How do i get a duplicate vehicle registration document

The fee to replace your vehicle registration document and windshield sticker is $3.00, unless you are also replacing plates. 1

If you need to replace vehicle plates or documents that were lost in a crime, you must apply by mail or at a DMV office. See lost or stolen plates for more information.

Online and print a temporary document

You can replace registration documents online for most vehicles. Your computer must accept cookies. 2

Replace a registration online

Sorry, you cannot replace registration documents online for

• vehicles older than model year 1973
• boats, snowmobiles or All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
• vehicles with an expired, surrendered, suspended or revoked registration
• motorcycles, or other vehicles with plate stickers
• trailers
• transporter vehicles
• vehicles registered through DMV's International Registration Bureau

Temporary registration

You can download and print a temporary registration in PDF format that is valid until the expiration date listed on the temporary.  We also attach a copy to your confirmation email.  You will get your new registration document by mail.

You need

• vehicle plate or registration number
• registration class what is this?
• ZIP Code for the address on your registration
• credit or pinless debit card for payment

By mail

Send these items 

• a completed Application for Duplicate Registration (PDF) (MV-82D)
• a photocopy of your NY State driver license, permit, non-driver ID, or other proof of identity
• a check / money order for $3 payable to the ‘Commissioner of Motor Vehicles’

to

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Utica Processing Center
P.O. Box 359
Utica, NY 13503

You can’t update your name by mail. If your address changed, write your new address on the application.  

At a DMV office

Presesnt these items to a DMV office

• a completed Application for Duplicate Registration (PDF) (MV-82D)
• your NY State driver license, permit, non-driver ID, or other proof of identity
• $3 for payment of the fee

See location, instructions and reservation information for your DMV

If your address changed

Your mailing address on DMV files must be current. You cannot change your address during the transaction. You can first change your address online and then renew.

Note: If you file a request with the US Postal Service (USPS) to forward mail, there is no guarantee that the USPS will forward all DMV documents to the new address.

If your name changed

You cannot change your name during this transaction. Your new document will display your previous name.  If you recently changed your name, read the instructions to change your name or other information on a registration or title.

1. 1. See special instructions to
   • replace plates that were lost, stolen or destroyed
   • order new plates
   • order personalized or custom plates
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Fires, floods, theft, forgetfulness, these things happen. But, if you find yourself without your car’s registration documents, all is not lost - here's what to do.

Published: 6 June 2022, 11:04

My certificate of registration (NaTIS document) is gone. What now?

You can apply for a duplicate at the traffic department, which has to be your local motor vehicle registration authority. Go to your nearest registering authority and bring along your identity document and complete the DRC (Application for Duplicate Registration/Deregistration Certificate in respect of Motor Vehicle) and form DCT (Declaration in respect of Lost Documents).

Bear in mind that only a title holder can request a duplicate. It costs in the region of about R150, and the price will differ from province to province. Pick up the phone and find out the correct pricing before you hit the queues. Again, the amount of time it takes can vary from getting it on the spot (in Cape Town) to 6 weeks in other provinces.

My car is paid in full - will the bank have my papers?

Not necessarily. You have to make a point of requesting the car’s registration documents and doing a transfer of ownership from the finance house so that you are registered as the title holder. But we suggest making a call to the bank/finance house even before queuing at the traffic department, just to be sure.

My bank did send me the registration papers, but now they’re also lost…

If the bank sent you these and you put off registering yourself as the title holder, you may need to ring the bank again. This time, they may not help you for free, though, and it may take a bit of time.

This time, ask the bank for all four documents for the transfer of ownership, and request a new settlement letter because the old settlement letter could be dated and signed. If you did not register the car in your name within those 21 days of the date on the letter, you could be liable for a hefty penalty.

Make certified copies to be safe

Our advice would be to make certified copies of ALL of your car’s documents and give a set of each to your mom, best friend, or both. Rather have it and not need it, than the other way around!

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