PlateHarbor
Special situation California

Replace lost plates or registration credentials in California

Choose this path when the vehicle is already registered to you but the physical plates, stickers, or registration materials need replacement.

Last synced Apr 26, 2026, 7:16 AM UTC from official source .

This guide is refreshed from an official state source and has a recent successful sync timestamp.

What to bring

  • completed REG 156 application for replacement plates, stickers, or registration card
  • license plate number or vehicle identification number
  • current owner and mailing-address information
  • payment for replacement plates, stickers, or registration credentials when California charges one

Likely next steps

  1. Use California's replacement-credential workflow before assuming a normal renewal will fix the problem.
  2. Use the online replacement path when California allows the sticker or registration-card request to be handled digitally.
  3. Choose the plate, sticker, or registration-card path based on what is actually missing.
  4. Confirm whether you still need a separate renewal once the replacement credential is issued.