DMV Registration Renewal Guide

After your original registration of your vehicle, there are requirements for renewing that registration. Typically, when people say they need to renew tags, license plate, decal or sticker, they’re referring to renewing their official vehicle registration.

Depending on your state, the vehicle registration process is managed by either the DMV, the Secretary of State, the Department of Revenue or the Motor Vehicle Division. Your vehicle registration and tags could be for a car, truck, motorcycle, motorhome, trailer, boat and more.

You’ll always want to make sure you know when your registration tags expire so that you can renew on time and avoid any potential late fees or penalties, or traffic citations for expired tags.

A few items you’ll probably need for your renewal:

• License Plate Number and/or VIN (vehicle identification number).
• Proof of Auto Insurance.
• Form of Payment.
• Registration and/or Shipping Address.

Renewing Vehicle Registration By State

The requirements for vehicle registration renewals will differ from state to state. You can use the helpful links below to find out more details about renewing a registration in your state.

How To Renew Your Vehicle Registration

After your original registration of your vehicle, there are requirements for renewing that registration. Typically, when people say they need to renew tags, license plate, decal or sticker, they’re referring to renewing their official vehicle registration.

Depending on your state, the vehicle registration process is managed by either the DMV, the Secretary of State, the Department of Revenue or the Motor Vehicle Division. Your vehicle registration and tags could be for a car, truck, motorcycle, motorhome, trailer, boat and more.

You’ll always want to make sure you know when your registration tags expire so that you can renew on time and avoid any potential late fees or penalties, or traffic citations for expired tags.

A few items you’ll probably need for your renewal:

• License Plate Number and/or VIN (vehicle identification number).
• Proof of Auto Insurance.
• Form of Payment.
• Registration and/or Shipping Address.

Renewing Vehicle Registration By State

The requirements for vehicle registration renewals will differ from state to state. You can use the helpful links below to find out more details about renewing a registration in your state.

How To Replace Your Vehicle Registration And DMV Plate Sticker

In order to operate a motor vehicle legally in the U.S., your vehicle must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of the state in which you permanently reside.

A registration consists of a paper document that you keep inside the vehicle and a sticker that is placed on the license plate. Both of these must be present if you are stopped by law enforcement. Failure to have a current registration can lead to a traffic ticket and a fine, and possibly the impoundment of your vehicle.

Lost, Stolen, Damaged Or Mutilated Registrations

It’s not uncommon for registration certificates or license stickers to become lost, stolen, or damaged to the point of illegibility. When this happens you must obtain a DMV registration replacement to continue to drive your vehicle legally.

Most states have a very simple process for getting a replacement registration. The process can vary from state to state, so it’s always advisable to check with your local DMV branch to find out the specifics of how to replace a car registration in your state. However, most states will have the same basic requirements.

Basic DMV Registration Replacement Requirements

What do I need to replace my vehicle registration?

You can most likely visit your state’s DMV website to find out the specific requirements for obtaining a replacement registration sticker and certificate, or you can simply visit your local branch office.

You may even be able to order a replacement registration online and receive it in the mail, but be aware that the process may take longer than going in person to the DMV branch to get your replacement car registration, and the methods for payment may be limited.

Here are the things you’ll typically need to have when applying for a DMV registration replacement:

• Proof of Identification – Most states will simply have you present your driver’s license as proof of identity, but some states might require additional documents, such as a Social Security card and/or a birth certificate. Check with the DMV before you go.
• Money for Fees – You will certainly have to pay a fee for your replacement registration, the amount of which varies from state to state, but the fee is usually a small one, typically from $5 to $15.
• Completed Registration Replacement Application – You’ll have to fill out a replacement registration application, the same one you completed when you originally got your registration. You may be able to do this online or by mail as well.

Obtaining a replacement registration isn’t a difficult process, but it’s absolutely necessary if you want to drive legally and avoid tickets and fines. Always check with your state’s DMV for specific information on how to replace a car registration.

Vehicle Registration: State By State