Fillable Form REG 156 - California DMV

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What is Form REG 156?

Form REG 156, also known as the Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, and Documents, is issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for vehicle owners who need to replace lost, stolen, damaged, or illegible license plates, stickers, or registration documents.

This application form is also used to request duplicate or special plates, and it requires the applicant to verify their identity using their DL ID or DL card. Applicants must ensure their current address matches the information on file with the DMV. To process the request, the DMV use section of the form requires a statement explaining the need for replacement, whether due to a sale, loss, or other reason. Applicants should note that additional verification procedures may apply, such as presenting proof of ownership.

A bill may need to be paid for the replacement, according to the procedures outlined on the form's page. To facilitate the process, applicants can download Form REG 156 and ensure all entered information appears accurate before submission.

How do I fill out Form REG 156?

A fillable Form DMV 156 PDF can be found here.

Vehicle Information

Enter the following information about the vehicle:

• Vehicle License Plate/CF Number
• Make
• Vehicle ID Number/Hull ID Number
• Disabled Person Placard Number
• Birth Date, If DP Placard
• Engine Number (Motorcycles Only)

Section 1 - Registered Owner of Record

Enter the following information about the record’s registered owner.

• True Full Name
• Driver License/ID Card Number
• Co-Owner’s True Full Name
• Co-Owner’s Driver License/ID Card Number
• Physical Residence Or Business Address
  • Apt/Space/Suite Number
  • City
  • State
  • ZIP Code
• County of Residence or County Where Vehicle is Primarily Garaged
• Mailing Address (if different from Physical Residence above)

Section 2 - Plates, Stickers, Documents Request

Mark all of the boxes that correspond to what you are requesting to be replaced.

Section 3 - Item Requested

Mark the appropriate boxes that apply to the reason for why you are asking for a replacement.

Section 4 - License Plate

Mark the appropriate box to indicate if you lost one license plate, or if one or two license plates are missing for a single plate commercial truck tractor.

If the former, the remaining plate must be surrendered to the DMV. If the latter, the registered owner must immediately notify a law enforcement agency.

Section 5 - Certification

Have the registered owner of the vehicle enter the following information in the spaces provided:

• Print True Full Name
• Title If Signing For Company
• Daytime Telephone Number
• Signature
• Date

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a reason for replacement necessary?

Yes, applicants must indicate whether the item was lost, stolen, damaged, or illegible.

Can the form be used for specialty license plates?

Yes, Form REG 156 can be used to replace standard, specialty, or personalized plates.

What should I do if my license plate was stolen?

If your plate was stolen, you may need to provide a police report or declaration as part of your application.

Do I need proof of identity to submit this form?

Yes, in many cases, proof of identity, such as a driver’s license, is required for submission.

Are there fees for replacements?

Yes, replacement fees apply, but the cost depends on the type of item being replaced.

How do I submit the form?

The form can be submitted by mail, online (for some requests), or in person at a California DMV office.

Can I request multiple replacements on the same form?

Yes, the form allows you to request replacements for multiple items, such as both a plate and registration card.

What happens if my stickers are illegible?

You can use Form REG 156 to request new stickers to replace illegible ones.

Is there a penalty for driving without valid stickers or plates?

Yes, driving without valid registration or plates can result in fines and penalties.

What is needed for replacing a damaged registration card?

Complete the form and submit the damaged registration card along with any applicable fees.

How long does it take to receive replacement items?

Processing times vary, but replacements are typically mailed within 7-14 business days.

Can someone else submit the form on my behalf?

Yes, but they may need written authorization and copies of your identification.

Do I need to return the old plates if I still have them?

In some cases, damaged or worn plates must be surrendered to the DMV when applying for replacements.

Can I request replacements for multiple vehicles with one form?

No, a separate Form REG 156 must be completed for each vehicle.

Is a police report always required for stolen items?

A police report is recommended but may not always be required, depending on DMV policies.