What to do if your number plate is cloned in the UK

Signs your number plate has been cloned

Cloning is when someone makes a copy of your number plate and puts it on a different vehicle. Usually the first you hear of it is a letter about something you didn't do. GOV.UK says your plate may have been cloned if:

• you've received fines or charges, but it wasn't your vehicle involved
• you've seen or heard about a vehicle using your number plate

Check any photo on the notice for a different make, model or colour. Police advice explains that criminals copy the plate of a similar car so a stolen one looks legal (Ask the Police).

If your actual plates have been taken off your car, that is different. Follow the GOV.UK steps for stolen number plates instead.

Step 1: Report it to the police

You must be the registered keeper, or have their permission.

• England and Wales. Use the cloned number plates form on your local police force's website (start at police.uk), or call 101.
• Scotland and Northern Ireland. Call the police on 101.

You'll be given a report reference number. Keep it safe. If more fines arrive, you can make further reports (GOV.UK: what to do if your number plate is cloned).

Step 2: Make sure DVLA knows

If you used the police online form in England or Wales, the police tell DVLA for you, so there's nothing more to do here.

If you reported it by phone, or you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, write to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR. Include your registration number and copies of the wrong fines. DVLA will send a confirmation letter to the address on your V5C log book, which helps with appeals.

Step 3: Appeal every fine or charge

Contact whoever sent each ticket or charge and tell them your plate has been cloned and include:

• your police report reference number
• a copy of the DVLA confirmation letter, if you have one
• any evidence the car in their photo isn't yours

The organisation will review your evidence and decide whether to cancel it. Reply before any deadline on the letter (NPCC).

Step 4: Gather proof your car was elsewhere

Police forces suggest evidence such as:

• Photos of your car. Clear shots of the front, back and sides that show differences from the car in the fine's photo.
• Timed images. A dated doorbell or driveway camera clip showing your car at home at the time of the offence.

Some forces won't progress a cloning report without evidence like this (Avon and Somerset Police).

A GPS tracker can help here too. Journeys in the Drift app show your car's past drives, so you can look back at where it was on the day of the fine and take a screenshot to add to your evidence.

Driving while your plate is cloned

You can keep driving your car. The police may stop any car showing your plate, including yours, and may ask to see your report reference number, your V5C log book and your driving licence. Keep the reference number on your phone.

Make your plates harder to copy

Legal plates can only be made by a registered number plate supplier, who must see proof of your identity and that you're allowed to use the registration, such as your V5C (GOV.UK: getting number plates made up). Always use a registered supplier when you need new plates.

GOV.UK also notes that theft-resistant number plates make it harder for someone to remove and reuse yours.

Cloned plates are often used to disguise stolen cars. Our guide to keyless car theft explains one common method, and our stolen car checklist covers what to do if it happens to yours.