REG 156 Form – The REG 156 form is the official California DMV Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents. It is used to request replacements for lost, stolen, destroyed, mutilated, or illegible items such as:
- License plates
- Registration stickers
- Registration cards
- Disabled person placards and ID cards
- CVRA weight decals and year stickers
- Vessel (boat) certificates of number and stickers
This form is required in situations where online replacement is not available or for specific items like plates and special placards.
The current version is REG 156 (REV. 11/2024), and you can download the official PDF directly here:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2024/12/REG-156-R11-2024-ASB-WWW.pdf
Who Needs to Use the REG 156 Form?
You must complete and submit the REG 156 if you are the registered owner of a vehicle or vessel in California and need to replace:
- License plates (standard or special interest)
- Year or month stickers (in cases where online replacement is unavailable)
- Disabled person parking placards or ID cards
- Registration documents
- CVRA commercial vehicle decals
- Vessel stickers or certificates
Important note: Most drivers can replace a lost registration sticker or card online. However, REG 156 is required for license plates, disabled/veteran placards, exempt plates, off-highway vehicles, trailers under the Permanent Trailer Identification program, and certain other cases.
When to File REG 156: Common Reasons?
Use the REG 156 form when your item was:
- Lost
- Stolen (notify law enforcement immediately and attach police report if required)
- Destroyed or mutilated (surrender remnants)
- Not received from DMV (wait 30 days from issue date)
- Not received from prior owner
- Surrendered (e.g., special plates retained by previous owner)
If your address has changed and plates are missing or stolen, you may need to appear in person with proof of ownership.
How to Download the REG 156 PDF?
- Visit the official California DMV Forms page.
- Search for “REG 156” or go directly to the latest revision.
- Download the free PDF: REG 156 R11 2024
The form is fillable online or printable. Always use the most recent version (REV. 11/2024) to avoid processing delays.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill Out the REG 156 Form?
Complete all sections using black or blue ink. Here’s how:
- Vehicle Information
Enter: License Plate/CF Number, Make, Vehicle ID Number (VIN) or Hull ID, Disabled Person Placard Number (if applicable), Birth Date (for DP placard), and Engine Number (motorcycles only). - Section 1 – Registered Owner of Record
Print your full legal name (or business name), Driver License/ID number, co-owner details, physical address, county, and mailing address (if different). - Section 2 – Plates, Stickers, Documents Request
Check the box(es) for what you need replaced (License Plate, Sticker, Placard, Registration Card, Vessel items, CVRA decal, etc.). - Section 3 – The Item Requested Was
Check Lost, Stolen, Destroyed/Mutilated, Not Received, Surrendered, or Other. Provide explanations and surrender details as needed. - Section 4 – License Plate (complete only if address differs from DMV records)
Indicate if one or two plates are missing and note any law enforcement notification. - Section 5 – Certification
Sign and date the form, print your name, provide phone and email. You certify under penalty of perjury that all information is true.
Tip: If you later find the original item, it becomes invalid — destroy it or return it to the DMV.
Required Documents and Fees for REG 156
- Proof of ownership (title, registration card, or renewal notice) if address changed and plates/stickers are missing/stolen.
- Driver License or ID card.
- Police report (for stolen items).
- Remnants of mutilated items (must be surrendered).
- CHP VIN verification if duplicate plates were issued within 90 days.
Fees: There is a fee for most replacements (e.g., plates and stickers). Month stickers are often free. Check current fees on the DMV website or call 1-800-777-0133. No fee applies if the original was mailed by DMV and not received.
How to Submit Your REG 156 Application?
Option 1 – Mail
Send the completed form + fee to:
DMV, P.O. Box 942869, Sacramento, CA 94269-0001
Option 2 – In Person
Take it to any DMV office (required for stolen/missing plates with address change).
Processing typically mails replacements to the address on record within 14 days for stickers/cards (plates may take longer).
Processing Time and What to Expect
- Stickers/registration cards: Mailed within 14 days.
- Plates: Slightly longer depending on type.
- If not received from DMV originally: No extra fee, but wait 30 days before reapplying.
Drive legally while waiting — keep a copy of your submitted form and payment receipt.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with REG 156
- Using an outdated form version
- Leaving sections blank
- Forgetting to surrender old plates/stickers
- Not attaching police report for stolen items
- Mailing without payment (if required)
- Failing to update your address first (use online change of address)
FAQs About the REG 156 Form
Can I replace my registration sticker online instead of using REG 156?
Yes, for most vehicles — but use REG 156 for plates, disabled placards, or excluded vehicle types.
Is there a fee to replace a lost month sticker?
Usually no fee; visit a DMV office or call 1-800-777-0133.
Do I need to replace both plates and stickers together?
No — check only the items you need in Section 2.
What if my plates were stolen?
Notify law enforcement immediately, attach the police report, and follow in-person requirements if your address changed.
Where can I get the latest REG 156 PDF?
Direct download: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2024/12/REG-156-R11-2024-ASB-WWW.pdf
Get Your Replacement Fast – Download REG 156 Today
Don’t risk driving with invalid plates or stickers. Download the official REG 156 Form PDF, fill it out accurately, and submit it to the California DMV right away.
Official Download Link:
REG 156 – Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents (2024)
For the most up-to-date fees, locations, and rules, always refer to dmv.ca.gov. Safe driving starts with valid registration!