DMV Form REG 156 at a glance
What it is: Form REG 156 is the application for replacement plates, stickers, documents.
Where and when to file: Submit the form to any DMV office or mail it to: DMV, P.O. Box 942869, Sacramento, CA 94269-0001.
Who signs: The registered owner signs on the signature line, then enters the date and the email address.
A filled-in DMV Form REG 156 example: replacing a lost license plate
How to fill out DMV Form REG 156, box by box
Section 1, Registered Owner of Record
Section 1, Registered Owner of Record: please print.
Enter the vehicle license plate or CF number, the make, and the vehicle ID number or hull ID number.
Enter the disabled person placard number, the birth date if a DP placard, and the engine number (motorcycles only).
Enter the true full name (last, first, middle) or business name, and the driver license or ID card number.
For a co-owner, enter the co-owner true full name (last, first, middle) and the driver license or ID card number.
Enter the physical residence or business address (include St., Ave., Rd., Ct., etc.), the Apt./Space/Ste. #, the city, the state and the zip code.
Enter the county of residence or the county where the vehicle or vessel is primarily garaged.
Enter the mailing address, if different from the physical address, with the Apt./Space/Ste. #, the city, the state and the zip code.
Section 2, Plates, Stickers, Documents Request
Section 2, Plates, Stickers, Documents Request: check the appropriate box(es) for what you are requesting replacement of.
The boxes are License Plates, Registration Card, Year and Month Sticker, Vessel (Boat) Year Sticker, Vessel Certificate of Number, and Vessel Mussel Fee Sticker.
The other boxes are Disabled Person Placard, Disabled Person ID Card, Planned Non-Operation (PNO) Card, PFR Sticker, CVRA Weight Decal, CVRA Year Sticker, and Trailer or OHV ID Card.
For replacement of a missing License Plate, License Sticker, or Disabled Person Placard, if the original item is later located or received, the original item is no longer valid and must be destroyed or returned to DMV.
Section 3, The Item Requested Was
Section 3, The Item Requested Was: check the appropriate box(es).
The boxes are Lost, Stolen, and Destroyed/Mutilated (remnants/remains of the plate(s) must be surrendered to DMV).
The boxes are Not Received from DMV (allow 30 days from issue date before reapplying) and Not Received from Prior Owner.
The boxes are Surrendered (mark One or Two for the number of plates surrendered to DMV) and Special Plates were Retained by Owner (Personalized, Disabled Person, Disabled Veteran).
The other boxes are Requesting Registration Card with Current Address, and Per CVC §4467 (a copy of a police report, court documentation, or other law enforcement documentation is required).
Other: explain.
Section 4, License Plate
Section 4, License Plate: complete only if the address is different than DMV records (California Vehicle Code (CVC) §4466).
If the license plate(s) were stolen or missing and your address is different from the department's records, you must appear in person at a DMV office and bring: 1) an original or photocopy of proof of ownership (i.e., Certificate of Title, Registration Card, or Registration Renewal Notice); 2) your Driver License or Identification Card; 3) if stolen, a copy of the police report stating the license plate(s) were stolen; 4) if duplicate license plates have been issued within the last 90 days, a CHP verification of the vehicle identification number (VIN).
Check the appropriate box. One license plate missing (automobiles/two-plate commercial vehicles/pick-ups only): the remaining plate must be surrendered to DMV. Two license plates are missing, or one license plate is missing for a single-plate commercial truck tractor, motorcycle, or trailer: the registered owner must immediately notify a law enforcement agency (e.g., police or sheriff's dept., CHP, etc.).
Section 5, Certification
Section 5, Certification: the registered owner mailing address is valid, existing, and an accurate mailing address. The owner consents to receive service of process at the registered owner mailing address pursuant to CVC §1808.21, Code of Civil Procedure §§415.21, 415.30, and 416.90, and certifies (or declares) under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that it is true and correct.
Print the true full name, the title if signing for a company, and the telephone number.
The registered owner signs on the signature line, then enters the date and the email address.
More rules for DMV Form REG 156
Complete all sections of this form.
For current fee information, visit dmv.ca.gov, or call 1-800-777-0133.
If your address has changed, submit the appropriate Change of Address form.
Common questions about DMV Form REG 156
Where do I file it?
Submit the form to any DMV office or mail it to: DMV, P.O. Box 942869, Sacramento, CA 94269-0001.
Are there fees?
There is a fee to replace most items.
Sources
[1] DMV Form REG 156 (REV. 11/2024), Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents, California Department of Motor Vehicles (the Official source link on this page).