Renewing or Replacing Your Registration
A vehicle registration must be renewed periodically with your state’s motor vehicle authority. In most states, you are issued a new decal or sticker and registration card when you renew your registration. Alternatively, you may already have renewed but need to replace your sticker or decal, registration card or certificate, and/or license plate(s).
After the initial or first registration, most states offer an online option to renew or replace your registration which is a welcome relieve for vehicle owners. If you recently acquired your vehicle and still need to transfer ownership to your name, you must do that (first) instead of renewing.
How to Renew or Replace a Registration
You can renew your registration or replace a component of your registration directly with your states motor vehicle authority. Use the drop down below to reach your state’s official website.
Below you’ll find a list of states with multiple online renewal or replacement options.
California || Florida || Maryland || Pennsylvania
California
Registrations must be renewed every year in California and replaced as needed if any portion of your registration (card, decal, or plates) is lost damaged or stolen. You can renew up to 75 days before your expiration date. Renew your registration online with either option below or request a replacement with the first option:
- eTags.com – eTags is licensed by the California DMV and you can request shipment to any continental U.S. address, get access to a digital copy of your registration card by email, post fees even if smog is due, pay with credit card or apply for a loan to pay over time, and more for an additional fee.
- You can renew any standard vehicle or truck on this site but not vessels or off highway vehicles.
- You can obtain a replacement year sticker but not replacement month stickers, registration cards, and/or license plates.
- CA DMV – The official DMV site provides an online renewal option without additional fee. You can renew a vessel online with the DMV. The following exceptions are important:
- You must have completed your smog testing (and passed) if smog is due.
- You will be required to provide the last 5 digits of your VIN in addition to your plate number so have that information handy.
- The registration will be shipped to the address on file with the DMV. To have it shipped elsewhere, you must first change your registration address and wait until that is updated before renewing.
- You can renew but cannot order a replacement online with the DMV.
Florida
Florida has several registrations lengths or periods. Standard passenger cars and trucks can renew for 1 or 2 years. You can renew 90 days before your registration expires. Renew or replace your registration online by visiting:
- eTags.com – For Florida registration renewals or replacements, request shipment to any continental U.S. address, get access to a digital copy of your registration card by email, avoid having to login with a license or social security number, easily contact customer support by phone or email, and more for an additional fee.
- Registration fees are calculated offline which means your total charge will be higher and is disclosed by email once your order is processed.
- Your order may be canceled if you have a registration hold such as an unpaid toll or ticket. You will not be charged if your renewal or replacement cannot be issued. Once the hold is resolved, you can place a new order with eTags.
- FLHSMV – The official DMV site in Florida provides an online renewal and replacement option for a small convenience fee. The following exceptions are important:
- You must find your driver and vehicle records by logging in which requires validation of your identify with your license information or social security number. If you are unable to login, you cannot use their site.
- If you have a registration hold such as an unpaid toll or ticket, you will be advised to go in person. However, you need just resolve the hold and then return to the site to renew.
- If you are expired for an extended period of time, you will not be able to use the site. The exact cut off is not clear but you can attempt to renew even if you are expired and see if you can do so. If not, use eTags linked above.
- Depending on the status of your registration, you may not be able to order a replacement decal or plate sticker on the DMV website.
Maryland
The motor vehicle authority in Maryland is the MVA (Motor Vehicle Administration). Standard passenger cars and trucks can renew for 1 or 2 years. Renewal is allowed up to 6 months before a registration expires. Renew or replace your registration online by visiting:
- eTags.com – eTags is licensed by the Maryland MVA and you can request shipment to any continental U.S. address, get access to a digital copy of your registration card by email, pay with credit card or apply for a loan to pay over time, renew or replace your registration without needing your title number, and more for an additional fee.
- Some personalized plates cannot be found and so cannot be renewed with eTags
- While a registration is printed and mailed the same or next day, it may take a few days for the renewal to show with the MVA. This should not hinder your ability to use your temporary digital copy or official copy received in the mail.
- MVA – The official site in Maryland provides an online renewal and replacement option. The following exceptions are important:
- You must provide your title number in addition to your license plate number.
- Your registration will be shipped to the address on file with the MVA. To have your registration shipped elsewhere, you must first update your registration address.
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDot) is in charge of motor vehicle services in the state. You can renew up to 6 months from the expiration for 1 or 2 years for most passenger vehicles and trucks. It is important to note that Pennsylvania no longer issues plate stickers. You only need renew and print your registration card. Renew or replace your registration card online by visiting:
- eTags.com – eTags is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and you can request to have your registration card printed, pay with credit card or apply for a loan to pay over time, renew or replace your registration card without needing your title number or odometer information, and more for an additional fee.
- PennDot – The official site in Pennsylvania provides an online renewal and duplicate registration option. The following exceptions are important:
- You must print your renewed registration within 30 days of placing your online order. After 30 days, you will be required to pay for a duplicate registration in order to view and print your registration again
- You must provide extensive insurance information as well as current odometer information to renew.