TOKU - Treasury of Knowledge for Users

On 7/18/2025 we parked in a town parking lot, in the back and in the shade. When we returned to the car, the rear license plate had been stolen, and as it turns out it's easy for a thief to remove the plate.  I decided to create this page to help you prevent this from happening to you.

License plate theft is a surprisingly common crime that can leave vehicle owners facing significant headaches. Thieves target license plates for various reasons, including using them to disguise stolen vehicles, avoid traffic cameras, or commit other crimes while avoiding detection.

Most license plates are secured with standard hex bolts that can be easily removed with basic tools. A thief armed with nothing more than a pair of pliers can quickly unscrew these bolts and walk away with your plates in a matter of seconds. The process is silent, fast, and often goes unnoticed until the vehicle owner discovers the theft.

These are two types of screws often used to affix license plates to cars.  They may not have the screwdriver slot.

This type of opportunistic crime typically occurs in parking lots, on residential streets, or anywhere vehicles are left unattended for extended periods. The simplicity of the theft makes it attractive to criminals looking for a quick way to obtain license plates.

The most effective way to protect your license plates is to replace standard hex bolts with anti-theft license plate screws. These specialized fasteners feature unique screw caps that cannot be removed with standard tools like pliers or regular screwdrivers. Anti-theft screws typically use proprietary patterns or designs that require a specific tool to remove, which thieves are unlikely to carry. Some versions use one-way screws that can be installed but not easily removed, while others feature tamper-resistant heads with unusual shapes or recessed designs.

Example of screws requiring a special tool to remove (and that tool is included in the kit you purchase). This picture from Amazon's set currently costing $6.99.  Note that there are many options, some less expensive and many more expensive. 

Beyond preventing theft, anti-theft license plate screws can save you from the significant inconvenience and costs associated with stolen plates. Victims of license plate theft must file police reports, obtain replacement plates from the RMV or DMV, and may face complications if their stolen plates are used in criminal activities.

Advice: if your plate is stolen, file a police report immediately.  This protects you from being accused of a crime if the stolen plate is used by a criminal.

Anti-theft license plate screws are inexpensive and can be installed quickly with basic tools. They're available at most auto parts stores, online retailers, and some RMV/DMV offices. The small investment in these specialized fasteners can provide substantial peace of mind and protection against an increasingly common form of theft.

If you're using Amazon, search for anti theft license plate screw kit.  Searching now I see kits for $7.19, $5.99, and $6.99 with fast delivery (overnight, tomorrow, or two day).

Taking this simple preventive measure is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from becoming a victim of license plate theft.