About Replacing a Car Registration in Michigan

Replacing a lost car registration in Michigan is crucial if you lose, misplace or damage your vehicle’s registration card, sticker tabs or license plates. Driving an automobile without these credentials in your possession is against the law, so it is important that you order a replacement as soon as possible.

Additionally, if you believe that your lost vehicle registration credentials were stolen from you, it is also important that you file a police report with a local law enforcement agency.

If you wish to follow the steps request a duplicate registration, you may submit your request online through the Secretary of State’s  ExpressSOS portal, or you may order a replacement credential in person at an SOS office.

If you need to replace a license plate, however, you must submit your request in person at an SOS branch. To learn more about these requirements and the steps you must take to replace your registration credentials after they go missing or acquire damages, review the information below.

Note: Keep in mind that the process for replacing a car registration is different than the process for applying for a car registration for the first time.

Replacing a Lost Registration in Michigan

To replace car registration credentials or to purchase replacement documents after your original materials disappear from your possession, you may submit a request in person or online. If your vehicle’s license plates are no longer valid, however, you must renew your registration credentials rather than apply for a replacement.

While the types of information you must provide with your request for a replacement credential will vary depending on the application method, you must be able to provide your vehicle’s registration number or license plate number. If you wish to purchase a duplicate license plate sticker, you must also pay a fee.

To learn more about obtaining a replacement car registration card or license plate sticker, download our free guide.

Replacing Online

To obtain a copy of registration credentials through the state’s online ExpressSOS portal, you must first log into the system by providing your Michigan driver’s license number or state identification number. Then, you must follow the prompts to order your duplicate license plate tab and/or registration card. If you wish to replace your license plate stickers, you must pay a nominal fee.

Drivers often ask, “Can you print your car registration online after placing your order?” If you order a duplicate car registration card online, you may print the replacement credential at the end of the transaction, or you may download it to your computer or smartphone device.

You can find more information on how to replace your registration in our car registration guide.

In Person

To obtain an auto registration replacement in person rather than online, you must visit a local SOS branch. During your visit, you must provide your vehicle registration number or license plate number. Additionally, you must provide an accepted form of payment if you wish to replace a license plate sticker as well.

Note: Although there is no fee for a duplicate vehicle registration, you may need to pay a car registration renewal fee if your registration is expired.

Getting a Michigan DMV Copy of Registration Plates

If you need to replace your vehicle’s license plates, you must visit a local SOS branch to submit your request and provide payment for the applicable fee. Then, you must present proof of identification and your vehicle’s current registration card or license plate number.

If you believe that your lost auto registration plates were stolen from you, it is important to file a report at a local police office before visiting an SOS branch to purchase replacement tags.

Moreover, only authorized individuals may purchase replacement license plates in Michigan, including the vehicle’s registered owner and other household members. In some cases, you may need to complete and submit an Appointment of Agent form if another individual will be submitting the request on your behalf.

To learn more about replacing your car registration, download our free guide.