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How to Replace Your Car Registration in West Virginia
Replacing a lost car registration in West Virginia is a requirement for vehicle owners, who must always have a legible and valid certificate while driving. If you operate your car without an acceptable copy of a vehicle registration, you are putting yourself at risk of being fined for not being able to prove that you have maintained the proper auto insurance coverage and paid for any due taxes.
In order to replace a car registration in WV, you will need to file an application through the state Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Generally, it can be helpful to learn about all DMV copy of registration requirements and steps beforehand. To learn more about this procedure and its available methods, read the sections below.
When do you need to get a copy of your vehicle registration in West Virginia?
If you have a DMV lost registration in West Virginia, you must apply for a replacement credential. The cause for this replacement may also stem from having a damaged or stolen certificate. If you fail to acquire a DMV copy of registration, you may be subject to traffic fines and citations.
Furthermore, getting a WV DMV registration replacement can also have other practical uses. Besides being able to prove that your vehicle’s insurance and tax payments are up-to-date, this replacement document can allow you to:
- Sell your vehicle to a West Virginia auto dealership.
- Get a new registration if you have moved to a new state.
- Protect your liability if you are involved in a criminal investigation or legal proceeding.
How to Obtain a Replacement Vehicle Registration in West Virginia
Obtaining a replacement vehicle registration in West Virginia is necessary if something has happened to your original document. There are two main methods to go about getting this replacement document through the WV DMV. In any case, if you have lost car registration papers, you will need to prepare the following information for your application with the DMV:
- Your contact information. This includes your name, address, phone number and email address.
- Your driving documents. These are your drivers license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number and registration expiration date, if known.
- Your vehicle information. This information pertains to your vehicle’s make, model and manufacturing year.
- An acceptable method of payment for the applicable DMV fees.
How to Replace a Vehicle Registration Online
Getting a copy of a vehicle registration online in West Virginia is a method that allows for the fast processing of duplicate credentials. The DMV’s official online portal allows you to input all of the required information listed previously. This method will also allow you to print out a receipt of your transaction, which can act as a temporary registration while you wait for the official document to be sent in the mail within 30 to 60 days.
How to Replace a Vehicle Registration by Mail
A WV DMV duplicate registration can be obtained by sending all the necessary information to the DMV via mail. However, it is important to note that this method will require you to wait slightly longer for your replacement document, as the delivery and processing times may vary due to the nature of mail deliveries. If you are interested in submitting your application in this manner, you may send a completed request form and payment to the following address:
WV DMV Vehicle Services PO BOX 17710 Charleston, WV 25317
West Virginia Stolen Car Registration Requirements
Motorists who experience a stolen car registration in West Virginia should take special caution, as this can lead to potential problems depending on who took your documents. Identity theft is common among vehicle registration thieves, due to the fact that these documents contain many personal details about car owners.
Thus, if your registration has been taken by someone else in WV, you are encouraged to reach out to local law enforcement and file a police report. You may also need to contact your bank and other related institutions, particularly if any of your accounts have notified you of suspicious behavior after your documents were stolen.
West Virginia DMV Sticker Replacement
If you need to obtain a WV DMV sticker replacement, make sure to request it during your application for a registration certificate copy. While your registration document is a physical, printed-out document that must be kept inside your vehicle, the sticker is a decal that goes on your windshield or license plate.
This sticker is an important part of your registration documentation, as it is a more readily available sign to law enforcement officers that your vehicle is properly managed and up-to-date with its payments. Generally, you will receive your new sticker upon receiving the copy of your vehicle registration in the mail.
West Virginia Vehicle Registration Replacement Fees
The final step to get a copy of a car registration in West Virginia is to ensure that you are paying the DMV the correct amount for your duplicate. The standard fee for getting a duplicate of your registration is $10, which includes the price of a new decal. If you need a new license plate, the fee is $10.50. Moreover, there may be additional costs if you are getting specialty plates. Furthermore, you will be charged a $1 convenience fee for applying online, which is not charged if you file your request by mail.
West Virginia Vehicle Registration Replacement Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.