How to Renew a License Plate Sticker

Licensed plate stickers must be renewed annually.

Renewing car registration is an annual occurrence for drivers. When you renew your registration, you also renew stickers to place on your license plate. These stickers make it possible for law enforcement to know if vehicles are registered and if their registration is up-to-date. The procedure for renewing your vehicle registration varies between states. Depending on your state, there are usually multiple options to renew your license plate stickers.

Things You'll Need

• Vehicle registration fee
• License plate number
• Vehicle identification number

Instructions

Renewing in Person

1. Wait to receive a registration expiration notice. Most Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) send notices to drivers one or two months before their license plate stickers and vehicle registration expire.

2. Visit the DMV or county treasurer's office. Depending on your state, your vehicle registration can be renewed at either of these establishments.

3. Renew your vehicle registration. Present your vehicle registration expiration notice. This will give the clerk all of your information. Pay the required vehicle registration fee to complete the registration renewal.

4. Receive your renewed license plate stickers. Once your registration is complete, you should receive your renewed license plate stickers and vehicle registration.

Renewing by Mail

1. Wait to receive your registration expiration notice

2. Complete the application included with your expiration notice.

3. Mail your application along with your registration fee payment. The payment can usually be made with a check or money order. In some states, supplying your credit card number may also be a payment option.

4. Wait to receive your renewed license plate stickers in the mail. This can take up to four weeks.

Renewing Online

1. Wait to receive your registration expiration notice.

2. Visit your state's DMV website.

3. Fill out the registration renewal application. Find the registration renewal page on your state's DMV website. Once you have found the page, follow the instructions to complete the application. You will be asked to provide your personal information as well as your license plate and vehicle identification numbers.

4. Enter your credit card number to supply payment of the registration renewal fee.

5. Wait to receive your renewed license plate stickers.

References

• Department of Motor Vehicles Answers: What are my options for license plate sticker renewal?

Resources

• Department of Motor Vehicles: Registration and Renewals