Download ArticleRegistration advice to help you avoid a painful DMV experience
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This article was written by Jennifer Mueller, JD and by How.com.vn staff writer, Christopher M. Osborne, PhD. Jennifer Mueller is an in-house legal expert at How.com.vn. Jennifer reviews, fact-checks, and evaluates How.com.vn's legal content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. She received her JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2006.
There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 387,624 times.
All U.S. states require that you have a valid vehicle registration in order to drive legally. Typically, you're also required to carry the registration card in your vehicle. But what if you’ve lost your card, have a suspended registration, or just can’t figure out your registration status? We’re here to help! Keep reading for all the info you need in order to hit the road with a legal, up-to-date vehicle registration.
Checking Your Vehicle Registration Status
The easiest way to check your vehicle registration status is online. Visit your state's DMV website and search for your registration. You might need your tag number and basic information about your vehicle.
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Section 6 of 7:
Replacing Lost Documents
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Gather your vehicle and driver's license information. If you've lost your registration card and need to replace it, you'll need information sufficient to identify your specific vehicle and prove that you are its lawful owner and operator. Documents or information you may need includes:[6]- Your valid state driver's license
- Your vehicle's VIN (here’s help finding it)
- Your license plate number
- Auto insurance information
Find out the fees for replacement documents. Most states charge a fee for replacement registration documents, although it's usually less than what you paid for the initial registration. The amount of the fee usually appears on the department's website, or you can call the department and find out.[7]- Expect the fees for a replacement registration card to be under $30. If your registration expires in less than 6 months, the fee may be reduced.
Request replacements online or by phone for convenience. Search for the website for your state's department of motor vehicles and find out if you can order replacement documents online. Look for a registration page or tab, then look for a link to replace documents. If your state allows you to order replacement documents online, you'll see instructions on how to do that.[8]- Call the state department of motor vehicles if you can't order online.
- When ordering online or by phone, you'll typically need a major credit or debit card to pay any replacement fees.
- If you order a replacement registration online, some states may provide a digital copy that you can print and place in your vehicle right away.
Make your request in person to get replacement documents faster. Heading to the DMV is nearly always less convenient than handling things online or by phone, but it often comes with a big advantage: you’ll usually get your replacement registration right away, rather than having to wait for it to come in the mail. Also, by ordering in person, you typically have more payment options. This can be helpful if you don't have a major credit or debit card.[9]- Remember to check your DMV’s website to see if you can book an appointment online instead of waiting in line at the office.
Place your replacement registration card in your vehicle. Whether you get your replacement registration immediately or have to wait for it to come by mail, don’t delay in stashing it in its proper place. As soon as you get it, put it in the glovebox of your vehicle so you don’t lose it again.[10]- Make a photocopy of your registration card so you don't have to pay to replace it if you lose it again. While some states may require you to have the original card in your vehicle, others accept a legible photocopy as proof of registration.
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Section 7 of 7:
Renewing Your Registration
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Contact the DMV if you don’t get a renewal notification. Most states will send you a renewal notice for your vehicle registration by mail, about a month before the date your registration expires. Alternatively, you may get your notification by email. In any case, contact the DMV directly if your registration expires in less than 30 days and you have not received a renewal notice.[11]- The renewal notice includes information about the renewal process and what documents and information you'll need. It also tells you how much money you owe in taxes and registration fees and what methods of payment are accepted.
- Keep your renewal notice for your records until after you've renewed your registration and have your new registration card.
Gather the information you need to renew your registration. In some states, all you need to renew your registration is a copy of your renewal notice. In other states, you may have to provide proof of insurance or submit your driver's license number.[12]- Any necessary documents will be listed on your renewal notice. If you didn't receive a renewal notice, get the same information on the website for your state's department of motor vehicles or by calling the department's number.
Complete any required vehicle inspections. Many states require vehicles to be inspected before the registration can be renewed. The inspection confirms that your vehicle is safe to operate. If your vehicle doesn't pass inspection, the inspector will tell you what you need to fix so that it will. Get these repairs taken care of ASAP so you can pass inspection and renew your registration.[13]- You may also be required to pass an emissions inspection before you can renew your registration. If you live in California, for example, you’ll probably have to get a “smog check” done on your vehicle first.
Renew your registration online if possible. Most states allow you to renew your registration online, provided you do so before your registration has expired. If your expiration date is coming up within a week or two, however, consider renewing your registration in person. Otherwise, your new card may not arrive in the mail before your old registration expires.[14]- Your renewal notice may include a PIN or other code for you to enter when renewing your registration online. If you've lost your renewal notice, however, you may still be able to look up your information and renew online.
Visit your local DMV office if you can't renew online. You can always renew your registration at the nearest office of your state's department of motor vehicles. However, keep in mind that lines may be long, especially on Mondays and Tuesdays and towards the end of each month. So check to see if you can make an online reservation first![15]- Typically, if you renew your registration in person, you'll get your new registration card immediately.
Pay your registration taxes and fees. When you renew your vehicle registration, most states charge a registration fee as well as various taxes for road use and law enforcement. The total you owe will be listed on your renewal notice, or you can find out on the department's website or by calling the phone number.[16]- Larger, heavier vehicles typically pay more road-use tax than lighter vehicles.
- Some states may offer discounts if you have a fuel-efficient or electric vehicle.
Contact the DMV if your new card gets delayed in the mail. Unless you’re able to get your new registration right away (such as by picking it up in person or printing it out at home), expect it to take 5-10 days to receive it by mail. If 10 days pass without any sign of your new registration, go ahead and get in touch with the DMV to rectify the problem.[17]- When you get your new registration card, destroy your old registration card and put the new one in your vehicle's glove box.
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References
- ↑ https://www.mass.gov/how-to/check-the-status-of-your-vehicle-registration
- ↑ https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/what-to-bring/
- ↑ https://dmv.ny.gov/offices/county-offices
- ↑ https://www.dmv.pa.gov/Information-Centers/Suspensions/Pages/Restore-Vehicle-Registration.aspx
- ↑ https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/vr/vr_info
- ↑ https://www.mass.gov/how-to/replace-your-vehicle-registration
- ↑ https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/vehicles/regreplace.htm
- ↑ https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/vehicles/regreplace.htm
- ↑ https://www.mass.gov/how-to/replace-your-vehicle-registration
- ↑ https://www.mass.gov/how-to/replace-your-vehicle-registration
- ↑ https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/vr/vr_info
- ↑ https://www.mass.gov/how-to/renew-your-vehicle-or-trailer-registration
- ↑ https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/register-your-vehicle
- ↑ https://dmvcivls-wselfservice.ct.gov/Registration/RenewIndividualReg
- ↑ https://www.mass.gov/how-to/renew-your-vehicle-or-trailer-registration
- ↑ https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/register-your-vehicle
- ↑ https://www.mass.gov/how-to/renew-your-vehicle-or-trailer-registration
About This Article
Doctor of Law, Indiana University
This article was written by Jennifer Mueller, JD and by How.com.vn staff writer, Christopher M. Osborne, PhD. Jennifer Mueller is an in-house legal expert at How.com.vn. Jennifer reviews, fact-checks, and evaluates How.com.vn's legal content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. She received her JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2006. This article has been viewed 387,624 times.
Co-authors: 5
Updated: May 8, 2024
Views: 387,624
Categories: Legal Documents for Driving
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 387,624 times.
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