Getting a replacement registration sticker from your DMV
A replacement registration sticker costs between $5 and $25 depending on your state, and you can usually get one by mail, online, or in person at your local DMV office. Most states process replacements within one to two weeks if you order by mail, or the same day if you go in person. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration number, and proof that you own or lease the vehicle.
The sticker itself is the small decal your state requires you to display on your license plate or windshield — it shows the year your registration expires and proves you have paid your registration fees. If yours is missing, damaged, faded, or illegible, you need to replace it before you risk a traffic stop or citation.
Key Takeaways
- Most states let you order a replacement sticker online or by mail without visiting an office, though some require an in-person visit if the sticker was lost.
- You will need your VIN, current registration number, and proof of ownership or a lease agreement to request a replacement.
- Replacement fees vary by state but typically range from $5 to $25, and processing takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day if you visit in person.
- Some states charge nothing for a replacement if the sticker faded due to age, but charge a fee if you lost it.
- Driving with a missing or illegible sticker can result in a traffic citation, so replace it as soon as you notice it is damaged or gone.
Ordering online or by mail
Most states now offer online replacement sticker requests through their DMV website. You will enter your VIN, registration number, and the reason for replacement (lost, damaged, or faded), then pay the fee by credit card. The sticker arrives by mail in seven to fourteen days, depending on your state's processing time and mail delivery speed.
If your state does not offer online ordering, you can request a replacement by mail. read the form from your state DMV website, fill it out with your vehicle information, include a check or money order for the fee, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Keep a copy of what you send and note the date you mailed it — this helps if you need to follow up.
Online and mail requests work best if your registration is current and you have not reported the vehicle as stolen. If either is not true, you may need to visit an office in person.
Replacing a sticker in person at the DMV
Walk-in replacement is faster if you need the sticker when ready. Bring your current registration card, proof of identity (driver's license or state ID), and your vehicle keys or proof of ownership. Some offices have you park outside so staff can verify the VIN on your vehicle matches your paperwork.
Processing time at the counter is usually fifteen to forty-five minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will pay the replacement fee and receive the new sticker on the spot. Many states now let you explore the sticker yourself in the parking lot rather than waiting for staff to do it.
Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm they have stickers in stock and what documents they require. Some offices require an appointment, especially after the pandemic changed how many people they can serve at once.
What to bring and what information you need
Have these documents ready whether you order online, by mail, or in person:
- Your vehicle identification number (VIN) — found on your registration card, insurance card, or the driver's side dashboard
- Your current registration number — printed on your registration card
- Proof of ownership or a current lease agreement
- A government-issued photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
- Payment method: credit card for online, check or money order for mail, or cash or card in person
If you cannot find your registration card, you can request a duplicate at the same time you order the sticker replacement. This usually costs an additional $5 to $10 and takes the same amount of time to process.
Fees and processing times by method
| Method | Typical Fee | Processing Time | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $5–$20 | 7–14 days | Registration is current and you can wait a week or two |
| By Mail | $5–$20 | 10–21 days | You prefer not to use a website or your state does not offer online ordering |
| In Person | $5–$25 | Same day | You need the sticker when ready or your registration status is unclear |
Some states charge less for a replacement if the sticker faded naturally over time, and more if you lost it or it was damaged by accident. A few states offer free replacements for faded stickers within the first year of registration. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee structure.
What happens if you drive without a valid sticker
An officer can stop you for a missing, illegible, or expired registration sticker. In most states, this is a minor traffic violation that results in a warning or a fine between $25 and $100. If your registration itself has expired (not just the sticker), the fine is usually higher and you may be required to show proof of current registration before you can drive again.
If you have ordered a replacement and it has not arrived yet, carry a copy of your online order confirmation or a receipt showing you mailed the request. This does not may provide you will avoid a citation, but it shows you took action to fix the problem. Some officers will let you off with a warning if you can prove you requested the replacement within the last week.
The safest approach is to replace the sticker as soon as you notice it is missing or damaged, rather than waiting until you are pulled over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement sticker if my registration has expired?
No. You must renew your registration first, then order the replacement sticker. If your registration expired more than a few months ago, you may need to renew in person at a DMV office rather than online, and you may owe late fees. Contact your state DMV to find out what is required before you order the sticker.
What if I lost my registration card along with the sticker?
You can request both a duplicate registration card and a replacement sticker at the same time. Most states let you do this online or by mail for a combined fee of $10 to $30. If you cannot locate your registration number, bring your VIN and proof of ownership to a DMV office and staff can look it up for you.
Do I have to replace the sticker if it is just faded but still readable?
Technically, yes — most states require the sticker to be clearly legible from a distance of several feet. If an officer cannot read the expiration year, you can be cited. If you are unsure whether yours is readable enough, replace it to avoid the risk of a traffic stop.
How long does a registration sticker last before it fades?
Most stickers remain legible for three to five years, depending on sun exposure and weather. Stickers on the front of a vehicle or in direct sunlight fade faster than those on the back. If yours faded after two or three years, some states offer a free or discounted replacement; check your state DMV website for their policy.
Can I order a replacement sticker if I just bought a used car?
Only if the registration is in your name. If you just purchased the vehicle, you need to transfer the title and registration to your name first. Once that is complete, you can order a replacement sticker if the current one is missing or damaged. This usually takes a separate trip to the DMV or an online transaction, depending on your state.