Realizing that you have lost your car registration in New York can be very stressful. You must always keep your registration document in your car so that you can present it to law enforcement when requested. Driving without your registration documents can result in serious consequences. Therefore, you must get a copy of vehicle registration if your certificate is lost or stolen.

To replace a car registration in NY, you can either go online, in person or send in an application through the mail. You must provide certain information such as your vehicle plate or registration number, and you must also pay the replacement vehicle registration fee. After you have submitted everything necessary, you will be presented with either a temporary or a new registration depending on the method that you used. To learn more about replacing your lost vehicle registration, read the sections below.

When do you need to get a copy of your vehicle registration in New York?

As a vehicle owner, you are responsible for keeping a DMV copy of registration in your vehicle at all times. Therefore, if your registration document gets lost, it is extremely important that you obtain a duplicate as soon as possible so that you can avoid facing any penalties from law enforcement.

However, misplacing your registration is not the only situation in which you are required to get a replacement. If your registration credentials are stolen or badly damaged, you must request a duplicate as well.

How to Obtain a Replacement Vehicle Registration in New York

In New York, you can get a copy of car registration through one of three different methods. You may either get a duplicate online, in person or through the mail. To learn more about these methods so that you can decide which option is best for you, continue reading.

How to Replace a Vehicle Registration Online

Only certain vehicles are eligible to get a copy of vehicle registration online. It is very important that you understand if your vehicle is eligible for online renewal before you begin the process. You cannot use the online method for:

• Vehicles older than model year 1973.
• Vehicles with an expired, suspended, surrendered or revoked registration.
• Boats, snowmobiles, ATVs, trailers or transporter vehicles.
• Motorcycles or other vehicles that require license plate stickers.
• Vehicles registered through the DMV’s International Registration Bureau.

As long as your vehicle does not fall into any of the above-mentioned categories, you can process an online DMV registration replacement in New York. To complete this request online, you must do the following:

• Visit the New York DMV Registration Duplicate
• Provide the following information:
  • Plate/Registration number
  • Vehicle class
  • Last name or business name
  • Zip code
  • Email address
• Verify that all information shown is correct.
• Authorize payment for the $3.00 replacement fee – via a credit card or a pin-less debit card.

Once those steps have been completed, you must print a temporary registration card that is valid for 10 days. You can expect to receive your permanent documents in the mail within 10 days. If you do not receive your new documents within that time, contact the New York DMV.

How to Replace a Vehicle Registration by Mail

You can replace lost car registration papers through the mail as well. To do so, you must mail in the following documents:

• A completed Application for Duplicate/Renewal Registration (MV-82D)
• A photocopy of your proof of identity document, such as a New York State driver’s license, ID card, permit, etc.
• A check or money order for the $3.00 replacement fee payable to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.

Send these items to the following address:

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

Once your application has been received by the DMV, your request will be processed, and you can expect to receive your new registration documents in the mail within a few weeks’ time.

How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Person

The last option you can utilize to replace your auto registration is in person. To do so, you must visit your local NY DMV office and provide the same documents you would if you were applying by mail. Once you present all the necessary documents in person and pay your application fee, you will be able to receive your new registration.

Note: The New York DMV provide an online appointment scheduling system that you can use to reserve an appointment at your local DMV office ahead of time. Schedule an appointment in order to save time when you visit the DMV.

New York Stolen Car Registration Requirements

If you believe that you have a stolen car registration, it is advised that you contact your local New York law enforcement agency in order to file a police report. This is especially necessary if your physical license plates were stolen as well.

New York DMV Sticker Replacement

You will receive both a new windshield sticker and a new registration card when you complete any of the processes to replace registration listed above. Therefore, if you need a NY DMV sticker replacement because your windshield sticker is lost, you must follow the same steps required for getting a duplicate registration document. Your new stickers will either arrive in the mail, or you will receive them in person if you visit a DMV office.

New York Vehicle Registration Replacement Fees

In order to replace lost car registration, you must pay the applicable replacement fee. In New York, there is a fee of $3.00 that must be paid before you can get your duplicate car registration.

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