If license plates are stolen, what should the owner do before requesting replacements?

When license plates are stolen, the correct course of action is to file a police report and provide it to the DMV. This step is crucial because it officially documents the theft, which is necessary for legal and administrative purposes. By reporting the theft to law enforcement, the owner can help prevent potential misuse of the stolen plates, which could result in traffic violations or other illegal activities being mistakenly attributed to them. Additionally, many state DMVs require a police report when requesting replacements for stolen plates, so having this document on hand streamlines the process of obtaining new plates.

The other actions listed would not adequately address the situation of stolen plates. Contacting the dealer may not provide any relevant assistance in recovering the stolen plates. Stopping the use of the vehicle may be unnecessary if the owner is able to obtain replacements promptly. Lastly, waiting 30 days before taking action can delay the process of protecting oneself legally and obtaining proper replacements, which could cause further complications.