Didn’t Get Your DMV Sticker? What to Do in California

You've updated your car registration online, paid all the fees, received a confirmation email... But the sticker has not arrived. Sound familiar?

If you haven't received your registration sticker after updating your car registration in California, don't panic. Usually, the reasons are a delay in processing, an error in the address, or a problem with payment.

Unfortunately, delayed or missing registration stickers are a fairly common problem in California. Every month, thousands of drivers do not receive their documents in a timely manner, which leads to trouble - from fines to insurance problems. This applies to both renewals through the DMV and third-party services.

Why did the sticker not come? The main reasons

Good to know: the official processing time is up to 2 weeks after payment is confirmed. If more time has passed, you need to act.

What to do if you haven't received the sticker?

Before you panic or file a complaint, make sure that your registration renewal application has actually been processed. To do this:

Go to the official DMV website: Registration Renewal Status

What you need to enter:

• Your car's license plate number (license plate)
   
• The last 5 digits of the VIN number (you can find them in the registration certificate or on the car itself)
   

What you will see in the results:

• The date your application was processed (Processed Date)
   
• Current status: “Processing”, “Completed”, ‘Mailed’, or “Returned”
   
• Notes if there was an error or rejection (e.g., address issues or non-payment of fees)
   

What each status means:

• Processing - the application is still being processed, please wait 3-5 business days.
   
• Completed / Mailed — the sticker has already been sent by mail. If more than 2 weeks have passed and you have not received anything, proceed to the next step.
   
• Returned — the letter with the sticker has been returned to the DMV, most often due to an address error.
   
• Rejected — the application was rejected. Find out the reason and correct the situation (for example, overdue payment or failed Smog Check).
  
   

Xtreet's tip: if you used an online service, check your emails as well - there may be tracking or confirmation of sending.

Request a duplicate

If 2-3 weeks have passed since the application was processed and you have not received the sticker, and you are sure that payment has been made, you should order a duplicate. This is important to avoid fines and to confirm your right to use the vehicle.

OPTION 1: Through the DMV

You can request a duplicate sticker directly through the DMV. Here's how to do it:

1. Download form REG 156, the official name of the document: Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents.
   
    
2. Fill out the form completely. Pay special attention to the "Reason for Replacement" field - select or enter "Sticker never received".
   
    
3. Attach copies of your confirmations:
    
   • Check or transaction for payment of the registration.
   • Confirmation email (if you registered online).
      
4. Pay the established duplicate fee.
    As of 2025, it is $23, but it is better to check the current information on dmv.ca.gov.
   
    
5. Submit the package of documents:
    
   • In person at the nearest DMV office

or

• Mail to the address listed in the instructions for Form REG 156.
   

Please note:  in some cases, if less than 60 days have passed since the first registration, the duplicate fee may be reduced or waived. But this is decided individually at the DMV office.

OPTION 2: Through Xtreet

If you used Xtreet to register your vehicle, the process of ordering a duplicate sticker will be much faster and easier.

Here's how we help our customers:

• We check the registration and delivery status without your intervention.
   
• Prepare all the necessary documentation, including the REG 156 form - you don't need to fill out anything manually.
   
• We send the documents directly to the DMV, meeting all technical requirements and deadlines.
   
• We make sure that the duplicate is sent on time - in case of delays, we initiate a second status check ourselves.
   

To start the procedure, you just need to contact the Xtreet support team via the form on the website or by phone. The whole process takes from 1 to 3 days in most cases.

Consequences of driving without a registration sticker

Many drivers mistakenly believe that if they have paid for registration online or through an intermediary, but have not yet received a physical sticker for the license plate, they can safely drive. In fact, not having a valid license plate sticker can result in a fine or even legal problems, even if the registration itself has been completed.

1. Financial penalty
    California state law requires that a driver must have a valid registration sticker. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to $1,000, especially if the previous registration has already expired.
    
2. Police stop
    Law enforcement officers can stop a car with an expired or missing license plate sticker. Even if you have proof of payment, its absence on a visual level (i.e., without a sticker) is a reason for an inspection.
    
3. Problems with car insurance in the event of an accident
    Some insurance companies may delay payment or deny coverage if it is discovered that your vehicle did not have a valid sticker at the time of the accident. This is especially critical for comprehensive coverage or in situations where you need to establish whether the vehicle was fully registered.

What to do in this case?

Fortunately, the California DMV allows a temporary solution while waiting for a permanent sticker. Here's what you should do:

• Print the temporary registration confirmation.
    Once you complete the online registration process (either on the DMV website or through an authorized service), you have access to a PDF confirmation. It contains all the necessary information: your details, expiration date, VIN and license plate.
   
• Place it on the dashboard.
   The document should be located in the car so that it is visible from the outside through the windshield. This allows the inspector or police to visually confirm that you have actually paid for the registration.
   
• Keep a digital copy on your phone or in the cloud storage in case you need additional proof when requested by the police or insurance company.

What does Xtreet do for its customers?

When you register a car through the Xtreet service, a temporary registration confirmation is automatically sent to you via email in PDF format as soon as the registration is completed. You don't need to search for anything or download it manually - we make sure you have the document in hand before you even receive the sticker in the mail.

Recommendations: how to avoid problems with lost stickers in the future

To avoid facing an unpleasant situation when the DMV sticker does not arrive or is lost during delivery, you should follow a few simple but effective steps. This will help you avoid delays, fines, and unnecessary hassle.

1. Verify your address is correct before each application

Even a single mistake, such as an incorrect apartment, an old address after moving, or a typo in the zip code, can result in a sticker being sent to the wrong place.
Tip:

• Check your address at the DMV or in your online service account before paying.
   
• If you have recently moved, be sure to update your address in the DMV system using the official change of address form.

2. Pay for your registration in advance

The closer to the deadline you submit your documents or pay for your registration renewal, the higher the risk of delivery delays, especially during peak periods (end of month, holidays, etc.).
Tip:

• Pay at least 30 days before the registration deadline.
   
• Xtreet will remind you by email or SMS when the deadline is approaching.

3. Keep your payment confirmation

Always keep a digital or printed copy of the payment receipt you receive after registration. In case you lose your sticker, this is your main proof that you paid on time.
Tip:

• Save the PDF file to Google Drive, Dropbox, or email a copy to yourself.
   
• If you have a dispute with the DMV, this receipt will help you avoid paying twice or proving your case.

4. Choose a reliable service with shipping support and tracking

Registering directly with the DMV often doesn't allow you to track your sticker once it's shipped.

 Instead, authorized private services like Xtreet offer more transparency:

• You receive an email confirmation of your registration as soon as it is processed.
   
• You can also contact support in case of delays.
   
• In some cases, it is possible to track your package if you use expedited shipping.

By following these simple tips, you will minimize the risk of losing your sticker, as well as provide yourself with peace of mind and confidence that your car is always registered correctly. This is especially important for drivers in California, where road checks are commonplace and late registration can be costly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I drive my car without a new sticker if I have proof?

Yes, but only temporarily. Print out a temporary copy and keep it in the car at all times.

2. Can I order a duplicate online?

Yes, through the DMV online service if your status is "active".

3. What if the REG 156 form is too complicated for me?

Use Xtreet - we will do it for you online.

4. How do I know if my registration is active?

Check it on the DMV website using your license plate number and VIN.

5. How long does it take to get a sticker?

5-10 business days, but the USPS often delays mail for up to 3 weeks.

6. Can it be stolen from my mail?

Yes. If you live in an apartment or an area with unreliable delivery, we recommend using a P.O. Box or contacting Xtreet for delivery with an insured package.

7. I moved and the sticker went to the old address - what should I do?

Order a duplicate via REG 156, and don't forget to update your address with the DMV via Change of Address.

8. I received a letter but no sticker. What happened?

The envelope may have been damaged or the sticker may have been removed during delivery. Contact the DMV or Xtreet.

Conclusion

The registration sticker is a small but extremely important detail. Its absence can lead to fines, detentions, and issues with insurance companies. If you don't receive a sticker, act immediately.

Contact the DMV or Xtreet, check the status online, print temporary documents, and order a duplicate.

All this is not difficult, the main thing is to know the algorithm of actions. And Xtreet will always help you if you want to go through the process without nerves and bureaucracy.