How to Get a Copy of Your Car Registration

Where to request a replacement registration

You get a replacement car registration from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), though the name varies by state — some call it the Secretary of State, Registry of Motor Vehicles, or Department of Transportation. You cannot get one from your insurance company, your car dealer, or your bank, even though those organizations have records of your vehicle. Only your state's motor vehicle agency issues official registrations.

Most states now let you request a replacement online through their DMV website, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office. A few states still require you to appear in person. The fastest method is usually online if your state offers it — you can complete the request in minutes and receive the replacement in one to two weeks by mail.

Key Takeaways

Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles directly — the agency name and website address vary by state, so search "[your state] DMV replacement registration" to find the right office.
You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on your current registration, insurance card, or vehicle title, and proof of identity such as a driver's license.
Online requests typically cost between $10 and $25 and take one to two weeks; in-person requests at a DMV office usually take the same time but may be faster in some states.
If your registration was lost or stolen, some states require you to report the loss to the DMV when you request the replacement, while others do not.

What information and documents you need before you start

Gather your vehicle identification number (VIN) first — this is a 17-character code that identifies your specific car. You can find it on your current registration card, your insurance card, your vehicle title, or on the dashboard at the bottom of the driver's side windshield. If you have none of these, you can look it up on your insurance company's website or call them with your policy number.

You will also need a form of government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some states ask for your date of birth and the plate number from your current registration if you have it, though neither is required if you have your VIN. A few states ask whether the registration was lost, stolen, or damaged — this affects nothing about the process, but you need to answer accurately.

Requesting online through your state DMV website

Start by visiting your state's official DMV website. Search "[your state name] DMV" or "[your state name] motor vehicle registration replacement" to find the correct web address. State DMV sites are run by the state government, not by third-party companies, so look for a web address that ends in .gov or includes your state's name directly.

Once on the site, look for a link labeled "Replace Registration," "Duplicate Registration," or "Order a Replacement Registration Card." Click through and enter your VIN, driver's license number, and date of birth. The system will pull up your vehicle record. Review it to make sure the vehicle information matches — if it does not, stop and call the DMV before continuing, because you may have entered the wrong VIN or the registration may be under a different name.

Select the reason for replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged), confirm your mailing address, and pay the fee using a credit or debit card. The fee ranges from $10 to $25 depending on your state. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Your replacement registration will arrive by mail in one to two weeks in most states.

Requesting by mail or in person at a DMV office

If your state does not offer online requests, you can mail a request to your state DMV. read the replacement registration form from your state's DMV website — it is usually called "process for Duplicate Registration" or "Request for Replacement Registration." Fill in your VIN, vehicle information, and reason for replacement. Include a copy of your driver's license or ID card (not the original), and a check or money order for the fee payable to your state's DMV.

Mail the form and documents to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to four weeks by mail in most states. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

If you go to a DMV office in person, bring your original driver's license or ID card, your VIN, and the fee in cash or card. Tell the clerk you need a replacement registration. They will look up your vehicle record, confirm the information with you, take your payment, and give you a receipt. Your replacement will arrive by mail within one to two weeks, or in some states you can pick it up at the office the same day — ask the clerk what your state offers.

What to do if your registration information has changed

If you moved since your registration was issued, you will need to update your address before requesting a replacement. Most states let you update your address online through the DMV website at the same time you request the replacement — there is usually a checkbox that says "Update Address" or "Address Change." If you cannot update online, call your state DMV and ask them to update your address in their system before you submit your replacement request.

If the vehicle's owner has changed — for example, if you bought the car from someone else and the registration is still in their name — you cannot get a replacement registration. You need to transfer the title and registration into your name first. This is a separate process that requires the previous owner's signature and a bill of sale. Contact your state DMV for instructions on title transfer before you request a replacement.

Tracking your replacement and what to do if it does not arrive

After you submit your request online, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this number down. Most states do not send tracking updates by email or text, so you cannot check the status online — you have to wait for the card to arrive by mail.

If your replacement does not arrive within three weeks of your request, call your state DMV with your confirmation number. They can tell you whether the request was processed and whether the card was mailed. If it was mailed but lost in transit, they can issue a second replacement. If the request was never processed, they can resubmit it or tell you what went wrong — for example, if your address was undeliverable.

While you wait for your replacement, you can drive legally with a copy of your online confirmation or your receipt from the DMV office. Some states print a temporary registration on the receipt itself. Keep this document in your car along with your insurance card and driver's license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my original registration to get a replacement?

No. If you have lost your registration, you cannot use it to request a replacement. You only need your VIN, which you can find on your insurance card, vehicle title, or by calling your insurance company. The DMV will look up your vehicle record using the VIN and your driver's license number.

Can I get a replacement registration the same day?

A few states print temporary registrations at the DMV office when you request a replacement in person, but most states mail all replacements. Call your state DMV or check their website to see whether your state offers same-day printing. If not, expect one to two weeks by mail.

What if the registration is in someone else's name?

You cannot get a replacement registration for a vehicle registered to another person. If you own the car, you need to transfer the title and registration into your name first through your state DMV. This requires the previous owner's signature and typically takes two to four weeks. Contact your state DMV for a title transfer form.

Will I have to pay registration fees again?

No. A replacement registration costs only a small fee ($10 to $25) to cover the cost of printing and mailing. You are not renewing your registration or paying annual vehicle taxes — you are just getting a duplicate of the card you already paid for. Your registration expiration date stays the same.

Can I request a replacement if my registration is expired?

Yes, you can request a replacement of an expired registration. However, you cannot legally drive the vehicle with an expired registration, even with a replacement card. If your registration has expired, you need to renew it at the same time or before you request the replacement. Check your state DMV website for renewal instructions.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.