Where to request a duplicate registration

You can get a duplicate Michigan vehicle registration through the Secretary of State's office in three ways: in person at a branch office, by mail, or online through the Michigan Secretary of State website. The online route is fastest if you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration handy. If you go in person, any Secretary of State branch can issue a duplicate the same day.

The mailing address for requests by post is the Michigan Secretary of State, Vehicle Services Division, 430 West Allegan Street, Lansing, MI 48933. Include a completed Form REG 5 (process for Duplicate Title or Registration) along with your request letter, a copy of your driver's license, and the fee. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Michigan's Secretary of State issues duplicate registrations through in-person visits, mail, or their online portal, with in-person being the fastest option.
  • You will need your VIN, current registration information, and a government-issued ID to request a duplicate.
  • The fee for a duplicate registration is set by the state and does not vary by county or branch office.
  • If you lost your registration and need to drive legally, you can request a temporary permit while waiting for the duplicate to arrive.

What you need before you request

Have your vehicle identification number (VIN) ready—it appears on your current registration, your vehicle's title, or on the dashboard at the base of the windshield on the driver's side. You will also need a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. If you are requesting on behalf of someone else, you will need written authorization from the vehicle owner.

If your registration was lost or stolen, you do not need to file a police report first, though you may want to for your own records. The Secretary of State does not require proof of loss. straightforward request the duplicate and provide your VIN and identifying information.

Requesting online through the Secretary of State portal

Visit the Michigan Secretary of State website and navigate to the vehicle services section. Select the option for duplicate registration or title. You will enter your VIN, the vehicle owner's name, and your contact information. The system will verify the vehicle in their database and allow you to pay the fee by credit or debit card.

After you submit the online request, the duplicate registration will be mailed to the address on file with the Secretary of State. Delivery typically takes five to seven business days from the date you submit. You will receive a confirmation number when ready—save this for your records in case you need to follow up on the status.

Getting a duplicate in person at a branch office

Find the Secretary of State branch nearest you on their website and note their hours, as some branches have limited schedules. Bring your government-issued ID, your VIN, and the fee. You do not need to make an appointment at most branches, though some locations accept them and may have shorter wait times.

When you arrive, tell the clerk you need a duplicate registration. They will look up your vehicle in the system, verify your identity, collect the fee, and print the duplicate on the spot. You will leave with the new registration in hand. This is the best option if you need the registration when ready for a vehicle inspection or to show proof of registration to law enforcement.

The fee and what it covers

Michigan charges a flat fee for duplicate registrations. The exact amount depends on the vehicle type and registration class, but the Secretary of State website lists the current fee schedule. The fee is the same whether you request in person, by mail, or online. Payment methods vary by channel—online requests accept credit and debit cards, in-person visits accept cash and card, and mail requests should include a check or money order.

The fee covers the cost of printing and issuing the duplicate registration document only. It does not include any vehicle inspection, title transfer, or other services. If you need a duplicate title as well as a duplicate registration, you will pay separate fees for each.

Temporary permits while you wait for the duplicate

If you need to drive your vehicle before the duplicate registration arrives, you can request a temporary registration permit from the Secretary of State. This is a paper document that serves as proof of registration for a limited time. You can obtain a temporary permit at any branch office or by mail using the same process as a duplicate registration.

A temporary permit is valid for a set number of days—check the document itself for the expiration date. Law enforcement will accept it as proof of registration during traffic stops. Once your permanent duplicate arrives, the temporary permit is no longer needed.

What to do if your duplicate doesn't arrive

If you submitted an online request or mailed a request and the duplicate has not arrived within the expected timeframe, contact the Secretary of State Vehicle Services Division by phone or through their website. Have your confirmation number or the date you submitted the request ready. They can check the status and reissue the registration if it was lost in the mail.

If the registration was damaged in the mail or arrived with printing errors, you can request another duplicate at no additional charge. The Secretary of State will note the issue in their system and may support the replacement is sent correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a duplicate registration if the vehicle is registered to someone else?

No, only the registered owner or someone with written authorization from the owner can request a duplicate. If you are requesting on behalf of the owner, bring a signed letter from them stating you have permission to obtain the duplicate.

Do I need the original registration to request a duplicate?

No. The whole point of a duplicate is that you have lost or cannot locate the original. The Secretary of State will look up your vehicle in their database using your VIN and issue a new one.

Will a duplicate registration look different from the original?

It will be identical in content and appearance. There is no marking that indicates it is a duplicate—it is a full, legal registration document.

How long does a duplicate registration last?

A duplicate registration is valid for the same period as your original registration. If your original was set to expire in 2026, the duplicate will also expire in 2026. You will renew it on the same schedule as any other registration.

What if I need multiple duplicates?

You can request as many duplicates as you need. Each request incurs a separate fee. Some people request two or three at once to keep in different locations—one in the vehicle, one at home, one with insurance documents.