DMV Form REG 31 is a request to replace or correct a vehicle registration card
DMV Form REG 31, officially called "process for Replacement or Correction of Registration Card," is the form you use when your registration card has been lost, stolen, damaged, or contains an error. You submit it to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to get a corrected or replacement card without having to re-register your vehicle or pay a full registration fee.
The form itself is straightforward — it asks for your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, current registration information, and the reason you need the replacement. Most states allow you to submit it by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. Processing time varies by state, but typically takes one to three weeks for a mailed request.
This is different from renewing your registration. REG 31 does not extend your registration expiration date — it straightforward replaces the physical card or fixes information on it. If your registration is also expiring soon, you will need to renew separately.
Key Takeaways
- DMV Form REG 31 replaces a lost, stolen, or damaged registration card or corrects errors on an existing card.
- You do not need to re-register your vehicle or pay a full registration fee when using REG 31 — only a replacement fee, which varies by state.
- Most states let you submit REG 31 by mail, online, or in person; check your state DMV website for the method available to you.
- REG 31 does not renew your registration or change your expiration date — if your registration is expiring, you must renew separately.
- Processing typically takes one to three weeks by mail; online or in-person requests may be faster depending on your state.
When to use REG 31 instead of renewing your registration
Use REG 31 only when you need to replace or correct the card itself, not when your registration is expiring. If your registration card is lost but your registration is still valid and not expiring soon, REG 31 is the right choice. If your registration is expiring within the next few months, you should renew your registration instead — renewal will give you a new card with an updated expiration date.
Some people confuse the two because both result in a new card arriving in the mail. The difference is cost and timing. A REG 31 replacement costs less (usually $5 to $15 depending on your state) because you are only replacing the card. A renewal costs more because you are paying registration fees for another year or two of vehicle registration.
If you are unsure whether your registration is still valid, check your current registration card or your state DMV website. Your registration expiration date is printed on the card itself.
How to find and submit DMV Form REG 31
Start by visiting your state's DMV website and searching for "REG 31" or "replacement registration card." Most states have the form available as a PDF read. Some states have moved to online-only systems where you fill out the form on the DMV website instead of printing and mailing a paper form.
If you are submitting by mail, print the form, fill it out completely, include the required fee (check your state DMV website for the exact amount and payment method), and mail it to the address listed on the form or your state DMV website. Include a copy of your current registration card if possible, and a copy of your driver's license or ID.
If your state offers online submission, you can usually upload a photo of your current registration card and driver's license directly through the DMV portal. Online submission often processes faster than mail — sometimes within a few days.
What information you need before submitting
Have your current registration card or registration documents nearby before you start filling out REG 31. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on your registration card, title, and insurance documents. You will also need your license plate number and your current registration number.
If your registration card is lost or stolen and you do not have a copy, you can find your VIN by looking at your vehicle title, insurance card, or the dashboard of your car (it is visible through the windshield on the driver's side). If you still cannot locate your VIN, call your state DMV — they can look it up using your license plate number.
You will also need to state the reason for the replacement: lost, stolen, damaged, or correction of an error. If the card contains an error — for example, your name is misspelled or the address is wrong — note exactly what needs to be corrected.
Fees and processing time by submission method
| Submission Method | Typical Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| $5–$15 (varies by state) | 1–3 weeks | |
| Online | $5–$15 (varies by state) | 3–7 business days |
| In person at DMV office | $5–$15 (varies by state) | Same day or next business day |
Fees for REG 31 are significantly lower than full registration renewal fees because you are only replacing the card, not paying for vehicle registration. However, some states charge a small processing fee on top of the replacement fee. Check your state DMV website for the exact total cost.
If you need your replacement card urgently, visiting a DMV office in person is usually the fastest option. Many offices can print a temporary registration card on the spot or issue one within a day. If you submit by mail, budget at least two to three weeks and submit during a time when you do not need the card urgently.
Scam alert: Fake DMV websites and third-party services
Do not pay a third-party service to submit REG 31 for you. Scammers create websites that look like official DMV sites and charge $50 to $100 to submit a form that costs $5 to $15 directly through your state DMV. These fake sites often have URLs that are slightly different from the real DMV website — for example, "dmv-registration.com" instead of your state's actual DMV domain.
Always go directly to your state's official DMV website. The real site will end in ".gov" or your state's official domain (for example, "dmv.ca.gov" for California). Bookmark the correct site or type it directly into your browser rather than clicking a link from an email or search result. If you are unsure whether a website is real, call your state DMV's main phone number to confirm the correct web address.
If you lost your registration card because your vehicle was stolen, report the theft to police and your insurance company before submitting REG 31. Some states require a police report number on the form if the card was lost due to theft.
What happens after you submit REG 31
Once your form is processed, your new registration card will be mailed to the address on file with your DMV. If you have moved recently and your address on file is outdated, update it before submitting REG 31, or your card may arrive at the wrong address. You can usually update your address online through your state DMV website or by calling the DMV.
Your new card will have the same registration number and expiration date as your old card — nothing changes except the physical card itself. If the card was being replaced because of an error, the corrected information will appear on the new card.
If you do not receive your replacement card within the expected timeframe, contact your state DMV with your confirmation number or receipt. Keep any receipt or confirmation email you receive when you submit the form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without a registration card while I wait for my replacement?
Yes, in most states. If you submitted REG 31 by mail or online, keep your confirmation receipt or email — many states consider this proof that you have a valid registration while your replacement card is in the mail. However, some officers may not accept this, so it is safer to carry a copy of your current registration if you have one. If you submitted in person at a DMV office, ask whether they issue a temporary card or receipt you can carry.
Do I need to submit REG 31 if my registration card is damaged but still readable?
Not legally, but you may want to. A damaged card that is still readable will usually work for traffic stops and registration verification. However, if the card is so worn that information is hard to read, or if you are concerned it may not scan properly, submitting REG 31 is a low-cost way to get a fresh card.
What if I find my old registration card after I submit REG 31?
Destroy the old card or return it to your DMV. Having two valid cards in circulation can cause confusion if your vehicle is involved in a traffic stop or accident. Most states ask you to cut up or shred the old card.
Can I correct my name or address on my registration card using REG 31?
Yes, if the error is on the card itself. However, if you have legally changed your name or moved, you may need to update your registration separately through your state DMV before submitting REG 31. Check your state DMV website to see whether address or name changes require a separate form or can be handled as part of the REG 31 request.
How much does REG 31 cost compared to renewing my registration?
REG 31 costs $5 to $15 in most states, while registration renewal costs $50 to $300 or more depending on your state and vehicle type. Use REG 31 only if you are replacing or correcting the card, not renewing your registration. If your registration is expiring soon, renew instead — you will get a new card with an updated expiration date.