If your registration sticker is not received in Michigan, it is important that you request a replacement right away, as the state does not offer any grace periods regarding registration stickers. Michigan motorists are required to obtain a car tag sticker and affix it to the upper right-hand corner of a vehicle’s license plate. Without this sticker, you could be subject to citations from law enforcement.

If an SOS sticker is not received, then there are many possibilities as to why the sticker may be lost, including failing to provide an address change to the Michigan SOS, lost mail, human error and computer errors. This situation could occur after your initial registration is ordered, a renewal is requested or after a replacement request. No matter the reason for the lost sticker, it is important that you request a replacement for a registration sticker not received right away online or by visiting your local Michigan SOS office in person.

Common Reasons for a Registration Sticker Not Being Received in Michigan

If your license plate sticker is not received, then it could be that you did not update your residential address with the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS). While it is commonly believed that the United States Postal Services (USPS) will forward your SOS registration sticker, this is often not the case. In fact, USPS does not generally forward any form of state mail.

If you have recently changed your address, then it is important that you submit a change of address prior to requesting a replacement or renewing registration on your vehicle.

In some cases, an SOS registration sticker may also be lost in the post. While rare, this does happen, so it is important that you contact the USPS in order to determine whether or not your registration may have been lost in the mail.

Additionally, human and computer errors could be the culprit of SOS sticker not received in cases when documentation was not lost in the mail or an address change recently occurred. Therefore, it is important that you contact the Michigan SOS in order to verify whether or not your registration was processed.

Can I legally drive if my Michigan registration sticker was not received?

If your SOS registration sticker is not received, then it is crucial that you familiarize yourself with Michigan law regarding driving without a registration tag. Under Michigan law, you are legally required to display a registration tab on the upper right-hand corner of your vehicle’s license plate. Unfortunately, there is no grace period for license plate sticker not received within the state of Michigan. Therefore, it is important that you not operate a vehicle that is missing proof of registration on its license plate.

Additional Consequences of a Car Sticker Not Received in Michigan

If you do not display a car tag sticker on your Michigan license plate, then you may be pulled over by law enforcement. The police officer may issue a ticket for failing to display an SOS registration sticker not received if you are pulled over for any reason.

In some cases, a vehicle may even be impounded if proper registration is not displayed. Therefore, it is important that you always make sure that you have your registration tag displayed on the vehicle, or a temporary registration, prior to operating the vehicle. After a car plate sticker renewal, you will still need to acquire temporary registration before operating the vehicle.

Steps to Take if Your Michigan SOS Sticker Was Not Received

If your license sticker is not received, then it is important that you contact the Michigan SOS over the phone or in person after the allotted processing and mailing time has already passed or when any temporary registration is nearing the date of expiration.

One of the first steps that you should take regarding your license sticker not received is to contact the Michigan SOS office. Inquire as to whether or not your registration was properly processed and, if it was, you may be advised to request a replacement. Additionally, it may be worth contacting your local mail distributor to see whether or not your registration is at a USPS office or may have been lost in the mail.

Where to Get Registration Sticker Replacements in Michigan

An SOS sticker replacement can be requested both online and by visiting your local Michigan SOS office in person. Should you choose to replace a sticker online, you will need to use the ExpressSOS platform. This is considered the most convenient way to replace your Michigan registration tab, as it can be done from the comfort of your own home and without having to worry about the SOS office’s hours of operation.

Additionally, those who replace sticker online will save you a trip to the office. A receipt will be generated at the end of your request and it is recommended that you print this document in order to carry proof of your registration replacement request with you until you receive your duplicate registration tab.

While it is easier to request a registration sticker online, you will also have the option of visiting your local SOS office in person. No matter how you choose to request a replacement, it is important that you have your registration or license plate number ready in order to process your duplicate registration request. A replacement sticker or tab costs $5 in Michigan. If the tab is defective, you can replace it for no fee.

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