{"state":"CA","state_name":"California","topic_slug":"replacement-plates","topic_name":"Replacement plates and credentials","title":"Replace lost plates or registration credentials in California","summary":"Use this path when California plates, stickers, or registration credentials are missing, damaged, or stolen and you need valid credentials before driving or renewing.","when_to_use":"Choose this path when the vehicle is already registered to you but the physical plates, stickers, or registration materials need replacement.","requirements":["completed REG 156 application for replacement plates, stickers, or registration card","license plate number or vehicle identification number","current owner and mailing-address information","payment for replacement plates, stickers, or registration credentials when California charges one"],"steps":["Use California's replacement-credential workflow before assuming a normal renewal will fix the problem.","Use the online replacement path when California allows the sticker or registration-card request to be handled digitally.","Choose the plate, sticker, or registration-card path based on what is actually missing.","Confirm whether you still need a separate renewal once the replacement credential is issued."],"official_links":[{"label":"California replacement license plates and stickers","href":"https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/license-plates-decals-and-placards/replacement-license-plates-and-stickers/","note":"Primary California DMV page for replacement plates, stickers, or tabs."},{"label":"California replacement registration card","href":"https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/replace-your-registration-card/"},{"label":"California online replacement sticker or registration card","href":"https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/online-replacement-sticker-or-registration-card/"}],"local_authorities":[],"common_questions":["Which California form covers replacement plates or registration cards?","Can California issue a replacement sticker or registration card online?","Will replacing the credentials also renew the registration?"],"source_url":"https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/license-plates-decals-and-placards/replacement-license-plates-and-stickers/","source_updated_at":"2026-04-23 07:16:29","help_cta":{"kind":"official_service","headline":"Start the official replacement plates and credentials workflow","body":"PlateHarbor already normalized the steps. Open the live California service page to confirm eligibility, forms, and fees before filing.","label":"California replacement license plates and stickers","href":"https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/license-plates-decals-and-placards/replacement-license-plates-and-stickers/","placement":"after-steps","disclosure":"Official state service link","tracking_key":"official-start-california-replacement-plates"},"coverage_status":"source_backed","confidence_note":"This guide is refreshed from an official state source and has a recent successful sync timestamp."}