At least you didn't get arrested
When I lived in San Diego, some jackass stole the whole plate off my car 2 weeks before I moved to Oregon. The worst part is I got a ticket for no registration displayed (because the plate was stolen) before I knew it was even missing.
I called the city and told them that the plate was stolen and they said they would clear the ticked. I moved, case closed. But it wasn't.
As far as San Diego was concerned, I failed to appear in court on the ticket I was told was cleared, they issued a warrant, and I found out when I tried to get my Oregon license. I spent about 2 weeks on the phone and mailing/faxing appropriate supporting documentation trying to get it all cleared.