Preventing License Plate Fraud in Government Agencies

A guide to the different types of license plate fraud and security solutions to prevent them.

License plates are the primary means of vehicle identification on the road. They allow authorities and other drivers to recognize the owner, registration, and insurance status of a vehicle. However, license plates can also be the target of fraud and theft, which can have serious consequences for both the victims and the public safety.

In this article, we will explore the different types of license plate fraud and the security solutions that can help prevent them on a governmental side.

Type 1: Fake License Plates

Fake license plates are those that are made by someone who copies or imitates a real license plate. They may use a different material, font, or color, or they may alter the numbers or letters of a real plate. The purpose of using a fake plate is usually to avoid paying fees, taxes, or fines, or to evade detection for other crimes.

To protect license plates from being faked, one usually uses different security elements that make it harder to copy or reproduce. Some of these elements are:

• Embedded graphics into the reflective sheeting. These are images or patterns that are integrated into the material of the plate and can only be seen from certain angles or under certain light conditions (i.e. UV-ink).
• Holograms on top of the plates’ coating. These are three-dimensional images that appear on the surface of the plate and change color or shape when viewed from different angles. The downside is that only experts can say if the hologram is original or not.
• Embedded symbols in hot stamping foil. These are icons or logos that are applied to the plate using a special foil that reflects light and creates a contrast with the background. Quite often governments use the country name, or words like “Authentic” or “Secure”.
• Another security element that can be used to protect license plates from fraud is lasering. Lasering is a process that engraves a unique code or pattern on the plate using a laser beam. The code or pattern can be visible or invisible and can be read by a scanner or a camera.  

Atlas International offers government consulting to refresh the design of vehicle license plates with the use of modern security elements to address fake license plates problem.

Type 2: Illegal License Plates

Illegal license plates are those that are made by someone who has access to the production process and can manufacture a real, but unauthorized license plate. They may use the same material, font, and color as the official plates, but they may duplicate or forge the numbers or letters. The purpose of using an illegal plate is usually to impersonate another vehicle or to sell the plate to someone else.

To protect your license plate from being illegally produced, one can use a fully controllable production system, whereas every operation during the manufacturing of the blank plate and its’ personalization is controlled by technical means. Each blank turns into a traceable document by means of a machinery readable encrypted serial number, and embossing machines prevent the embossment of unauthorized plate combinations on a physical level. The combination of these two technologies allows you to:

• Track and trace every plate that is produced and ensure that it matches the order and the vehicle.
• Authenticate and verify every plate that is issued and ensure that it has not been tampered with or altered.
• Identify and report any suspicious or fraudulent activity that occurs in the production or distribution chain.

We can gladly help you in design of the system of the secure license plate manufacture. Talk to us to know more.

Type 3: Stolen License Plates

Stolen license plates are those that are taken from one vehicle and attached to another. They may be the same or different type of plates, but they belong to a different owner and vehicle. There is no efficient way to fix the license plate on a car, that securely ensures that the plate was not changed. The purpose of using a stolen plate is usually to avoid being identified or traced for a crime or a violation.

The most efficient way to secure that the license plate is on a proper car to our professional opinion is a so called “third license plate” - a sticker with RFID/NFC tag. The sticker replicates the legend of the license plates and allows to visually compare plates with the combination on the sticker. The sticker should be placed on the windshield of the vehicle and can be read by a smartphone or a reader. By using of the third license plate one can:

• Confirm that the license plate on the vehicle matches the sticker and the vehicle.
• Detect and alert if the license plate or the sticker has been removed or replaced.
• Provide additional information about the vehicle, such as the model, color, or features.

Usage of a DigSig on a sticker adds an additional level of security and allows governments and private companies to develop new applications and services for vehicle owners.  

Atlas International offers full-scope, turn-key solutions for the issuance of vehicle license plates for governments. Talk to us to know more!