What Is License Plate Replacement in Yukon?
License plate replacement in Yukon is the process of obtaining new license plates to replace those that are damaged, lost, stolen, or no longer legible. The Department of Highways and Public Works provides this service to ensure that all vehicles operating on territorial roads display valid and clearly visible identification.
When Do You Need to Replace Your Yukon License Plate?
You must replace your Yukon license plate if it is:
- Lost or stolen
- Damaged to the point of being illegible, such as from an accident or severe weather
- Peeling, faded, or otherwise deteriorated so the letters/numbers aren't visible
- Seized by law enforcement for any reason
- Voluntarily surrendered, such as when moving out of the territory
It's important to promptly replace non-functional plates, as driving without a valid rear plate is an offence under the Yukon Motor Vehicles Act and can result in fines if pulled over.
How Can You Get a Replacement License Plate in Yukon?
To obtain a replacement license plate in Yukon, vehicle owners must follow a specific process established by the Department of Highways and Public Works. The steps typically include:
- Completing a license plate replacement application form
- Providing proof of vehicle ownership and valid identification
- Paying the required replacement fee
- Surrendering any remaining old plates, if applicable
Applicants may need to provide additional documentation, such as a police report in cases of stolen plates. The replacement process can be initiated at any Motor Vehicles office throughout the territory.
Where Can You Replace a License Plate in Yukon?
License plate replacement services in Yukon are offered at Motor Vehicles offices throughout the territory. These offices serve as the main point of contact for various government services, including vehicle registration and license plate-related matters.
Can You Replace a Yukon License Plate Online?
No, Yukon does not offer a fully online service for license plate replacement. The process typically requires an in-person visit to a Motor Vehicles office to complete the necessary paperwork, verify identification, and receive the new plates.
When Must You Replace Your License Plate in Yukon?
By law, you must replace your license plate in Yukon when it becomes illegible. This includes plates that are:
- Immediately upon discovering that the plate has been lost or stolen
- When the plate is damaged to the extent that it is no longer clearly legible
- If the plate has deteriorated due to age or environmental factors
- When transferring a vehicle to a new owner and retaining the plates
You must do so to avoid driving an improperly registered vehicle, which risks fines and penalties.
Do You Need Insurance to Get Replacement Plates in Yukon?
Yes, valid insurance coverage is required to obtain replacement license plates in Yukon. The Motor Vehicles Act of Yukon (Section 72) mandates that all vehicles operated on public roads must be insured, and proof of insurance is a prerequisite for any vehicle registration services, including plate replacement.
When applying for replacement plates, vehicle owners must provide evidence of current insurance coverage. This typically involves presenting an insurance card or policy document that shows the vehicle is insured for the current registration period.
How Long Does It Take to Get Replacement License Plates in Yukon?
The time frame for receiving replacement license plates in Yukon can vary depending on several factors. In most cases, when applying for replacement plates at a Motor Vehicles office, standard plates can be issued on the same day, provided all required documentation is in order, and fees are paid.
Due to manufacturing requirements, the process may take longer for personalized or specialty plates. In such cases, temporary permits may be issued to allow the vehicle to be legally operated while waiting for the custom plate to be produced. The exact timeframe for receiving specialty plates can vary, and applicants should inquire about estimated delivery times when placing their order at the Motor Vehicles office.