Replacing a Lost Registration in New York

We get it—that panicked feeling after realizing your car registration is missing can ruin your entire day.

Fortunately, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) makes obtaining your duplicate registration pretty stress-free. Keep reading for details.

Missing or damaged stickers and/or plates? Jump over to our License Plates & Placards section for help!

Apply for a Duplicate NY Registration

Once you’ve noticed your vehicle registration card is missing, you can begin to replace it:

  • Online.*
  • By mail.
  • In person.

Details for each method are outlined below. 

*NOTE: If your registration was stolen, you MUST apply by mail or in person, and bring a police report.

Online

You can apply for a duplicate registration online AS LONG AS your:

  • Vehicle is:
    • Model years newer than 1973.
    • NOT a motorcycle, trailer, transporter vehicle, or similar vehicle with plate stickers.
    • NOT registered through the International Registration Bureau.
  • License is NOT suspended/revoked, surrendered, or expired.
  • Registration was NOT stolen/lost in a crime.
    • If so, you must file a police report and submit it by mail or in person.

If your vehicle qualifies, visit the DMV’s duplicate registration application portal. You will need your:

  • Plate or registration number and class code.
    • The DMV provides a sample document if you don’t remember your code from your registration card.
  • Zip code.
  • Payment for the $3 replacement fee (credit or debit card only).

You’ll be able to print a temporary registration card valid until it expires; your permanent documents will be sent by mail. If you don’t receive them after 2 weeks, contact the DMV.

*NOTE: If you recently moved and had not yet changed your address with the NY DMV before your registration was lost or damaged, you’ll need to do so BEFORE applying online for a duplicate.

By Mail

To replace your NY registration by mail, you’ll need a:

  • Completed Application for Duplicate/Renewal Registration (Form MV-82D).
    • If you need to update your address as well, you may write your new one on the application form.
  • Photocopy of your driver’s license or ID card.
  • Police report, if your registration was stolen.
  • Check or money order for the $3 replacement fee, made payable to “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles”.

Send the above to:

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 359
Utica, NY 13503 

If you haven’t received your new registration within 2 weeks, contact the DMV.

In Person

Replacing your NY car registration in person is quite similar to doing so by mail; however, instead of a photocopy of your ID, you’ll need to submit your original driver’s license or ID card.

Gather the items and payment mentioned above, and make an appointment at your local NY DMV office. Bring your reservation confirmation with you to your appointment.

Replacement NY Stickers & Plates

If your vehicle plates and/or stickers were also lost, stolen, or destroyed along with your registration, you have a few options for replacing them as well.

Jump over to our NY License Plates & Placards page for all of the details.

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