What is a License Plate Replacement in Wyoming?
Replacement of a license plate is performed outside the usual annual renewal cycle when the original is lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed. The Wyoming Department of Transportation sets the rules, but county treasurer offices carry out the transaction, according to Wyo. Stat. §31-2-212.
- Reasons include loss, theft, physical damage, unreadability, or destruction of the license plate. Vehicles moving from another state require full registration in Wyoming, not a replacement.
- License plate options. Wyoming provides a choice. Pay $8 for the next available sequential number or $30 for WYDOT to reproduce a duplicate with your existing number.
- Wyoming is a two-plate state for passenger cars and trucks (Wyo. Stat. §31-2-205). Motorcycles, multipurpose vehicles, and trailers have only one rear plate.
- Duplicate plates replacing a lost or stolen plate cannot be used until the original’s stickers expire. Replacement plates with a new number have no such restriction.
When Do You Need to Replace Your Wyoming License Plate?
The law requires the owner to apply for a replacement in case of loss, damage, or destruction of the plate or sticker. The fees in the next section apply to each of these cases.
- A plate that is lost or stolen must be reported through a replacement application. The county treasurer notifies the county sheriff and WYDOT, who inform law enforcement. A separate police report is not required before filing.
- Plates that are bent, cracked, or otherwise damaged must be surrendered to the county treasurer when issuing replacement plates. The law does not set a specific deadline for filing, but plates must remain readable and free of foreign materials according to Wyo. Stat. §31-2-205(a)(iv).
- Faded or unreadable plates follow the same path as damaged plates.
- New residents must register immediately after meeting Wyoming’s residency definition, which includes staying in the state for 120 days or more or taking employment. Reciprocity agreements with Idaho, Illinois, Nebraska, and New Mexico allow residents of these states to drive on their current plates until they expire.
How to Get a Replacement License Plate in Wyoming
Gather your current plate, proof of insurance, and any damaged plates you still have before visiting or mailing your application.
- In-person: Visit the county treasurer’s office in your registration county. Complete the Application for New or Duplicate License Plates (MV-405), surrender any damaged plates, and pay the fee. The office issues a plate with a new number on the spot from available stock. Duplicate plates (with the same number) take 4-6 weeks; the treasurer may issue a temporary plate from available stock during this time.
- By mail send the completed MV-405 form, a check or money order payable to the county treasurer, and any damaged plates to the treasurer’s office in your registration county. Contact WYDOT Motor Vehicle Services at 307-777-4709 with questions.
- Wyoming does not offer online plate replacements. The online channel covers only registration renewals and driver’s license services, not plate reissuance.
Can You Replace Wyoming License Plate Online?
No. Wyoming does not accept online requests for plate replacements. The oneWYO portal handles driver’s license renewals, duplicates, and address changes, but plate replacement remains with county treasurer offices.
Some counties allow online registration renewals (tags and stickers), but replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged plate requires an in-person visit or mailing an MV-405 application. The county treasurer issues plates with a new number immediately from available stock at the counter.
For replacement by mail, send to the county treasurer in your registration county:
- Completed MV-405 application with affidavit
- Check or money order payable to the county treasurer
- Any damaged plates you still have
The in-person route to any county treasurer’s office is the fastest way to get a plate replacement in Wyoming.
How Much is License Plate Replacement in Wyoming?
The fee for replacing a single plate is small, but choosing to retain your existing number significantly increases the cost.
- $8 for new plates (next available sequential number) in case of loss, damage, or destruction, according to Wyo. Stat. §31-3-102(a)(vi)(A). The same $8 applies whether you replace one plate or both.
- Duplicate plates (reproducing the same number) cost $30 according to §31-3-102(a)(vi)(C). Prestige, specialty, and priority number plates also fall under this category.
- Replacement validation stickers cost $6 per set (§31-3-102(a)(vi)(B)).
- A duplicate registration certificate costs $4 if you need it along with the plate.
- Wyoming does not impose an additional county-level fee on the replacement transaction itself. $8 or $30 is the total plate fee paid to the county treasurer.