Losing a car plate is a problem that vehicle owners in Saudi Arabia may face, whether due to theft, the plate falling off while driving, or damage. In such cases, the car owner must take quick steps to issue a replacement plate in order to avoid traffic violations or illegal use of the lost plate. This article covers everything you need to know about the procedures for a lost car plate in Saudi Arabia, the required fees, how to easily issue a new plate, and the most important tips to avoid losing your plate.

What to Do When You Lose Your Car Plate in Saudi Arabia?

When you lose your car plate in Saudi Arabia, you must act quickly and notify the relevant authorities to avoid legal liability and any traffic problems or violations that may result from the lost plate being used illegally. Below are the essential steps you must take when losing a plate:

1. File an immediate report about the lost car plate via the Absher electronic platform by logging in with your national ID number or residency number if you are a resident, along with your password. Select traffic services from the main menu, search for the lost plate reporting service, enter all required data accurately, and you will receive a message confirming your report was successfully submitted. You may also report in person by visiting the nearest traffic department. This procedure aims to officially document the plate loss and protect the owner from any illegal use.
2. After filing the report by any method, pay the replacement plate issuance fee through the SADAD payment system via your bank account or banking apps.
3. Submit a request to issue a replacement plate through the Absher platform by logging in, clicking on vehicle services, selecting the relevant vehicle, and clicking on “Request Replacement Plate.”
4. The final step is receiving the new plate — after completing and approving the request, you can collect the plate from the traffic department or through the Saudi Post delivery service. With these steps, the lost car plate issue is resolved quickly and any traffic 

How to Issue a Replacement Car Plate Electronically Through the Absher Platform¹

The General Directorate of Traffic in Saudi Arabia has provided a replacement plate issuance service through the Absher electronic platform, in order to simplify procedures for car owners without needing to visit the traffic department in person. This service allows users to submit the request electronically, pay the required fees, and receive the new plate with ease — saving time and effort for both citizens and residents. Below are the steps to issue a replacement car plate:

1. Go to the Absher electronic platform and select Absher Individuals.
2. Log in by entering your username or ID number along with the required password.
3. A verification code will be sent to your mobile phone — enter it to complete the identity verification process.
4. Select the Vehicle Management icon to view all vehicles registered in your name.
5. Choose the vehicle whose plate has been lost.
6. Request the issuance of a new plate as a replacement for a lost or damaged one, and specify the type of request.
7. You will be directed to pay the plate fees through the SADAD payment system via your bank account.
8. Choose your preferred method of receiving the plate — either from the traffic department or delivered to your doorstep through Saudi Post (Spl), for an additional delivery fee.

Conditions for Issuing a Replacement Car Plate

Before submitting the request, make sure the following conditions are met for a smooth and quick process:

• The vehicle registration must be valid and active.
• There must be no outstanding unpaid traffic violations on the vehicle.
• The vehicle must be registered in the name of the person submitting the request.

What Are the Fees for Issuing a Replacement Car Plate in Saudi Arabia?

The General Directorate of Traffic in Saudi Arabia has set fees for issuing a replacement car plate (lost or damaged) based on the type of vehicle. In most cases, the fee is unified at 100 Saudi Riyals for the majority of vehicles, though it differs in some special cases such as temporary plates or historic vehicle plates. The table below outlines the fees for issuing a replacement car plate:

It’s worth noting that in some cases, the car plate fee is 50 Saudi Riyals per plate (front and back separately), bringing the total for both plates to 100 Riyals.

Tips to Avoid Losing Your Car Plate

The Carly website offers a set of tips to avoid losing your car plate. Plate loss is a common problem that occurs due to poor plate fastening, driving on unsuitable roads, or even theft. It is therefore recommended to take the following preventive measures to help protect your plate and reduce the likelihood of losing it — whether during daily commutes to work or university, or on longer trips and travels.

• Always make sure the car plate is securely fastened in its designated position at the front and rear of the vehicle. Over time, screws may loosen due to frequent vibration while driving, increasing the chance of the plate falling off without the driver noticing. Always inspect the plate as part of your vehicle’s routine check, especially after long-distance travel or driving on unpaved roads.
• Make sure to use strong, dedicated fastening screws designed specifically for plates. Weak or old screws may corrode and rust due to weather conditions or age, causing the plate to fall off while driving.
• Drive carefully on unpaved roads, as they can cause significant vehicle vibration due to heavy speed bumps and high speeds, which may cause the plate to fall if not properly secured. Always slow down on rough roads to reduce pressure on the mounted plate.
• To prevent theft, always park in safe, well-lit designated areas or in parking lots equipped with surveillance cameras, as this reduces the likelihood of theft or damage.
• Keep a clear photo of your car plate on your mobile phone or among your vehicle documents. This makes it easier to file a report in case of theft or loss, and allows you to quickly retrieve the plate number whenever needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Must you report a stolen car plate immediately? 

Yes, when a car plate is lost, you must report it immediately given the possibility of theft. You should file a theft report with the police, register the report with the traffic department, and issue a new replacement plate. This protects the car owner from the plate being used illegally.

Can you drive without a car plate in Saudi Arabia? 

No, you cannot drive without a car plate. Saudi Arabia’s traffic regulations prohibit driving without a plate, and if a vehicle is caught without one, a traffic fine will be imposed and the vehicle may be impounded in some cases. Therefore, you should act quickly to issue a replacement plate.

How long does it take to issue a replacement plate?

 It usually takes one to several days depending on the chosen delivery method. If you opt for delivery via Saudi Post, you will need a few additional days.

Can a replacement plate be issued without a vehicle inspection? 

Yes, in most cases a vehicle inspection is not required, especially if the reason for the request is simply a lost plate. You can submit the request through Absher, pay the required fees, and ensure your vehicle registration is valid. In rare cases, the traffic department may require you to visit a branch to verify vehicle details and complete certain procedures.

What happens if only one plate is lost — front or back?

 In this case, you must submit a replacement request through Absher. When the new plate is issued, both plates are typically replaced together with the same number to maintain data consistency in the traffic system. You may therefore be asked to hand in the remaining plate when collecting the new ones.

What happens if you find your plate after filing an electronic report? 

The report submitted via Absher cannot be cancelled online, as this feature does not exist on the platform. You must visit the General Directorate of Traffic in person to formally request the cancellation of the report.

Can someone other than the car owner file a lost plate report? 

No, the report must be filed by the registered owner of the vehicle, or by someone officially and formally authorized by them through the Absher platform.

In conclusion, losing a car plate is a common occurrence for many vehicle owners, but the procedures in Saudi Arabia have become simple and fast through the Absher electronic platform. All you need to do is file a report, pay the fees, and request a new replacement plate to avoid any traffic violations.