Skip to main content

What to do if your number plate is cloned

If someone makes a copy of your number plate and uses it on a different vehicle it is called ‘cloning’.

Your number plate may have been cloned if:

  • you’ve received fines or charges, but it was not your vehicle involved
  • you’ve seen or heard about a vehicle using your number plate

There is a different way to report if your number plate has been stolen.

How to report cloned number plates

  1. Report the cloned number plates to the police.

  2. Tell DVLA by post (if you do not use the police form available in England and Wales).

  3. Appeal incorrect fines or charges you’ve received.

Report cloned number plates to the police

To report cloned number plates, you must be the registered keeper or have permission from them.

How to report it depends on which country you live in.

If you live in England and Wales

Use the cloned number plates form on the police website or call the police on 101.

If you report cloned number plates using the form, the police will also tell DVLA for you.

If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland

Call the police on 101.

After reporting to the police

You’ll be given a report reference number. Use this if you need to ask the police for an update.

You can make more reports if you get more fines or charges. It is useful for the police to know if there are incidents in new locations.

If there are more incidents involving your number plate, the police may contact you. If you are contacted again you should explain the situation.

Tell DVLA about the cloned number plates

Send a letter to DVLA with:

  • your vehicle registration number (from the cloned number plates)
  • copies of any fines or charges you’ve received incorrectly

You must be the registered keeper of the vehicle or have permission from them.

Send your letter to:

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1AR

After they receive your report, DVLA will send a confirmation letter to the address on your vehicle log book (V5C).

Appeal incorrect fines or charges you’ve received

Contact the organisation that asked you to pay a fine or charge that is not for your vehicle. Tell them that you’ve reported the cloned number plates to the police and DVLA.

Include a copy of the confirmation letter sent to you by DVLA after you told them.

The company will review your evidence and decide whether to cancel the fine or charge.

Driving your vehicle after your number plates have been cloned

You can continue to drive your vehicle. If the police see a vehicle with your number plate (including yours), they may stop it. They may ask to see:

  • the reference number for the cloned number plates report
  • your vehicle log book (V5C)
  • your driving licence

Related content