Can a bent motorcycle license plate from a fall be replaced? What are the different procedures by displacement?

Many people wonder if it's okay to ride with a bent or damaged motorcycle license plate due to a fall or other incident. In fact, depending on the condition, it may be considered a violation. On the other hand, it is possible to replace the license plate by reissuing it with the same number or a new number. This article clearly explains the specific procedures that differ by displacement, such as small motorcycles, light motorcycles, and mopeds, while also covering cases that constitute a violation.

Riding with a damaged plate could result in a fine of up to 500,000 yen!

Motorcycle license plates can sometimes become bent or damaged due to falls or accidents. Is it okay to ride with them in that condition?

For example, if the edge of the plate is slightly bent, but the mounting angle hasn't changed and the number itself is still legible. In such a case, it's generally okay to ride with it as is. However, it's true that a bent license plate is difficult to straighten back, so it might look a bit uncool.

On the other hand, if the license plate is damaged due to an accident and the characters are illegible, or if it's deformed or soiled. In this case, riding with it as is may be considered a "violation of the number display obligation" under the Road Vehicle Act. If so, you could face not only "2 demerit points" but also a heavy penalty of "a fine of up to 500,000 yen" if deemed a violation of the Road Vehicle Act.

If the license plate is damaged due to an accident and the characters are illegible, riding with it as is may be considered a "violation of the number display obligation" under the Road Vehicle Act.

There are two ways to replace it: keep the same number or change it

In such cases, it is possible to reissue the license plate in either situation. You can get a new license plate by either **"reissuing the same number"** or **"changing the number."**

**"Reissuing the same number"** is a method where you keep the same number you were using before. This is generally applied for when the plate is damaged due to an accident, or the characters have faded after waxing during washing, and the number itself is still legible within the legal range.

On the other hand, if the license plate is stolen or lost, or if the damage is so severe that the number is illegible, you will need to **"change the number"** to a new one. The application location, required documents, and procedures differ between reissuing the same number and changing the number. Also, the procedures vary depending on the motorcycle's displacement: small motorcycles over 250cc, light motorcycles over 125cc up to 250cc, and moped motorcycles. We will explain each of these below.

For Small Motorcycles (Over 250cc Displacement)

For small motorcycles, you can apply for a license plate reissue at the Land Transport Branch Office that has jurisdiction over your address. The required documents and procedures for both reissuing the same number and changing the number are as follows:

Application for Reissuing the Same Number (for Small Motorcycles)

★Required Items
- Vehicle Inspection Certificate (Shaken-sho)
- Application Form
- License Plate Fee
- Damaged Previous License Plate (to be returned upon reissue)

License plate for small motorcycles (image is a composite)

★Procedure and Flow
For reissuing the same number, you will need to visit the Land Transport Branch Office twice: once to apply and once to receive the new plate.

First, for the application. Bring your Vehicle Inspection Certificate and the license plate fee, fill out the application form, and submit it at the counter. A copy of the Vehicle Inspection Certificate is acceptable. The application form is available at the Land Transport Branch Office, so no prior preparation is needed; there are also examples, so you can fill it out on the spot while referring to them.

The license plate fee varies by region, but based on inquiries at several Land Transport Branch Offices, it appears to be mostly in the 700 to 800 yen range (please confirm with your local Land Transport Branch Office for details). After submitting the documents at the counter, you will receive a Certificate of Reissue for Vehicle Registration Number Plates (hereinafter referred to as "Certificate"), and your visit for the day will be complete.

Since license plates are made to order, it takes about 5 to 7 days from application to receive the new plate (varies by region). Therefore, you will need to return to the Land Transport Branch Office on a designated date after that to pick up the completed plate. However, please note that the Certificate has an expiration date of approximately one month from its issuance. You will then receive the new plate by presenting the Certificate at the counter and returning the previous damaged plate, and the process will be complete.

Application for Changing the Number (for Small Motorcycles)

★Required Items
- Vehicle Inspection Certificate (Shaken-sho)
- Application Form
- Damaged Previous License Plate (required for procedures due to damage)
- Letter of Reason (required if the license plate cannot be returned)
- License Plate Fee
- Light Vehicle Tax Declaration Form

★Procedure and Flow
On the other hand, for changing the number, it is generally possible to have it issued on the same day if you apply at the Land Transport Branch Office. However, the original Vehicle Inspection Certificate is required if you need to reissue the compulsory insurance sticker.

If you are changing the number due to severe damage that makes it illegible, you must bring and return the damaged plate.

If the plate is lost or stolen and you no longer have it, you will need to submit a Letter of Reason. In this case, you must first file a lost property report or a theft report at the police station, and after submission, obtain the name of the reporting police station, the date of report, and the acceptance number. You will then fill these details into the Letter of Reason available at the Land Transport Branch Office.

Application forms, light vehicle tax declaration forms, and letters of reason can be obtained at the Land Transport Branch Office when you go for the number change procedure, so no prior preparation is necessary.

A Vehicle Inspection Certificate is required for reissuing small motorcycle license plates.

For Light Motorcycles (Over 125cc up to 250cc Displacement)

For light motorcycles, the procedures are the same as for small motorcycles. You will need to visit the Land Transport Branch Office twice for reissuing the same number and generally once for changing the number to receive a new license plate. However, please note that the required documents differ from those for small motorcycles.

Application for Reissuing the Same Number (for Light Motorcycles)

★Required Items
- Certificate of Notification of Light Vehicle (original)
- Application Form
- License Plate Fee
- Damaged Previous License Plate (to be returned upon reissue)

★Procedure and Flow
Since light motorcycles do not have vehicle inspections, they naturally do not have Vehicle Inspection Certificates. Instead, you must bring the Certificate of Notification of Light Vehicle issued at the time of registration. Filling out the application form and paying the license plate fee are the same as for small motorcycles. You will receive a Certificate for obtaining the new license, and the flow of receiving the new license and returning the old one later is also the same.

Application for Changing the Number (for Light Motorcycles)

★Required Items
- Certificate of Notification of Light Vehicle
- Application Form
- Damaged Previous License Plate (required for procedures due to damage)
- Letter of Reason (required if the license plate cannot be returned)
- License Plate Fee
- Light Vehicle Tax Declaration Form

★Procedure and Flow
For changing the number, the procedure is the same as for small motorcycles, except that you bring the Certificate of Notification of Light Vehicle instead of the Vehicle Inspection Certificate. If you have the plate, you return it. If it's lost or stolen, you must file a report with the police station beforehand and submit a Letter of Reason. You will also need to pay the license plate fee and submit the Light Vehicle Tax Declaration Form.

License plate for light motorcycles (image is a composite)

For Moped Motorcycles (125cc or less Displacement)

When reissuing a license plate for a moped motorcycle, the application is made at the municipal office. For mopeds, many municipalities do not offer reissuing the same number even if the previous plate is available due to damage, so changing the number is the general method for reissue.

Application for Changing the Number (for Mopeds)

★Required Items
- Light Vehicle Tax (Classification) Declaration (Report) Form and Sticker Issuance Application
- Sticker Issuance Certificate
- License Plate (if there are fragments of the plate, etc.)
- Proof of Identity (Driver's license, health insurance card, etc.)
- Reissue Fee

★Procedure and Flow
The Light Vehicle Tax (Classification) Declaration (Report) Form and Sticker Issuance Application is the application form. It is available at the counter, so no prior preparation is necessary. The Sticker Issuance Certificate is like a vehicle inspection certificate for mopeds, and it is a document issued by the municipality at the time of registration.

If the plate is damaged but still available, you must bring it and return it. In this case, a reissue fee will be charged, which is often around 100 to 200 yen (the amount varies by region).

On the other hand, if the plate is lost due to theft, some municipalities do not charge a reissue fee, but reporting to the police station beforehand is required, just like for small and light motorcycles. Be aware that you need to bring the date of report, the name of the reporting police station, and the acceptance number on the day of application.

When reissuing a moped motorcycle license plate, apply at the municipal office. Changing the number is generally the standard procedure.

For Small and Light Motorcycles, Changing the Number Allows for Desired Numbers

Incidentally, for small and light motorcycles, a desired number system is scheduled to be introduced from October 2026. This system allows you to choose your preferred number, and while it is already widespread for four-wheeled vehicles, it has not been introduced for two-wheeled vehicles until now.

The reason was that there were fewer combinations of letters and numbers available compared to four-wheeled vehicles. However, from October 2026, the format of motorcycle license plates will be changed. With more combinations becoming possible than before, the introduction of the desired number system has been decided.

The selectable numbers will be the main part, consisting of up to 4 Arabic numerals (designated serial numbers). Also, popular numbers such as "7777" and "8888" will be decided by computer lottery.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has not yet clarified the detailed implementation schedule, application methods, or fees, but it is likely that the application will be possible even if the license plate is not damaged. The procedures are still unclear, but in a sense, it is highly possible that it will be treated similarly to changing the number.

The desired number system allows selection of up to 4 Arabic numerals (Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism)

By the way, mopeds (Class 1 and Class 2 mopeds) with a displacement of 125cc or less are not included in this new system. The reason is that for mopeds, the license plates are issued by the municipalities. In other words, since they are outside the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, they cannot decide on the change itself.

In any case, if your license plate is damaged, it is possible to reissue and replace it with a new one. However, the information provided here is for general reference only. For specific application procedures, required documents, and fees, please confirm with the Land Transport Branch Office (for small and light motorcycles) or the municipal office (for moped motorcycles) that has jurisdiction over your address.

*All photos are for illustrative purposes