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What do you do if a number plate is lost or stolen in Denmark?

One plate or both decides the route.

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Short answer

If one plate is lost or stolen, you can order a replacement plate (erstatningsplade) with the same number in Motorregistret, or deregister the car. As of November 2026 the replacement costs DKK 590 plus DKK 38 shipping, and delivery takes about 4 weeks. The receipt from Motorregistret is your permission to drive with one plate, which must sit at the back. If both plates are gone, the primary owner declares them lost in Motorregistret, after reporting a theft to the police first, and then buys new plates from a plate operator.

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Why

  1. A replacement keeps the same number.
  2. The receipt lets you drive with one plate.
  3. Theft should be reported to the police.

Details

If a second plate is lost within 2 years, you must deregister the plates and buy a new set.

Tip

Keep the receipt from Motorregistret in the car until the new plate arrives, in case of a police check.

What may differ

A damaged plate is swapped for an exchange plate at the same price, but you hand in the damaged one at a plate operator first.

Common misconception

Many think you are not allowed to drive at all until the new plate arrives.

What actually happens

With the order receipt you may drive with one plate mounted at the back.

People also ask

  • How much do new number plates cost in Denmark?
  • How do you deregister a car in Denmark?
  • Where do you hand in a number plate you found?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Traffic rules, fines and fees can change, so check the Danish authorities before you drive.

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