What You Pay for a California DMV Replacement Sticker

A replacement registration sticker in California costs $20 if you order it by mail or in person at a DMV office. If you order online through the California DMV website, the fee is also $20, plus a $1.50 electronic payment processing fee. You pay the same amount whether you lost your sticker, it was stolen, or it became damaged or unreadable.

The sticker itself is the small decal that shows your vehicle registration is current. It goes on your license plate and displays the month and year your registration expires. Without it, a peace officer can stop you, and you may face a citation for an expired or missing registration sticker, even if your registration is actually current.

Replacement stickers are not the same as renewing your registration. If your registration has expired, you pay renewal fees on top of the replacement sticker fee. If your registration is still valid but your sticker is missing or damaged, you pay only the $20 replacement fee.

Key Takeaways

  • A replacement registration sticker costs $20 whether you order it online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
  • Online orders include an additional $1.50 electronic payment fee, making the total $21.50.
  • You need your vehicle registration number and current registration document to order a replacement sticker.
  • Mail orders typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days; online orders may arrive faster depending on processing time.
  • If your registration itself has expired, you must renew it separately before ordering a replacement sticker.

How to Order a Replacement Sticker Online

The fastest way to get a replacement sticker is through the California DMV website. Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Register a Vehicle," then choose "Order a Replacement Registration Sticker." You will need your vehicle registration number, which appears on your current registration document or renewal notice. You will also need a valid payment method — credit card, debit card, or electronic check.

After you submit your order and payment, the DMV processes it and mails the sticker to the address on your registration. Processing time varies, but most stickers arrive within 7 to 10 business days after the order is processed. You do not need to visit an office or provide additional documents if your registration is current.

Ordering by Mail or at a DMV Office

If you prefer not to order online, you can request a replacement sticker by mail. Fill out Form REG 156, "process for Replacement Registration Sticker," and mail it to the DMV address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $20. Include your vehicle registration number and current registration document. The DMV will mail the sticker to your address on file.

You can also visit a DMV office in person and request a replacement sticker at the counter. Bring your vehicle registration document and a valid ID. Pay the $20 fee, and in many cases you can receive the sticker the same day or within a few days, depending on office workload. Call ahead to confirm your local office has stickers in stock.

When You Need a Replacement Sticker Versus a Registration Renewal

A replacement sticker is only for the sticker itself — the small colored decal on your license plate. You order a replacement when the sticker is missing, faded, damaged, or unreadable, but your registration has not expired. Check your current registration document to see the expiration date. If that date has not passed, you need only a replacement sticker.

If your registration has expired, you must renew your registration first. Registration renewal is a separate transaction with its own fee, which varies based on your vehicle type and weight. Once your registration is renewed, you can then order a replacement sticker if needed. The DMV will sometimes include a new sticker with a renewal, so check what you receive before ordering separately.

What Happens If You Drive Without a Valid Sticker

Driving with a missing, expired, or illegible registration sticker is a violation under California Vehicle Code Section 4000. A peace officer can stop you and issue a citation. The fine for a missing or illegible sticker is typically $250 or more, depending on the court and whether you have prior violations. You may also be cited for an expired registration if the sticker shows an expired date.

If you are stopped and your registration is actually current but your sticker is missing or damaged, you can show the officer your current registration document. This may prevent a citation, but it is not may provide — the law requires the sticker to be displayed on the plate. The safest approach is to order a replacement sticker as soon as you notice yours is missing or damaged.

Sticker Replacement for Vehicles with Personalized or Vanity Plates

If your vehicle has a personalized or vanity license plate, you still order a replacement registration sticker the same way. The sticker cost is the same $20. The sticker goes on your personalized plate just as it would on a standard plate. Your registration number and vehicle information remain the same, so the process is identical to a standard plate replacement.

If you recently changed your license plate number or plate type, you may need a new registration document before ordering a replacement sticker. Contact the DMV or check your registration to confirm your current plate number matches what is on file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement sticker the same day I request it?

At a DMV office, you may receive a sticker the same day or within a few days depending on office availability and whether they have stickers in stock. By mail or online, expect 7 to 10 business days. Call your local DMV office to ask about same-day availability before visiting.

What if my registration is expired — do I still pay just $20?

No. If your registration has expired, you must renew it first, which costs more than $20 depending on your vehicle. Once renewed, you can order a replacement sticker for $20. You cannot order a replacement sticker for an expired registration.

Do I need to provide proof of ownership or insurance to get a replacement sticker?

No. A replacement sticker requires only your vehicle registration number and current registration document. You do not need to show proof of ownership or insurance. The DMV already has this information on file from your original registration.

What if I lost my registration document — can I still order a replacement sticker?

You will need your vehicle registration number to order online or by mail. If you do not have your registration document, you can request a duplicate registration document from the DMV for $20, or you can visit an office in person with your vehicle title and ID. Once you have your registration number, you can order the replacement sticker.

Is there a fee to replace a sticker if it was damaged by the DMV or a third party?

The DMV charges $20 for all replacement stickers regardless of the reason. If the sticker was damaged due to DMV error, contact your local office to discuss your situation, but there is no separate waiver or refund process for replacement sticker fees.