Info on renewal registration sticker, license plates and getting a replacement year/month sticker in California.

Renewal Stickers

In case you have not received your stickers and registration card within eight weeks of mailing your renewal fees, please call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to verify issuance. If you mailed your renewal fees with a postmark on or before the date of expiration shown on your current registration card, there will be no penalties. You can legally operate your vehicle until you receive your new registration and stickers from the department (Vehicle Code §4606). CHP and other law enforcement agencies give a grace period for receipt of stickers when the registration renewal has been mailed. You don't need to pay any fees for replacement stickers when the original ones were mailed and not received.

License Plates

In case you have not received your license plates and registration card within eight weeks of submitting an application, call DMV at 1-800-777-0133 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to verify issuance. There is no charge for replacement plates when the original ones were mailed and not received.

Getting a Replacement Year Sticker

In a case of lost stolen, mutilated or illegible year sticker of your currently registered car, you must request a substitute sticker and pay the appropriate costs. To get your replacement year sticker you must do the following:

• Fill out an Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents (REG-156). You must also provide your full name, address, your registration number, driver's license number and signature.
• Pay the required amount of money.

After you complete the application you can mail it along with the requested fee, to this address: Department of Motor Vehicles Registration Operations PO Box 942869 Mail Station E-169 Sacramento, California 94269-0001. The application and the payment of fees may also be submitted in person to your DMV office nearby. If you want to obtain your substitute sticker faster, make an online appointment(s), or dial 1- 800-777-0133, before going to a DMV office. You can now pay buy ATM/Debit cards at all DMV offices.

Getting a Replacement Month Sticker

You can get your replacement month sticker without paying any fees. Just dial DMV at 1-800-777-0133. Your replacement month sticker can be also obtained from your nearby DMV. If you want faster service, make an appointment. Note: This does not apply to commercial vehicles with Partial Year Registration (PYR).