the Statement of Facts and the Miscellaneous Statements forms for the state of California.
Before Reporting to the DMV
Make sure that you file a police report as soon as you realize that your car has been stolen. Please make sure that it has actually been stolen and that someone in your family has not borrowed it or you simply forgot where you parked it.
It’s easy to lose your head in a moment of panic like that.
Notify your insurance company about the car theft soon after getting your police report. If you’re still making payments on your car or if the car is in someone else’s name, your insurance company is an excellent resource on what to do in these cases. They have likely seen cases like yours dozens of times.
What happens if someone steals your car registration?
If someone steals your car registration, you should make a police report before someone tries to use it. You can help the situation by keeping a copy of your car’s registration at home.
Since you are required to keep the registration document as proof in your vehicle at all times while you’re operating it, you will have to report it to the DMV and obtain a replacement. If your license plate or sticker were stolen, you will also have to request a new one. Since these things take a while, you may have to put a temporary plate so the police don’t give you trouble for it.
Should I report a stolen license plate?
You should report a stolen license plate to your local police department. A police report is a good record keeper and lets authorities know that it has been stolen. Here in California, you must then go to the DMV office (take the police report with you and your ID), and the plate that was left in your car.
Look up the form called REG 156 (if you’re in California) and take it to the DMV field office. Oh and pay the fees to receive your new set of plates, of course.
We can’t forget those darn fees.