![Featured image of post [Tesla Model Y Triangle Accident #4] From Lost License Plate to Re-issuance: Administrative Procedures and Essential Updates](/ko/tesla-license-plate-reissue-guide/cover_hu_4b3c49501fb0ed2b.webp)
Direct Answer & TL;DR
- A Police Report is absolutely necessary: Keep in mind that you must first obtain a “Confirmation of Loss Report” from a local police station for re-issuance. It’s often the case that the registration office will not even process your application without this critical document.
- Bring the Remaining Plate: Even if you only lost the front plate, you must remove and bring the remaining rear plate to the registration office. The entire set will be replaced with a completely new number for security reasons.
- Update All Systems Immediately: Once re-issued, you must update your vehicle information in High-pass (OBU), Auto Insurance, Apartment/Office Parking Systems, and various parking apps (e.g., T-map, iParking) to avoid penalties or unpaid tolls.
Introduction: The Missing Plate Amidst the Debris
When you’re involved in a front-end collision, often referred to as a “Triangle Accident” in Korea, your primary concern is usually the visible damage to the car. However, as you watch your Model Y being towed away, a sudden realization might hit you: the front license plate is gone.
A license plate that has been knocked off and lost on the road poses a security risk, forcing an unavoidable set of administrative procedures. This is an account of the process of retiring an old plate, selecting a new identity for a Model Y, and synchronizing every service to match.
Step-by-Step Re-issuance Guide
Phase 1: Police Station Visit for Reporting
The first step is to visit the nearest police station or local precinct.
- Purpose: To prevent identity theft and provide administrative proof.
- Required Document: Confirmation of Loss / Police Report Receipt.
- Note: A plate that wasn’t recovered from the accident site is legally considered “lost.” Moving straight to the registration office without this report will result in your application being rejected.
Phase 2: Visit to the Vehicle Registration Office
Once you have the police report, visit any Vehicle Registration Office or local municipal office (Si/Gun/Gu-cheong).
- What to Bring:
- Original Vehicle Registration Certificate
- Personal ID
- Police Confirmation of Loss Report
- The remaining rear license plate (must be removed and turned in)
- Procedure: Fill out the “Change of Registration Application.” You will be allowed to select a new number from a provided list. Your old number will be permanently retired. Once you select a number, you can immediately purchase and receive a pre-manufactured set of plates, keeping wait times to a minimum.
Costs for Re-issuance
The process isn’t just about the physical platesβit also involves taxes and administrative fees for the “Change of Registration.” Here is the breakdown:
- Revenue Stamp/Service Fee: 1,300 KRW
- Registration Tax (Local Tax): 15,000 KRW
- License Plate Fee: 32,000 KRW
Be sure to update your vehicle details in smartphone apps and residential parking systems after re-issuance.
1. Update High-pass Information
Failing to update your High-pass information will lead to unpaid toll notifications. The 2022 Model Y does not have a built-in High-pass system unlike some more recent models and instead uses a separate OBU (On-Board Unit).
π’ In-Person Application (Most Reliable)
Visit a Korea Expressway Corporation service office (typically located near tollgates).
- Operating Hours: 09:00 ~ 18:00 (Year-round)
- Location: Tollgate Business Offices
- Required Docs: OBU Device, Vehicle Registration, ID
| Category | Additional Documents (Copy of ID Required) |
|---|---|
| Individual | Your ID card |
| Corporation | Copy of Business Registration |
| Lease/Rent | Lease/Rental Agreement |
| Freight (Consignment) | Business Registration or Consignment Agreement |
[!TIP] For Representatives: Power of Attorney and a Certificate of Personal Identification (or Seal Certificate) are required. It’s best to call ahead to double-check.
π» Online Application
You can update information via the High-pass Service website.
- If OBU is USB-compatible:
High-pass OBUβUSB ConnectβVehicle/Owner Change - If OBU is NOT USB-compatible:
High-pass OBUβNo USBβChange (No Connection)- Only possible if the vehicle type/class remains the same.
- Press the volume or menu button on the OBU for >5 seconds to check the Issue Number.
2. Notify Your Auto Insurance Carrier
This is critical for ongoing claims and future coverage.
- Why: To avoid discrepancies in vehicle information during the claims process. Simply call your insurance provider’s customer service and request a vehicle information update due to license plate re-issuance.
3. Update Parking Systems
- Residential/Office Parking: Visit your management office to register the new number so the automatic barriers recognize your car.
- Parking Apps: Update your vehicle info in apps like T-map Parking, iParking, or Modu Parking. Forgetting this can lead to failed automatic payments or fines.
Conclusion: The Final Piece of the Repair Puzzle
Re-issuing a license plate might feel like an unwelcome chore during an already stressful repair process. However, securing a new number and synchronizing it with all your services is the final step in erasing the traces of the accident and returning to your normal routine.
One last tip: if you ever find yourself in such an accident, as long as you’re safe, try to “scavenge” for that missing plate! Think of it as a high-stakes treasure hunt where the prize is being able to skip this entire administrative odyssey.
For Tesla owners who might be flustered by a lost plate, I hope this guide provides clarity. Now that the paperwork is handled, you can focus on waiting for your perfectly repaired Model Y to return from the service center.