Lost or stolen registration sticker or card in California
If your California registration is current but the card or year sticker was lost or stolen, request a replacement. Check the vehicle's record and address before choosing an online, kiosk, mail or DMV-office option.
Key takeaways
Identify whether the card, year sticker, month sticker or metal plate is missing.
Confirm the address on the vehicle record, not only on your driver license.
An online rejection needs the right follow-up; buying a replacement does not resolve an expired or suspended registration.
1. Identify what was lost or stolen
For a missing or damaged year sticker, request a replacement for a currently registered vehicle. If only the month sticker is missing, DMV offers a no-cost replacement through a field office or its contact center, if eligible.
A stolen metal license plate is a different request. Follow DMV's plate instructions, including police-report requirements; ordering a sticker alone will not replace the plate.
2. Confirm the vehicle's mailing address
Moved recently? Update the vehicle's address and confirm processing in MyDMV before ordering. DMV says address changes can take up to three days. Updating only your driver license does not automatically update your vehicle record.
3. Check eligibility before requesting online
DMV's online replacement tool excludes registration due within 30 days, expired or suspended records, Planned Nonoperation (PNO), an active release of liability and certain holds or vehicle types. Read the full eligibility list before paying.
- Have the plate number, registration information and last five VIN digits ready.
- Have payment information ready; select the item you actually need.
4. If the online tool says ineligible, check the alternative
DMV directs ineligible online requests to form REG 156 by mail or a DMV office. Complete the vehicle and registered-owner details, check the missing item and reason, and sign the certification. Follow the form's submission instructions and applicable fee requirements.
Do not treat the form as a way around a renewal, suspension or hold. Ask DMV what must be resolved first. For supported replacement transactions, a DMV kiosk is another option; bring the plate number and last five VIN digits. Kiosks cannot change your address.
5. Check the fee and mailing expectations
As checked September 1, 2026, DMV's fee table lists $28 for a replacement registration card and $28 for a replacement sticker. An online sticker order already includes a card; do not place a separate card order just for that. Confirm the total and any separate service charge before paying.
For online orders, DMV says replacements are mailed within 14 days to the recorded address. That is a mailing timeframe, not a guaranteed arrival date. Its online FAQ directs you to DMV Customer Service if more than two weeks have passed without receipt.
6. Ask about local help before visiting
Have a notice or an unclear rejection? Ask Cardona's whether the office can help with your specific replacement and what to bring. Confirm availability, any separate service fee and timing before visiting. An inquiry does not clear a DMV hold or guarantee same-day issuance.
Common questions
What should I do if my registration sticker was stolen?
Request the replacement year sticker for a currently registered vehicle. If the metal plate was also stolen, follow the separate plate-replacement instructions; a sticker request alone is not enough.
Does a replacement sticker order include a registration card?
Yes. California DMV says an online replacement sticker order includes a new registration card.
Can I change my address during the replacement request?
No. Update the vehicle's DMV address and confirm it was processed first. An address change does not automatically issue a new registration card.
Why does DMV say my vehicle is ineligible for an online replacement?
The record may need a renewal, suspension resolution or other review, or be an excluded vehicle type. Use DMV's eligibility list and REG 156 instructions; do not keep paying for a replacement to bypass the issue.
