What to Do If You Have Not Received Your Registration Sticker in Wisconsin

1.

If you renewed your car registration but have not received your registration sticker in the mail, you may request a replacement sticker online, in person or by mail. However, the availability of these methods varies from state to state. To receive replacement registration stickers, you must contact the DMV, provide proof of identity and submit information about your vehicle. Moreover, you must prove that you have renewed your registration and paid the applicable fees but failed to receive an updated sticker. Our guide contains all the requirements and procedures to obtain a replacement car registration. You will also learn about other vehicle-related transactions, such as the process for updating the name or address on your registration.

2. By Mail

Some states allow motorists to request a replacement registration sticker via mail. To do so, applicants must send in copies of documents that contain required personal details and vehicle specifications. Additionally, you must verify that you renewed your registration and paid all applicable fees. Because you did not receive your registration sticker through the mail in the first place, it is important to make sure that you are sending in the correct documents to the proper address. Also, make sure to verify that your address is up-to-date with the DMV, as delays or cancellations can occur if your file is not updated.

3. In Person at a DMV Office

Certain car owners may prefer or be required to visit a DMV office in order to claim the registration sticker they did not receive. During your visit, you will be required to identify yourself with a drivers license or photo ID card. Then, you must provide vehicle-related credentials so that the DMV can locate your records and verify that your registration has been renewed. Because most DMV branches are known for long wait times, it can be helpful to schedule an appointment in advance, if possible. To avoid mistakes that would cause you to visit the DMV a second time, make sure that you are fully prepared to bring the required documentation in person.

You should renew your Wisconsin DMV registration sticker once a year if you own an automobile in the state. Your registration sticker expires about one year from the date your registration began, so it is important to remain mindful of the expiration date in order to avoid a lapse in registration. Your car plate sticker renewal is the evidence that proves your registration fees have been taken care of. The registration also helps to identify your vehicle and trace who is operating the vehicle on a daily basis. On your license plate, you will find a few useful items that play a large part in renewing your registration at the appropriate time.

Wisconsin license plates contain a car tag validation sticker that has your expiration date information and how much weight your vehicle can hold while still operating normally. It is important to know where to find your expiration date for the renewal purposes. In Wisconsin, it is normal for the DMV to issue different types of car tag stickers and license plate registrations. This is all dependent on the design of the car, the use of the vehicle and special requests made by owners. If you are interested in learning more about Wisconsin DMV sticker replacement, common reasons for a registration sticker not being received and what steps you should take if this is the case, review the sections below.

Common Reasons for a Registration Sticker Not Being Received in Wisconsin

You can expect to receive a Wisconsin license plate renewal notice at least one month prior to your tag expiring. Your automobile DMV registration sticker will expire a year from your last renewal, and late fees are applied when the deadline is missed. Once the fee is paid, it will be legal for you to drive on the road again. To avoid a registration sticker not received, be sure to pay attention to the date on your license plate. It is important to note that renewal notices are a courtesy and it is not mandatory for you to be sent one. It is your responsibility to know your expiration date and to complete a renewal when necessary in order to avoid a lapse in registration.

Another cause for a Wisconsin DMV registration sticker not being received involves personal information being wrong on your driving records. If you did not receive your registration documents and you have changed addresses in the past time since your last registration renewal, there is the possibility that your old address is still present on your driving records.

To avoid a license plate sticker not being received, make sure that you update your driving records online or in person at your local DMV. It is important to note that commercial driver license (CDL) holders are not eligible for online address changes. To use the online method of changing your address, you will need to enter your driver’s license number, the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN) and your date of birth.

If you do not wish to use the registration sticker online method, you can print off a special form and have it mailed to the address found on the form.

Can I legally drive if my Wisconsin registration sticker was not received?

In Wisconsin, it is illegal to operate a vehicle without the proper registration tags. There must be a valid car tag sticker on your vehicle if you want to avoid being pulled over and given citations and fines. The state does, however, offer temporary tags to you if your registration fees have been paid off.

If your license plate sticker was not received and you need to pass your emissions test before renewing your updated registration, there is a temporary license tag that you can obtain that is good for a limited time. This temporary license plate can be purchased at a local DMV center or a Wisconsin Vehicle Inspection station.

Additional Consequences of a Car Sticker not Received

Since it is illegal to drive without proper registration in the state of Wisconsin, it is likely for police to run your tags and pull you over if your sticker has expired. The longer you wait to apply for your updated Wisconsin registration, the more you will end up paying in citations and penalties.

Steps to Take if Your Wisconsin DMV Sticker Was Not Received

If you have not received your Wisconsin car tag registration, you should first call your local DMV and ask about the status of your registration. The representative should be able to locate your registration and tell you what the problem is. If your license sticker was not received and your registration is missing, you should be notified when you call to check on the registration status.

If everything was submitted correctly and your sticker was lost in the mail or has not made it to you, you may be asked to apply for a replacement registration. When you apply and indicate which registration you are waiting on, you should receive the license plate sticker in the mail.

Applying to replace sticker online requirements include:

  • You being the registered owner/driver of the vehicle.
  • A valid email address.
  • Last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN).
  • Identification card number.
  • Date of birth.
  • Vehicle identification number (VIN).
  • A valid form of payment (Visa, MasterCard, etc.).

​Where to Get Registration Sticker Replacement in Wisconsin

As a Wisconsin resident, you can receive your replacement registration by email or by mail. However, no matter how you choose to be reminded or to receive your replacement, note that it is ultimately your responsibility to make sure that you renew your registration on time.

Last updated on Friday, March 8 2019.

Sources

  1. Replacement license plate stickers available online from wisconsindot.gov

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