Replacement License Plates, Stickers, and Registration Cards

A missing plate or a peeled-off year sticker can turn into a ticket fast. California expects you to replace lost, stolen, or damaged plates and stickers right away. We help North Hollywood drivers prepare the paperwork for replacement license plates, substitute stickers, or a new registration card so the request goes in complete. Some items can be ordered online from the DMV, which we explain below.

Request an Appointment Call (818) 649-3232

What this service covers

This is the DMV transaction that replaces one or both plates, the year sticker, the month sticker, or the registration card. The DMV form for most of these requests is the Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents (REG 156). Depending on what was lost, the DMV mails a substitute plate set with a new number, a fresh sticker, or a new card.

Who needs it

Owners whose plate was stolen off the car, or who came back to find both plates gone.
Drivers with a year sticker that was peeled off, faded, or scraped away.
Anyone who lost the registration card that should ride in the glove box.
Owners of a plate that was bent, cracked, or made unreadable in a collision.

What to bring to your appointment

Sourced from the DMV's requirements. Bring originals where the DMV asks for them. We confirm the exact list when we set your time.

What to bring: Replacement Plates, Stickers, and Registration Cards

Completed Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents (REG 156)
Signed by the registered owner. One owner signature is enough when there are several owners.
Valid California driver license or ID card
For in-person requests. An out-of-state ID requires a second photo ID such as a passport or military ID.
Police report
Required when the plates were stolen.
Any remaining license plate
Surrendered when only one plate was lost or stolen.
Proof of ownership (title, registration card, or renewal notice)
When your current address does not match DMV records, and with stolen plate reports.
License plate number and the last five digits of the VIN
For online sticker or card orders, or at a DMV kiosk.

Based on DMV requirements as published on dmv.ca.gov, checked 2026-10-12. The DMV may ask for more depending on your vehicle. We confirm your exact list when we set your appointment.

When you might need this service

Stolen plates: file the police report first

If a plate was stolen, the DMV asks for a police report with the replacement application, so report the theft to your local police or sheriff before anything else. For standard plates, a lost or stolen set is replaced with substitute plates that carry a new plate number. Bring any plate you still have, because the DMV requires the remaining plate to be surrendered when only one went missing.

Damaged or unreadable plates

A plate that is bent, rusted through, or faded past reading counts as damaged. The DMV treats it much like a lost plate: a REG 156, the replacement fee, and any remaining plate turned in. Special interest or personalized plates use their own forms (REG 17 or REG 17A) and can usually keep the same configuration.

Replacement registration sticker or lost registration card

A lost year sticker or registration card is the most common request we see. Many owners can order both online through the DMV, which mails them to the address on record within about two weeks, with a new card included in every sticker order. If your registration is expired, due within 30 days, on planned non-operation, or carrying a hold, the online option is closed and the paper REG 156 applies. A missing month sticker is handled separately by the DMV at no charge.

Renewed but nothing arrived in the mail

If eight weeks have passed since you paid and no sticker or plates showed up, the DMV asks you to call its customer service line to confirm the items were sent. When mailed items never arrived, a new REG 156 gets replacements without a second fee.

How it works with us

Call or send an appointment request
Tell us what is missing: a plate, both plates, the year sticker, or the card. Mention whether the plates were stolen so we can remind you to file the police report first.
We confirm what to bring
We check your registration status, because the DMV does not replace items on a vehicle that is not currently registered. If your registration lapsed, the replacement is handled when you renew. We then confirm your appointment time at our North Hollywood office.
We complete the forms with you
At your appointment we fill out the REG 156 or the special plate form with you, review your ID, note any plate you are surrendering, and list the DMV fees due.
We handle the paperwork for the transaction
We package the application, report, plate, and fee for the DMV transaction. The DMV mails plates, stickers, or cards to the address on its record, so tell us if you moved.

Fees

DMV fees are set by the State of California, not by us. Only the DMV decides the final total, which depends on your vehicle, the transaction, and any penalties already on the record.

The DMV charges $28 for replacement license plates, $28 for a replacement registration card, and $28 for a replacement sticker. Each is a separate line item. (DMV source, checked 2026-10-12)
A replacement month sticker is free from the DMV. The year sticker is the one that carries the substitute sticker fee. Our registration fees overview explains how the DMV builds the rest of a bill. (DMV source, checked 2026-10-12)

Our service charge

Every transaction is different, so our service charge depends on the paperwork your case needs. Tell us about it when you call or send a request and we will explain our charge before you decide to proceed. DMV fees, taxes, and penalties are separate.

DMV fee calculator

How California registration fees add up

Common issues and special cases

Your address changed

The DMV mails replacements only to the address on its record, and you cannot change the address inside an online order. Update your address with the DMV first, then request the replacement.

Plates were replaced less than 90 days ago

When substitute plates were already sent within the last 90 days, the DMV will not release another set over the counter without a REG 31 vehicle verification completed by the CHP. Tell us the date of the last replacement so we can plan for this.

Registration is expired, suspended, or on PNO

The DMV does not replace plates or stickers on a vehicle that is not currently registered. The fix is to renew the registration and request the replacement in the same transaction.

Questions about replacement plates, stickers, and registration cards

Do I keep the same plate number when I get replacement license plates?

Not for standard plates that were lost or stolen. The DMV sends substitute plates with a new configuration. Special interest, personalized, and special recognition plates can be replaced with the same configuration using their own application forms.

Can I order a replacement registration sticker online?

Often, yes. The DMV's online replacement service covers year stickers and registration cards for most currently registered vehicles. You need the plate number, the last five digits of the VIN, and a payment method. Vehicles with expired registration, a renewal due within 30 days, a hold, or PNO status must use the REG 156 instead.

What if I lost only one plate?

You still apply for a substitute set, and the DMV requires the plate you still have to be surrendered with the application. Keep it until your appointment so it can go in with the paperwork.

Can I drive while I wait for the new sticker?

The DMV's replacement page says you may operate the vehicle while the mailed items are on the way, citing Vehicle Code section 4606. Keep your payment receipt or registration card in the vehicle until the sticker arrives.

Ready to set an appointment?

Call or send a request. We will confirm what to bring and a time that works.