Your registration is in your vehicle or your mailbox, depending on when you last renewed
Your vehicle registration is a physical document — usually a card or certificate — that proves you own or lease the vehicle and have paid your registration fee to your state. Most states issue a wallet-sized card that you keep in your vehicle. Some also send a larger certificate in the mail. If you renewed recently, check your mailbox first. If you renewed months ago, the card should be in your glove compartment, center console, or the visor.
If you cannot find it, your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency can print a replacement. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) and proof of identity. Some states let you order a duplicate online; others require you to visit an office or mail in a form.
Key Takeaways
- Your registration card is usually kept in your vehicle's glove compartment or console, and your state mailed it to you when you renewed.
- If you renewed within the last few weeks, the new card may still be in your mailbox or in transit.
- Your state's DMV can issue a replacement registration if you have lost the original, and many states offer this service online.
- You will need your VIN (found on your dashboard or insurance documents) and a photo ID to request a duplicate.
- Some states allow you to show proof of registration on your phone instead of carrying the physical card.
Check your vehicle first — the most common location
Start by looking in your glove compartment. This is where most drivers keep their registration card because it is required to be in the vehicle when you drive. Open the glove box and look for a small card, usually about the size of a credit card but thicker, with your name, vehicle information, and an expiration date printed on it.
If it is not there, check your center console, the door pockets, the sun visor, or under the seats. Some people move documents around when cleaning or organizing. Look near your insurance card, since the two are often stored together.
If you have a newer vehicle, check whether your registration was issued as a digital document. Some states now allow you to display your registration on your phone through an official app or email confirmation. Your state DMV website will tell you whether this option is available where you live.
Check your mailbox if you renewed recently
If you completed your renewal within the last two to four weeks, your new registration card may still be in the mail. States typically mail registration documents within 7 to 14 days of processing your renewal, but delivery times vary by location and postal service delays.
Check your mailbox and any mail you may have set aside. If you renewed online, look for an email confirmation that might include a temporary registration number you can use while waiting for the physical card to arrive. Some states send this as a PDF you can print or show on your phone.
If more than four weeks have passed since you renewed and you have not received your card, contact your state DMV. Provide your confirmation number from the renewal and ask them to reissue or confirm the mailing address on file.
Get a replacement from your state DMV
If you have lost your registration card or cannot locate it, your state's Department of Motor Vehicles can issue a duplicate. The process and cost vary by state — some charge a small fee (usually $5 to $15), and some issue replacements at no charge.
Most states now offer online duplicate registration requests through their DMV website. You will typically need your VIN, driver's license number, and the vehicle's license plate number. The replacement card is usually mailed within 7 to 14 days.
If your state does not offer online replacement, you can visit a local DMV office in person or mail a form to your state's DMV. Bring or include a photo ID and proof of vehicle ownership (your title or insurance card). Some states also accept phone requests, though this is less common.
Find your VIN if you need it for a replacement request
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-character code that uniquely identifies your vehicle. You will need it to request a duplicate registration. The VIN appears in several places:
- On your dashboard, visible through the windshield on the driver's side
- On your vehicle title or ownership document
- On your insurance card or insurance policy
- On previous registration cards or renewal notices
- On your vehicle's door jamb (open the driver's door and look at the frame)
If you cannot find your VIN, your insurance company can provide it over the phone. You can also look it up through your state DMV if you have your license plate number and driver's license information.
Contact your state DMV to locate a lost registration
If you have searched your vehicle and mailbox and still cannot find your registration, your state DMV can tell you the status of your current registration and issue a replacement. Use the table below to find the DMV contact information for your state.
| State | Agency Name | How to Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division | Visit alabamadmv.gov or call 334-242-9000 |
| Alaska | Division of Motor Vehicles | Visit dmv.alaska.gov or call 907-465-4335 |
| Arizona | Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division | Visit azdot.gov or call 602-255-0072 |
| California | Department of Motor Vehicles | Visit dmv.ca.gov or call 1-800-777-0133 |
| Colorado | Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles | Visit dmv.colorado.gov or call 303-205-5600 |
| Connecticut | Department of Motor Vehicles | Visit ct.gov/dmv or call 860-263-5700 |
| Delaware | Division of Motor Vehicles | Visit dmv.delaware.gov or call 302-744-2500 |
| Florida | Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles | Visit flhsmv.gov or call 850-617-2000 |
| Georgia | Department of Driver Services | Visit dds.ga.gov or call 678-413-8400 |
| Hawaii | Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Safety Office | Visit dmv.hawaii.gov or call 808-532-4500 |
| Idaho | Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicles | Visit itd.idaho.gov or call 208-334-8736 |
| Illinois | Secretary of State, Department of Motor Vehicles | Visit sos.illinois.gov or call 217-782-6900 |
| Indiana | Bureau of Motor Vehicles | Visit in.gov/bmv or call 317-232-2894 |
| Iowa | Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division | Visit iowadot.gov or call 515-237-3000 |
| Kansas | Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles | Visit ksrevenue.org or call 785-296-3671 |
| Kentucky | Transportation Cabinet, Division of Motor Vehicles | Visit dmv.ky.gov or call 502-564-6000 |
| Louisiana | Office of Motor Vehicles | Visit omv.louisiana.gov or call 225-925-6146 |
| Maine | Bureau of Motor Vehicles | Visit maine.gov/dmv or call 207-624-9000 |
| Maryland | Motor Vehicle Administration | Visit mva.maryland.gov or call 410-787-7758 |
| Massachusetts | Registry of Motor Vehicles | Visit mass.gov/rmv or call 857-368-8000 |
| Michigan | Secretary of State, Motor Vehicles | Visit michigan.gov/sos or call 888-767-6424 |
| Minnesota | Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services | Visit dvs.mn.gov or call 651-297-2126 |
| Mississippi | Department of Public Safety, Motor Vehicles | Visit dps.ms.gov or call 601-987-1200 |
| Missouri | Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau | Visit dmv.mo.gov or call 573-751-4509 |
| Montana | Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division | Visit doj.mt.gov or call 406-444-3933 |
| Nebraska | Department of Motor Vehicles | Visit dmv.nebraska.gov or call 402-471-3861 |
| Nevada | Department of Motor Vehicles | Visit dmvnv.com or call 702-486-4368 |
| New Hampshire | Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles | Visit nh.gov/dmv or call 603-271-2251 |
| New Jersey | Motor Vehicle Commission | Visit nj.gov/mvc or call 609-292-6500 |
| New Mexico | Environment Department, Motor Vehicle Division | Visit env.nm.gov or call 505-827-2000 |
| New York | Department of Motor Vehicles | Visit dmv.ny.gov or call 518-486-4444 |
| North Carolina | Division of Motor Vehicles | Visit ncdmv.gov or call 919-715-7000 |
| North Dakota | Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division | Visit dot.nd.gov or call 701-328-2725 |
| Ohio | Bureau of Motor Vehicles | Visit bmv.ohio.gov or call 614-752-7500 |
| Oklahoma | Department of Public Safety, Motor Vehicle Division | Visit dps.ok.gov or call 405-521-3600 |
| Oregon | Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicles | Visit oregon.gov/odot or call 503-945-5000 |
| Pennsylvania | Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Services | Visit dmv.pa.gov or call 717-787-2937 |
| Rhode Island | Division of Motor Vehicles | Visit dmv.ri.gov or call 401-462-4368 |
| South Carolina | Department of Motor Vehicles | Visit scdmvonline.com or call 803-896-5000 |
| South Dakota | Department of Public Safety, Motor Vehicle Division | Visit dps.sd.gov or call 605-773-3541 |
| Tennessee | Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Motor Vehicle Division | Visit tn.gov/safety or call 615-741-3101 |
| Texas | Department of Motor Vehicles | Visit dmv.texas.gov or call 512-465-5000 |
| Utah | Division of Motor Vehicles | Visit dmv.utah.gov or call 801-297-7780 |
| Vermont | Department of Motor Vehicles | Visit dmv.vermont.gov or call 802-828-2000 |
| Virginia | Department of Motor Vehicles | Visit dmvnow.com or call 804-367-0538 |
| Washington | Department of Licensing, Motor Vehicles | Visit dol.wa.gov or call 360-902-3900 |
| West Virginia |