What a duplicate registration sticker is and when you need one

A duplicate registration sticker (also called a validation sticker or renewal sticker) is the small decal you place on your license plate to show your vehicle registration is current. In California, you get a new sticker each year when you renew your registration. If yours is missing, damaged, faded, or lost, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will send you a replacement without charging a fee.

You need a duplicate sticker if the one on your plate is no longer visible, has peeled off, or has faded so much that a law enforcement officer cannot read the month and year. Driving without a visible registration sticker can result in a citation, even though your registration itself is valid. A duplicate sticker proves you have paid your registration fees and are legal to drive.

The process is straightforward and does not require you to renew your registration early or pay any additional fees. The DMV will mail the sticker to your address on file, and it typically arrives within one to two weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request a duplicate registration sticker from the California DMV at no cost if your current sticker is missing, damaged, or faded.
  • You can request a duplicate online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office — online is the fastest option.
  • The DMV will mail the sticker to the address listed on your vehicle registration, so make sure your mailing address is current before you request one.
  • A duplicate sticker arrives in one to two weeks by mail, and you do not need to renew your registration early or pay any fee to receive it.
  • If your registration itself has expired, you must renew your registration first — a duplicate sticker only replaces a missing or damaged decal on a valid registration.

How to request a duplicate sticker online

The fastest way to request a duplicate registration sticker is through the California DMV website. Go to dmv.ca.gov and look for the "Order Registration Stickers" or "Duplicate Registration Sticker" option in the online services menu. You will need your vehicle registration number (found on your registration card) and your driver's license or ID number.

Enter your vehicle information and confirm the mailing address where you want the sticker sent. The DMV will process your request when ready and mail the sticker within one to two weeks. You will receive a confirmation number on screen — save this in case you need to check the status of your order later.

Online requests are available 24 hours a day and do not require you to visit a DMV office or wait in line. This is the method most people use because it is the quickest and most convenient.

Requesting a duplicate sticker by mail or in person

If you prefer not to use the online system, you can request a duplicate sticker by mail. read and print the DMV form REG 156 (process for Duplicate Registration Sticker) from the DMV website, or call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to request the form be mailed to you. Fill out the form with your vehicle information and your current mailing address, then mail it to the DMV office address listed on the form.

Processing by mail takes longer than online requests — typically two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your form, plus mailing time in both directions. Include a copy of your vehicle registration card if possible, though it is not required.

You can also visit a DMV office in person and request a duplicate sticker at the counter. Bring your vehicle registration card and a valid ID. The staff will process your request on the spot, and the sticker will be mailed to your address on file. In-person requests do not speed up the mailing process, but they allow you to confirm your mailing address and ask questions face-to-face.

What to do if your mailing address is wrong

Before you request a duplicate sticker, check that the mailing address on your vehicle registration is correct. The DMV will send the sticker to whatever address is on file, so if you have moved and have not updated your registration, the sticker will go to your old address and you will not receive it.

If your address has changed, update it through the DMV website or by visiting a DMV office before you request the duplicate sticker. You can change your address online at dmv.ca.gov using your driver's license or ID number and vehicle registration number. Once your address is updated, then request the duplicate sticker and it will be mailed to your new address.

If you have already requested a duplicate sticker and realize your address is wrong, contact the DMV when ready at 1-800-777-0133 to cancel the request and submit a new one with the correct address.

What to do if your registration has expired

A duplicate sticker only replaces a missing or damaged decal on a registration that is still valid. If your registration itself has expired, you cannot get a duplicate sticker — you must renew your registration first.

Check your registration card to see the expiration date. If it has passed, you will need to renew your registration through the DMV before requesting a duplicate sticker. Once your registration is renewed and you receive your new registration card and sticker, you will have a valid sticker on your plate. If that sticker later becomes damaged or lost, then you can request a duplicate.

Renewing your registration and requesting a duplicate sticker are two separate processes with different fees and timelines. Do not confuse them — renewal costs money and requires you to provide proof of insurance and vehicle smog certification (in most cases), while a duplicate sticker is free and only replaces a damaged or missing decal.

Scam alert: Unsolicited sticker offers

Be cautious of emails, texts, or phone calls claiming to offer you a registration sticker or asking you to verify your vehicle information to receive one. The California DMV does not contact vehicle owners unsolicited to offer stickers or to ask for personal information. These messages are typically phishing scams designed to steal your identity or financial information.

If you receive an unsolicited message about a registration sticker, do not click any links or provide any information. Delete the message or hang up the call. The only legitimate way to request a duplicate sticker is to contact the DMV directly through the official website dmv.ca.gov, by phone at 1-800-777-0133, or by visiting a DMV office in person.

Never pay money to a third-party website or service to get a duplicate sticker. The sticker itself is free from the DMV. If a website charges you a fee to request a sticker on your behalf, you are being overcharged for a service you can do yourself at no cost.

What happens after you receive your duplicate sticker

When your duplicate sticker arrives in the mail, remove the backing and place it on your license plate in the same location as your old sticker. California registration stickers go in the lower right corner of the rear license plate. Make sure the sticker is flat and fully adhered to the plate so it is visible to law enforcement.

Once the new sticker is on your plate, you are legal to drive. Keep your old registration card and any documentation related to your request in case you are stopped and an officer questions the sticker. Your registration card proves your registration is current and matches the sticker on your plate.

If the sticker you receive is damaged or does not adhere properly, you can request another duplicate at no cost. Contact the DMV and explain the issue — they will send you a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does requesting a duplicate sticker cost anything?

No. The duplicate registration sticker is free. The DMV does not charge a fee to replace a missing, damaged, or faded sticker. If anyone asks you to pay money for a duplicate sticker, they are not affiliated with the official California DMV.

How long does it take to receive a duplicate sticker?

Online requests typically arrive within one to two weeks. Mail requests take two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your form, plus mailing time. In-person requests are processed when ready, but the sticker is still mailed to your address, so the delivery time is the same.

Can I get a duplicate sticker if my registration has expired?

No. You must renew your registration first if it has expired. A duplicate sticker only replaces a missing or damaged decal on a valid registration. Once you renew, you will receive a new sticker with your renewal materials.

What if I never received my duplicate sticker in the mail?

Check that your mailing address on file with the DMV is correct. If the address is wrong, the sticker will have been sent to your old address. Update your address and request a new duplicate sticker. If your address is correct and you still have not received it after three weeks, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to check the status of your request.

Can I request a duplicate sticker if I just bought a used car?

Only if you have already registered the vehicle in your name with the California DMV. If you are a new owner and have not yet completed the registration transfer, you must register the vehicle first. Once registration is complete and you receive your registration card and sticker, you can request a duplicate if that sticker becomes damaged or lost.