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Why can't you just go and get a new number plate, without an advert on it?

In the UK you just take your vehicle registration document to any motor accessories shop and have them make up a plate, for not much money.

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Only the state (and a few odd cases like the federal government) manufacture plates in the US, and they usually don't have a published process exactly for obtaining a new plate when you already have one. That said, my experience in a couple of states is that DMV clerks have no problem putting in a plate as lost/damaged/stolen if you just ask for a new one. The fee where I live today is only $15, but I live in a poor state, Maryland might be steeper.

Yeah it isn't that hard. File it as lost/stolen and get a replacement. When I sold my last car I forgot to turn in my NC amateur radio plate with my callsign. I guess they recycle them. When I went to finally do it the lady at the license plate office just marked it lost/stolen and let me keep it.

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