Having your license plates lost or stolen is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a legal risk. In California, you can navigate the DMV replacement process quickly and smoothly by following the right steps. With Arden Auto Reg guiding you, you’ll be back on the road without worry.
Losing a license plate or having it stolen can feel suddenly overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to derail your life. In California, the DMV has a well-defined process for replacing missing, stolen, or damaged plates. This guide explains each step clearly, using language anyone can follow. Arden Auto Reg is your partner in navigating this smoothly and legally.
Why You Must Act Quickly
Driving without valid plates or registration stickers can trigger traffic tickets or legal complications. Worse, a stolen plate could be used in criminal activity, and authorities might trace those acts back to your vehicle unless you report the incident. Prompt action helps protect your rights and ensures your vehicle stays compliant. Arden Auto Reg recommends starting the process as soon as you notice the plates are missing or taken.
Step 1: File a Police Report
Before contacting the DMV, you should report the loss or theft to local law enforcement. Here’s how:
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Contact your local police station or sheriff’s office.
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Provide your vehicle’s information (VIN, make, model, known plate numbers).
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Request a copy of the police report or at least a case number.
That report becomes part of your replacement application and shields you from liability if someone misuses your old plate.
Step 2: Decide How to Submit Your Replacement Request
California offers multiple submission routes. Choose based on your situation and plate type.
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In person at a DMV office — often best when your case is complex (address change, personalized plates).
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By mail — useful if you have standard plates and your DMV record address is correct.
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Online / Virtual Office — available for many standard plates but with limitations.
Arden Auto Reg advises checking DMV eligibility criteria first, especially for online submission.
Online Eligibility & Limitations
You may be able to request replacement plates or stickers through the DMV’s Virtual Office — but this is restricted to:
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Standard, non-personalized plates
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Vehicles whose registration and address records fully match
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Plates not already replaced in the last 90 days
If your plates were personalized, special-interest, or disabled-person plates, you’ll likely need to file in person or by mail. Also, vehicles with registration that is expired, suspended, or nearing expiry often cannot use the online route.
Step 3: Complete the Required Application
The principal form used by the California DMV is REG 156 (Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents).
In that form, you will provide:
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Your full name and driver license/ID number
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Vehicle details: make, model, VIN, and known plate number(s)
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Which items you want replaced (plates, stickers, registration card, etc.)
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Whether the items were lost, stolen, destroyed, or not received
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Mailing address (if different)
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Your signature under penalty of perjury
If your record address doesn’t match DMV records, or if you have personalized or specialty plates, you may need to fill supplementary forms (often called REG 17 for special plates).
Step 4: Assemble Supporting Documents
To validate your application, gather:
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A current driver license or state ID (or out-of-state license plus secondary photo ID)
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The police report or case number
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Your current vehicle registration card
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Proof of vehicle ownership (title or previous registration) if your address or name differs from DMV records
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Any plate(s) remaining (you’ll surrender them, if available)
Make sure all documents match exactly with DMV records to avoid delays.
Step 5: Pay the Replacement Fees
Every plate, sticker, or document you request has an associated fee. As of now:
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The standard replacement fee for regular license plates and stickers: $27
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For certain special or sequential interest plates: $35 (or as applicable)
⚠️ These amounts are estimates only. The DMV can update fees any time, so always verify the latest on the DMV website or contact Arden Auto Reg to confirm before submitting your application.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Depending on your method:
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In person: Visit a DMV office, submit the completed REG 156 (and supplementary forms, if needed), present documents, and pay fees. If plates are in stock, you may walk out with new plates.
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By mail: Mail your entire application package to the address listed on the form. Double-check that everything is included.
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Online: Upload your documents via the DMV’s Virtual Office (when eligible). The DMV may mail your new plates.
Arden Auto Reg can assist you to ensure the form is filled correctly and everything required is enclosed.
Step 7: Receive and Install Your New Plates
After your application is processed:
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You will get new license plates (often with a new number when original ones can’t be reissued)
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You may receive a new registration card and stickers
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Immediately install the new plate(s) on your vehicle (front and back, as required)
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Destroy or return the old plates (even if you later find them) — they are no longer valid
Drive with your registration, and if necessary, carry a copy of the police report until the plate is affixed.
Special Circumstances & Cautions
Personalized, Specialty, or Special-Interest Plates
If your plates were personalized or special interest, the DMV may not reissue the exact number. Instead, you might need to pick a new configuration or submit additional paperwork (e.g. REG 17). In some cases, your original plate number may be blocked for reissuance for a period after reporting.
Address or Name Discrepancy
If your address or name doesn’t match DMV records, you’ll likely be required to appear in person and present proof of ownership, title, or other valid documentation.
Replacement Within 90 Days
If you already replaced a plate in the last 90 days, the DMV may require a vehicle inspection or additional verification (e.g. CHP verification).
Ineligible Online Cases
If your vehicle is commercial, trailer, specialized, or your registration is expired/suspended, you may not be allowed to use the online replacement process.
Prevention Tips: Reduce the Risk of Theft
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Use anti-theft license plate screws or bolts
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Park in well-lit, secure areas
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Periodically inspect your plates to ensure they are secure
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Consider scoring the registration sticker lightly so removal destroys it
These small measures can keep you safe and save you from repeating this process.
Quick Reference Checklist
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Report loss/theft to police and retain report
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Decide on method: in person, by mail, or online
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Complete REG 156 and any needed supplementary forms
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Collect documentation: ID, registration, proof of ownership, police report
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Confirm and pay applicable fees (estimates only)
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Submit by chosen method
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Install new plates immediately
Dispose of or return old plates.
Conclusion
Replacing lost or stolen license plates in California is a straightforward process when you follow the correct steps and provide complete documentation. The California DMV requires drivers to report stolen plates to law enforcement, complete Form REG 156, and pay the applicable replacement fees before new plates can be issued. Acting quickly not only keeps your vehicle legally compliant but also protects you from potential misuse of your old plate. Whether you choose to apply in person, by mail, or online, accuracy and proper documentation are key to avoiding delays. Arden Auto Reg helps Californians simplify this process — from verifying eligibility to preparing paperwork — ensuring you stay on the road safely and legally. Remember, replacement fees and processing times may vary based on plate type and DMV workload, so always confirm the latest requirements before applying. With the right guidance, replacing your plates is quick, secure, and stress-free.
Ready to Get Replacement Plates? Let Arden Auto Reg Guide You
If you feel overwhelmed by the DMV’s rules, forms, and deadlines, Arden Auto Reg is here to help. Our team can confirm your eligibility, assist in completing the right forms, and help you choose the best submission method—online, mail, or in person. We make sure you don’t miss any detail that could hold up your application. Reach out to Arden Auto Reg today and let us streamline your replacement plate process, so you can drive again legally and confidently.
