Losing a trailer tag can feel like a bigger problem than it actually is. At Maryland Express Services (MES), we regularly help customers who call in frustrated, unsure whether they need to contact the police, re-register their trailer, or stop using it altogether.
The good news: most lost trailer tag situations are simple to fix once you understand the difference between a tag that was lost or fell off and one that was stolen.
This guide explains exactly what to do, which form is required, when a police report is needed (and when it’s not), and the most common mistakes to avoid.
First Things First: Lost vs. Stolen Trailer Tags
The procedure depends on how the tag went missing.
A trailer tag is considered lost when:
- It fell off while driving
- The mounting bolts rusted or broke
- It disappeared without signs of theft
- The owner has no reason to believe someone took it
A trailer tag is considered stolen when:
- The owner believes it was intentionally removed
- It went missing overnight or from a parking location
- There are signs of tampering
- The owner is concerned about misuse (tolls, tickets, or crimes)
This distinction matters because Maryland treats lost and stolen tags differently.
Do You Need a Police Report?
❌ No Police Report Required (Lost / Fell Off)
If the trailer tag was lost or fell off, Maryland does NOT require a police report.
In these cases:
- The owner’s statement is sufficient
- The replacement process is administrative
- Law enforcement does not need to be involved
This is the most common scenario.
✅ Police Report Recommended (Stolen)
If the owner believes the tag was stolen, a police report is strongly recommended and often expected.
Why?
- Stolen tags can be misused
- The police report protects the owner
- It creates a formal record for MVA review
In theft cases, the police report number may be requested during the replacement process.
The Correct MVA Form for a Lost or Stolen Trailer Tag
Whether the tag was lost or stolen, the replacement is handled using:
MVA Form VR-009
Application for Substitute Plates / Stickers
This form is used when a plate is:
- Lost
- Stolen
- Damaged
It does not start a new registration and does not require re-titling the trailer.
What the Owner Typically Needs
For most trailer tag replacements, the owner should bring:
- Valid Maryland ID
- Trailer plate number (if available)
- Trailer VIN (if applicable)
- Completed VR-009
- Replacement plate fee
No inspection is required.
No title transfer is involved.
Replacement Fee and Timing
- Replacement trailer tag fee: typically $20
- Registration period remains the same
- Replacement tags are usually issued same day at an MVA branch or authorized tag & title service
Driving without a visible tag can result in citations, so it’s best to address the issue promptly.
How Does MVA Decide “Lost” vs “Stolen”?
For lost tags, the MVA generally relies on:
- The owner’s signed statement on VR-009
- A consistent explanation
- No indicators of theft
For stolen tags, the MVA relies on:
- A police report
- Date and location of theft
- Law enforcement documentation
There is no requirement to “prove” a tag was lost beyond the owner’s certification on the form.
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays
We see these issues frequently:
- Filing a police report for a tag that simply fell off
- Claiming “lost” when theft is suspected
- Driving the trailer without addressing the missing tag
- Applying for a new registration instead of a substitute plate
- Waiting too long to replace the tag
Clear, honest explanations prevent problems.
How Maryland Express Services Can Help
At MES, we help customers:
- Determine whether a police report is necessary
- Complete the correct MVA form
- Replace trailer tags quickly and correctly
- Avoid unnecessary delays or extra steps
Our goal is to keep the process simple, compliant, and stress-free.
👉 Learn more about our Maryland Tag & Title services:
https://marylandexpressservices.com/maryland-tag-and-title-services/
Best primary authority
👉 https://mva.maryland.gov/about-mva/Pages/info/27300/27300-48T.aspx
Maryland MVA – Vehicle Registration Forms (VR-009)
Form verification
👉 https://mva.maryland.gov/vehicles/Pages/registration/vehicle-registration-forms.aspx
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if I’m not sure whether the tag was lost or stolen?
If there’s no clear evidence of theft, it’s usually treated as a loss. If theft is suspected, a police report is recommended.
Can I drive the trailer without a tag while waiting?
No. A trailer must display a valid tag to be legally operated on public roads.
Do I need a new registration or title?
No. A substitute tag replaces the existing plate without changing the registration.
Is the replacement tag number the same?
In most cases, yes. The MVA issues a replacement plate for the existing registration.
Can a tag & title service handle this?
Yes. Authorized services like MES can process substitute tag applications.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Final determinations are made by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.
