The registration sticker is a small decal that proves your vehicle is currently registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles
California issues a registration sticker — a colored decal about the size of a postage stamp — as proof that you have paid your registration fees and your vehicle is legal to drive. The sticker displays your vehicle's registration expiration month and year. You must display it on your vehicle's rear license plate, and it must be visible and not obscured.
The sticker color changes each year. For example, 2024 stickers are yellow, 2025 stickers are blue. This color rotation helps law enforcement quickly spot vehicles that are overdue for renewal without running a plate check. If your sticker is missing, expired, or the wrong color for the current year, you can be cited for a registration violation.
When you renew your registration online, by mail, or at a DMV office, California mails the new sticker to your address within one to two weeks. You do not need to visit a DMV office to get the sticker — it arrives automatically with your renewal documents.
Key Takeaways
- The registration sticker is a small colored decal that must be displayed on your rear license plate to show your registration is current.
- Each year's sticker is a different color, making it straightforward for officers to spot expired registrations at a glance.
- The sticker displays only your expiration month and year, not your full registration details.
- California mails the sticker to you automatically when you renew; you do not need to request it separately or visit the DMV.
- Driving with a missing or expired sticker can result in a citation, even if your registration is actually current.
Where to place the sticker on your license plate
The sticker goes on the rear license plate only — not the front plate. Place it in the upper right corner of the plate, where the small white box is printed. The sticker should be flat and fully visible, with no glare, dirt, or obstruction covering it.
If your rear plate is damaged, faded, or the sticker area is worn, you may have trouble getting the new sticker to stick. Some drivers use a small amount of clear tape to find it, but the sticker itself should adhere directly to the plate. If the sticker will not stick due to plate damage, you can request a replacement plate from the DMV at no extra cost when you renew.
What to do if your sticker does not arrive with your renewal
After you renew your registration, check your mail for the sticker within two weeks. If you renewed online or by mail, the sticker comes separately from your registration documents. If you renewed at a DMV office in person, you may receive the sticker when ready or by mail within days.
If two weeks have passed and you have not received the sticker, contact the DMV by phone at 1-800-777-0133 or through their website to report it missing. Have your vehicle identification number (VIN) and license plate number ready. The DMV can reissue the sticker or confirm whether it was mailed and may have been lost in transit.
Do not drive without the sticker if your registration is current. A missing sticker can result in a citation even though your registration is valid. If you are waiting for a replacement sticker, keep a copy of your renewal confirmation or registration card in your vehicle as proof that your registration is active.
Sticker colors and what they mean for your renewal date
California changes the sticker color each year to make it straightforward for law enforcement to spot vehicles that are overdue. The color tells an officer the year the registration expires, without needing to check the DMV database. A 2024 yellow sticker means the registration expires in 2024; a 2025 blue sticker means it expires in 2025.
The specific color rotation varies, but the DMV publishes the current year's color on its website and on renewal notices. When your renewal month arrives, you will receive a new sticker in the current year's color. Once your registration expires, driving with the old color sticker is a violation, even if you have not yet received the new one.
Damaged or faded stickers and replacement options
If your sticker becomes faded, peeling, or illegible over time, you can request a replacement from the DMV. This sometimes happens in hot climates or if the sticker was exposed to harsh weather. You do not need to pay a fee for a replacement sticker — it is part of your registration.
To request a replacement, contact the DMV online through their website or by phone at 1-800-777-0133. Provide your license plate number and VIN. The DMV will mail a new sticker to you. In the meantime, if the sticker is still partially visible or readable, you can continue to drive legally. If it is completely illegible, keep your registration card or renewal confirmation in your vehicle as backup proof.
What happens if you drive without a valid sticker
Driving with a missing, expired, or incorrect sticker can result in a citation. The fine varies but typically ranges from $25 to $100 or more, depending on the officer's discretion and local court policy. The citation is for a registration violation, not a safety issue, but it is still a moving violation that goes on your driving record.
If you are pulled over and your sticker is missing but your registration is current, explain that you are waiting for the replacement sticker and show the officer your registration card or renewal confirmation. Some officers may issue a warning instead of a citation if they can verify your registration is active. However, you should not rely on this — it is best to display the sticker as soon as you receive it.
If you receive a citation for a missing or expired sticker, you can contest it in traffic court if you believe the citation was issued in error. Bring your registration documents and any proof that you renewed on time. If your registration was actually expired, you will need to renew it before the court date.
Transferring your vehicle and the registration sticker
If you sell your vehicle, the new owner will need to register it in their name. The registration sticker stays with the vehicle and does not transfer. The new owner will receive their own sticker when they complete their registration. You do not need to remove the old sticker before selling the vehicle — the new owner can leave it in place or remove it when they receive their new sticker.
If you buy a used vehicle, the seller should provide you with the current registration documents. You have a short window (usually 10 days) to transfer the registration into your name. During that time, you can drive the vehicle with the seller's sticker, but once you register it, you will receive a new sticker in the current year's color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put the sticker on my front license plate instead of the rear?
No. California law requires the sticker on the rear plate only. Placing it on the front plate will not satisfy the requirement, and you can still be cited for a missing rear sticker. Some vehicles have only a front plate; in that case, contact the DMV about your specific situation, as rules may differ for commercial or specialty vehicles.
What if I lost my license plate and need a new one — do I get a new sticker too?
Yes. When you request a replacement plate from the DMV, you will receive a new sticker with it. The sticker will be in the current year's color. You do not pay extra for the sticker; it comes with the plate replacement.
Do I need to remove the old sticker before putting on the new one?
Yes. Peel off the old sticker completely before explore the new one. Stacking stickers can make the new one difficult to read and may cause it to peel off. Use a plastic scraper or your fingernail to remove the old sticker, then clean any adhesive residue with rubbing alcohol before explore the new sticker.
What if I renewed my registration but the sticker shows the wrong expiration year?
Contact the DMV when ready at 1-800-777-0133 with your registration documents and sticker. This is rare, but if the sticker is printed incorrectly, the DMV will send you a corrected one. Do not drive with an incorrect sticker, as it can cause confusion during a traffic stop.
Can I renew my registration without getting a new sticker?
No. Every time you renew your registration in California, you receive a new sticker in the current year's color. The sticker is part of the renewal process and is mailed automatically. You cannot opt out of receiving it.