- Complete self-declaration and standardized form, with vehicle details; old plates returned.
- ID, vehicle registration, and, for entities, trade register extract; power of attorney if delegated.
- Fees: 17 lei per motorcycle plate, 20 lei per car, 23 lei per SUV/trailer; per set is double.
- Proof of payment required with the application.
Damaged, lost, or stolen license plates are a serious issue for any vehicle owner. Driving with illegible plates or without plates can lead to substantial fines and even the suspension of your driving privileges. Fortunately, the replacement process is relatively straightforward and quick if you know the exact steps you need to follow. Below we present the complete guide for obtaining a new set of license plates.
Documentation required for license plate replacement
Self-declaration
First, you must complete a self-declaration specifying the reason you need new plates - theft, loss, or damage. This document is submitted to the Registration Service in the municipality to which you belong. The declaration must contain complete information about the vehicle (existing registration number, make, model) and the circumstances under which the plates were compromised.
The standardized form
After submitting the self-declaration, you will complete a standardized form requesting officially the issuance of a new set of license plates. This form is available directly at the Registration Service counters or can be downloaded from the institution’s official site.
An important aspect: if the damaged plates are still in your possession, they must be returned with the application. You cannot keep the old plates, even if they are only partially damaged.
Proof of payment
Along with the application, you must also present proof of payment for the new license plates. Payment can be made at the Registration Service cashier or by bank transfer, depending on the specific procedure of each institution.
Identity documents and additional documents
In addition to the documents above, you will need:
- Copy of identity document (ID card or valid passport)
- Vehicle registration certificate (if available)
- For vehicles owned by legal entities: up-to-date extract from the National Trade Register Office (not older than 30 days)
- In case of delegation: power of attorney from the company’s legal representative, in original, accompanied by a copy of the legal representative’s identity document
Fees for new license plates
Fees for issuing new license plates vary by vehicle category. It is important to know these costs to prepare the exact amount.
Categories and rates
According to current regulations, the fees for one license plate are as follows:
- Motorcycles and mopeds: 17 lei per plate
- Standard passenger cars: 20 lei per plate
- Jeeps, SUVs and trailers: 23 lei per plate
Note: rates are per plate, not per set. Thus, for a standard car, you will pay 40 lei for both plates (front and rear).
Additional costs
In addition to the actual plate cost, there may be other minor administrative fees depending on the specific situation (for example, if you also request modification of the registration certificate). It is advisable to check all costs with the Registration Service before making the payment.
Processing times and timelines
After submitting the complete documentation and proof of payment, the new plates are typically issued the same day or within 2-3 working days, depending on the volume of requests. In exceptional cases, the period may be slightly longer.
During the waiting period, you are not allowed to drive on public roads. If you absolutely need the vehicle for urgent travel, you can request a provisional circulation permit from the Registration Service, valid for a limited period.
Special situations
Stolen plates
If the plates were stolen, before going to the Registration Service, it is advisable to file a police report. The proof of filing the complaint may be requested by the registration authorities.
Used vehicles from other countries
If you recently purchased a vehicle from abroad and the temporary test plates were damaged before the final registration, the procedure is similar, but you will need to present the vehicle import documents as well.
License plate customization
In Romania, at present, there is no option to request personalized plates with chosen letter-number combinations. The registration number is automatically assigned by the system, in accordance with current regulations.
Practical tips
- Periodically check the condition of your license plates and proactively replace them if you notice damage (faded paint, rust, deformities)
- Keep a copy of the vehicle registration certificate in several places (at home, at the office) to have quick access to the vehicle data when needed
- If the plates are lost or stolen, do not delay the replacement procedure — the sooner you act, the lower the risk that someone uses them fraudulently
- Ensure the new plates are mounted correctly and in compliance with legal standards (visible placement, secure fastening)
- For corporate entities, prepare all company documents in advance to avoid multiple trips
Replacing damaged license plates is a simple administrative procedure that can be completed quickly if you have all documents up to date. Compliance with road legality starts with ensuring your vehicle has legible plates that comply with current regulations.
