It’s important to replace damaged, stolen or lost car registration documents as soon as possible. Every state requires you to have both a license plate tag and certificate to operate a vehicle legally.
Otherwise, you may receive a citation and a fine if you are stopped by law enforcement. You can avoid consequences like these by applying for new documents through the DMV. To order a copy of your car registration, you must submit an application for replacement and verification documents.
Completing all the necessary paperwork at the DMV can take up a lot of time. Luckily, you can skip the line and get your new documents fast when you use these helpful checklists. Find out everything you need to replace car registration tags and certificates for your vehicle with ease below. In order to legally operate your car, you must display valid DMV car registration tags on your license plate at all times. Likewise, always keep your valid certificate in the vehicle while you are driving. If you are unable to produce these documents during a traffic stop, you may face several consequences, including:
Sometimes it is possible to dismiss tickets and points when you enroll in a driver’s education program. However, it is better to replace tags and certificates for all of your vehicles as needed. Also, keep in mind that lost car registration tags or documents have a higher potential to be stolen. If you believe that your registration documents were stolen, you need to file a police report before requesting a replacement credential.
In the event that your documents are lost or stolen, you can order duplicate vehicle registration copies in order to avoid the consequences outlined above. The requirements to get a copy of your car registration are similar from state to state. However, it is important to check with your DMV to ensure that there are no additional requirements. To replace a car registration, you will typically need to provide the following documents:
In addition to these documents, you must also submit a car registration replacement application form.
Overall, this document requires information about both you and the vehicle. Learn more about the form required for vehicle registration replacement below.
The application for a duplicate registration certificate or tag is used to verify the vehicle and the rightful owner. As such, you need to fill out the form with details regarding the car and its use. Expect to provide the following information to complete the application:
Make sure to provide the same vehicle registration information that you gave during the initial registration process. That way, the DMV can match your car to the information they have on file and produce a copy of your documents.
For your convenience, there are multiple ways to get a copy of your car registration through the state DMV. In most cases, you have the option to apply through the mail, online and in person at a DMV service center. Explore these methods below to find the best route for you.
For this method, you need to download a registration replacement application online or get one at a DMV office. Once you have this application form, you must fill it out with all of the necessary info and mail it to the address provided on the document. As a general rule, the appropriate DMV mailing address will be listed on the form. Overall, the process to apply for a duplicate car registration document by mail is as follows:
When you replace car registration online, keep in mind that you may need access to a printer. Many state DMVs allow vehicle owners to print their replacement documents from the comfort of their homes. If you also need to replace your license plate tags, these will arrive in the mail once your application is processed. Thus, follow these steps to apply online:
You also have the option to visit your local DMV office to order a replacement tag or certificate. If you choose this method, make sure that the office you plan to visit is able to process a car registration replacement. That is because, in certain states, these services are only provided at limited locations.
Once you decide how to replace your car registration, it is important to learn the specifics of your local DMV. That way, you can make sure there are no additional steps or documents required in your state.