Hope you find the f'ker. I'd love to string cretins like that up behind my truck to see how long they can last while bodysurfing at 50mph.
Here's what you should do. File a police report. Stolen plates are stolen plates. Per this link, you might need a Police report to get replacement tags/stickers.
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/howto/htvr11.htm
Then follow the instructions from the California DMV here:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/vr_info.htm
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Replacing plates and stickers.
If you are the registered owner, you must replace any lost, stolen, or mutilated plate(s) for your California registered vehicle.
To obtain replacements in person, you must:
* Visit a DMV field office. Make an appointment for faster service.
* Bring your California driver license, ID card, or out-of-state/country driver license or identification (ID) card and a secondary photo ID.
* Surrender the remaining plate(s).
* Complete an Application for Plates, Stickers, Documents (REG 156).
* Pay the required fee:
o to replace regular plates and the year sticker.
o to replace a year sticker only. (The month sticker is free; mention if you need one.)
o for a duplicate registration card only.
o for replacement Special Interest License Plates, Environmental License Plates, or Veteran Organization Decals.
o If both your personalized plates were lost or stolen, you will not be able to obtain duplicates with the same configuration. You will need to choose a new personalized configuration if you wish to continue with personalized plates. The fees for the plates will depend upon the type of plate you wish to order.
o to replace a California Clean Air Vehicle Decal.
Important: If your current address is different from the address on DMV’s records, you must also provide:
* proof of ownership. (A copy of your title or registration card.)
* a police report, if your plate(s) were stolen.
* a vehicle verification completed by the California Highway Patrol, if replacement plates were previously issued.
If you are the registered owner and you wish to obtain replacements by mail, you must:
* Complete an Application for Plates, Stickers, Documents (REG 156). Be sure to include your California driver license or ID card number.
* Mail in the remaining plate(s).
* Pay the required fee:
o to replace regular plates and the year sticker.
o to replace a year sticker only. (The month sticker is free; mention if you need one.)
o for a duplicate registration card only.
o The fees for replacement Special Interest License Plates, Environmental License Plates, or Veteran Organization decals.
o If both your personalized plates were lost or stolen, you will not be able to obtain duplicates with the same configuration. You will need to choose a new personalized configuration if you wish to continue with personalized plates. The fees for the plates will depend upon the type of plate you wish to order.
o to replace a California Clean Air Vehicle Decal.
Mail to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 94269-0001
Important: If your current address is different from the address on DMV’s records, you must appear in person and complete the application. Read "To obtain replacements in person" above to properly complete the application.
If you are not the registered owner of record , you may submit the application and all the requirements listed above if the address of the registered owner of record has not changed. The license plates will be mailed to the registered owner of record. If the registered owner’s current address is different from the address on DMV’s records, the registered owner must appear in person and complete the application. Read "To obtain replacements in person" above to properly complete the application.
If you just purchased or acquired this vehicle and you need to obtain license plates along with transferring the vehicle into your name, read "To obtain replacements in person" above. DMV considers you the new registered owner of record.