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How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Washington DC

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

If your vehicle's registration card, license plate(s) or stickers are lost, stolen, or damaged, you may apply for a replacement with the Washington DC Department of Motor Vehicles. You need to apply for the duplicate registration card or license plate and the sticker, and the same will reach you in about 10 days' time.

APPLYING FOR A REPLACEMENT REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE

You can apply for a replacement registration card if your card is lost, stolen, or damaged either online or in person. The fee by both methods is $7.

Applying for a Registration Certificate Online

You will be eligible for applying for a duplicate registration certificate online only if:

  • Your registration is not about to expire in less than 10 days. If it is going to need renewal within 10 days, then the here would also increase.
  • There is no change in your name or address.
  • You have an acceptable online mode of payment. The DMV will send you the replacement registration card and window sticker in 10 days' time. Only one replacement card can be obtained in one year.

Applying for a Registration Certificate in Person

If your registration was about to expire in less than 10 days at the time of renewal or if you have changed your name or address, then your registration needs to be renewed. Further, if you are not able to obtain for a duplicate registration online, you can obtain a Replacement Registration certificate in person. To do so, you must:
  1. Visit a local DMV station.
  2. Submit forms of ID. If you have changed your name or address, you need to also submit proof to support the same.
  3. If your old registration was damaged, you must also submit your old tag at the time of applying for a new one.
  4. If your registration was stolen, you must also submit a copy of citizen complaint number. You can call 311 for help in getting this number.

APPLYING FOR A REPLACEMENT LICENSE PLATES

If one or both of your license plates are lost, stolen, or damaged, you must apply for replacement plate(s) immediately. You can obtain replacement plates in person at any of the local DMV stations.
  1. Bring your registration.
  2. Bring the damaged plate(s) with you, if you still have them.
  3. Bring your valid ID proof.
  4. If your license plate was stolen, you need to submit a citizen complaint number.
  5. Pay the duplicate registration fee of $10.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION