![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’re ever in this situation and it’s safe to do so, look for the missing plate at the scene. Finding it lets you skip this entire administrative process.
With the paperwork handled, all that’s left is waiting for the Model Y to come back from the service center, fully repaired.