REG 156 Form CA PDF – Replace Plates, Stickers & Documents
The REG 156 is the official California DMV form used to request replacement of lost, stolen, or damaged license plates, registration stickers, disabled person placards, and other DMV-issued documents. Whether your plates were stolen, a sticker never arrived, or your registration card was destroyed, this form starts the replacement process.
|
Form Number REG 156 |
Revision Date Nov 2024 |
Issuing Agency CA DMV |
Submission In-Person / Mail |
What Is the REG 156 Form?
The REG 156, officially titled the Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents, is issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. It serves as the formal request to replace any DMV-issued item that a registered vehicle owner can no longer use because it was lost, stolen, destroyed, or was never delivered. California Vehicle Code provisions govern when and how replacements are issued, and this is the standardized form that captures that request.
Registered owners use the California DMV REG156 to replace items including standard license plates, vessel registration stickers, disabled person placards and ID cards, CVRA weight decals, year and month stickers, registration cards, and Planned Non-Operation confirmation cards. It is not used for duplicate titles or for original registrations — separate California DMV forms handle those transactions.
Certain replacement requests, particularly for missing license plates, may require additional steps such as surrendering the remaining plate, filing a police report, or presenting proof of ownership at a DMV office in person. Reading all five sections of the REG 156 before filling it out will help you determine which requirements apply to your situation.
What Can You Replace With This Form?
Section B lists every item category eligible for replacement. Understanding what each item is helps you check the correct boxes and avoid processing delays.
🪪 License Plates
Standard California vehicle license plates. Special rules apply for missing plates — see Section D of the form.
📋 Registration Card
The card kept in the vehicle as proof of current California registration. Can be replaced with a current address update.
📅 Year & Month Stickers
The colored tabs affixed to your license plate indicating current registration expiration.
♿ Disabled Person (DP) Placard & ID Card
Hanging placards and the accompanying ID card issued to qualifying disabled persons under California law.
⚓ Vessel Stickers & Certificate
Year stickers, mussel stickers, and certificate of number for registered California watercraft.
🚜 CVRA Decals & OHV / Trailer ID Cards
Commercial Vehicle Registration Act weight decals and identification cards for off-highway vehicles and trailers.
How to Complete the REG 156 PDF Form
The DMV REG 156 is divided into five lettered sections. Each section must be completed accurately. Any missing fields or incorrect information can delay or void your replacement request.
Vehicle Info
At the top of the form, enter your vehicle license plate number or vessel CF number, the vehicle make, and the full Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or hull ID number. For motorcycles only, also enter the engine number. If you are replacing a disabled person placard, enter the placard number and the holder’s date of birth instead.
Registered Owner of Record
Section A collects the registered owner’s personal information as it currently appears in DMV records. Print clearly. The physical address, mailing address, driver license number, and county of residence are all required. If there is a co-owner, their full name and driver license number must also be listed.
Item(s) Requested for Replacement
Check every box that applies. You may request multiple replacement items on a single submission. Common selections include License Plates, Year/Month Sticker, Registration Card, Disabled Person Placard, and Vessel items. Review the full list printed on the CA DMV 156 before submitting.
Reason the Item Needs Replacement
Check the box that best describes why the item is unavailable. Options include Lost, Stolen, Destroyed or Mutilated, Not Received from DMV, Not Received from Prior Owner, Surrendered to DMV, or Special Plates Retained by Owner. If the plate was destroyed, you must surrender the remnants to the DMV.
Missing License Plate Applications
Section D applies only when you are replacing missing or stolen license plates. Choose the appropriate box based on whether one plate or both plates are missing. If only one plate is missing on a two-plate vehicle, the remaining plate must be surrendered to the DMV. If plates have been replaced within the last 90 days, a CHP verification is required before the DMV will issue new plates.
Certification and Signature
The registered owner must print their full legal name, sign the form, and date it. The signature is made under penalty of perjury under California law, certifying that the mailing address is valid and that all information is true and correct. If signing on behalf of a company, the signer’s title and a daytime telephone number are also required.
What Documents Do You Need?
The documents required with your submission depend on which item you are replacing and the reason for replacement. Below is a summary of the most common supporting documents.
🚔 Police Report (Stolen Items)
Required per CVC §4467 when license plates or other items were stolen. Include a copy with your submission.
📄 Proof of Ownership
Required for in-person submissions where your address differs from DMV records. Bring your title, registration card, or renewal notice.
🪪 Driver License or State ID
Required when appearing in person at a DMV office, particularly if your address needs updating.
🔍 CHP Verification (Recent Replacements)
Required if license plates were already replaced within the last 90 days. CHP must physically verify the vehicle before new plates are issued.
💳 Payment for Replacement Fee
Most replacements carry a fee. Check the current fee schedule at dmv.ca.gov or call 1-800-777-0133 before visiting.
🗑️ Remnants of Destroyed Plates
If the plates were destroyed or mutilated, you must surrender the physical remnants to the DMV office at the time of submission.
Processing Times & What to Do While You Wait
Once your Form 156 is submitted, processing time varies depending on the item requested and the submission method. In-person visits at a California DMV field office are generally the fastest option for stickers and cards. Replacement license plates are always mailed and take longer regardless of how you submitted the form.
|
Replacement Item |
In-Person |
By Mail |
Notes |
|
License Plates |
2–4 weeks (mailed) |
3–6 weeks |
Plates are never issued at the counter — always mailed |
|
Year / Month Stickers |
Same day |
1–2 weeks |
Fastest replacement — issued over the counter in person |
|
Registration Card |
Same day |
1–2 weeks |
Printed on the spot at most DMV offices |
|
Disabled Person Placard |
Same day |
1–3 weeks |
Temporary placard may be issued while permanent one is processed |
|
Vessel Stickers / Certificate |
1–2 weeks |
2–4 weeks |
May vary by DMV office; call ahead |
|
CVRA Decals / OHV ID Cards |
1–2 weeks |
2–4 weeks |
Commercial vehicle items may require additional verification |
Can I Drive While Waiting for Replacement Plates?
This is one of the most common questions after submitting a replacement plate request. The short answer depends on your situation:
Stolen Plates — You May Drive With a DMV-Issued Receipt
If your plates were stolen and you have filed a police report, the DMV can issue a temporary receipt confirming the replacement is in process. Carry this with your registration card at all times while waiting.
Lost or Destroyed Plates — Drive With Caution
California law requires license plates to be displayed on the vehicle. If your plates are missing, you are technically in violation of CVC §5200 until replacements are attached. Contact your local DMV or law enforcement agency for guidance specific to your situation while you await the new plates.
Stickers Only — Your Plates Are Still Valid
If you are only replacing a year or month sticker, your existing license plates remain legally valid. You can drive normally while the replacement sticker is on its way, just keep your registration card in the vehicle as proof of current registration.
What If Your Replacement Never Arrives?
The DMV REG 156 PDF itself instructs applicants to wait at least 30 days from the original issue date before applying for a replacement of an item never received from the DMV. If your replacement still has not arrived after a reasonable period beyond the estimated processing time, take these steps:
- Call the CA DMV at 1-800-777-0133 and provide your plate number or confirmation details to check the status of your request.
- Visit any California DMV field office in person with your original submission receipt or confirmation if you have one.
- If your mailing address has changed since submitting, notify the DMV immediately — this is the most common reason replacements go missing.
- If the item is confirmed lost in transit, you may need to submit a new REG 156 Form with updated information. There is no additional fee if the DMV confirms an internal error.
Frequently Asked Questions
Download This Form
|
Form Number |
CA REG 156 |
|
Issuing Agency |
CA DMV |
|
Fee |
Varies by item |
|
State |
California |
|
Submission |
Mail or In-Person |
While Your Replacement Is Processing
|
Can I drive without plates? Stolen plates: carry your DMV receipt + registration card. Lost/destroyed plates: technically a CVC §5200 violation — contact your local DMV for guidance. |
|
Replacement not arrived? Wait 30 days from issue date, then call DMV to check status before reapplying. |