Installing a registration sticker on your license plate is required every 1 or 2 years in New York State, depending on the type of vehicle. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about putting on your new registration sticker, from what to do when you receive it in the mail, to how to properly affix it to your license plate without air bubbles or wrinkles.
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What is a registration sticker?
A registration sticker, also known as a license plate sticker or validation sticker, is a small sticker that goes on your license plate to show that your vehicle registration is up-to-date. It contains important information like the expiration date of your registration and the plate number of your vehicle.
All registered vehicles in New York must display a current registration sticker on the plate. You will receive a new sticker from the NY Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the mail about 1-2 months before your current registration expires. Putting on the new sticker by the expiration date is required to legally drive your vehicle.
When do you need to install a new registration sticker?
You must install your new registration sticker before the expiration date printed on your current sticker. For passenger vehicles, registration stickers in NY expire every 1 year, while commercial vehicles and trailers expire every 2 years.
The DMV will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your registration is set to expire. This notice will include your new sticker along with instructions on how to activate it. Once you receive the new sticker, you can place it on your plate any time before the old one expires.
Driving with an expired registration sticker can result in tickets or fines, so it’s important to display the updated sticker as soon as you receive it. Don’t wait until the last minute!
How to Install a Registration Sticker
Putting on a new registration sticker is a quick and simple process. Here are some tips for cleanly and properly installing your new validation sticker on your license plate:
1. Clean the plate
Start by cleaning your license plate to create a smooth surface for the sticker. Use a microfiber cloth and glass cleaner to scrub away any dirt or grime that has built up.
Make sure the plate is completely dry before moving on. It’s also a good idea to give it a quick wipe down with rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining oils or residue.
2. Remove the old sticker
If there is an existing expired registration sticker on your plate, carefully peel it off. Start slowly at the corner until the whole sticker comes up.
Use a plastic card or your fingernail to scrape off any sticker remnants left behind. You want a perfectly clean surface before putting on the new one.
3. Prep the new sticker
The new registration sticker will have a wax paper backing. Peel this backing halfway off and fold it over. Doing this will allow you to position the sticker before sticking it down.
Avoid touching the sticky side of the sticker to keep it clean and tacky.
4. Align and apply
Carefully position the new sticker in the correct spot on your license plate, lining it up evenly. Then let the folded wax paper go and use your finger to smooth down the sticker, pressing from the center outward.
Try to avoid trapping air bubbles by starting at the middle and working your way to the edges as you stick it down. Press firmly to adhere the whole sticker smoothly and evenly.
5. Check for problems
Once applied, run your fingers over the edges and surface of the sticker to make sure it is on securely with no lifting edges or wrinkles.
If you find any bubbles or creases, gently lift that area and smooth it back down. Small tweaks can be made in the first few hours before the sticker dries.
Make sure the numbers and dates printed on the sticker are clearly legible and the whole sticker is adhered flat.
Where Does the Sticker Go?
Registration stickers must be displayed in a specific location on your license plate. The exact spot depends on the plate number:
| If your plate # is: | Sticker location is: |
|---|---|
| 1, 2 or 3 digits | In the lower right corner |
| 4 digits | In the upper right corner |
| 5 digits | In the upper left corner |
| 6 digits | In the upper right corner |
| 7 digits | In the lower left corner |
Applying the registration sticker in the proper corner helps standardize plate designs across vehicles. Make sure yours goes in the correct spot based on your plate number.
Specialty Plates
For specialty license plates in New York, the rules are a little different. These include plates like the Statue of Liberty plate, the I Love NY plate, organizational plates, amateur radio plates, and more.
On most specialty plates, registration stickers go in the lower right corner no matter how many digits are on the plate. The only exception is any specialty plate with 5 digits, which gets the sticker in the upper left corner.
Troubleshooting Problems
With care, your new registration sticker can be installed smoothly and cleanly. But if you run into any issues, here are some tips for troubleshooting:
Bubbles
If you notice air bubbles under the sticker, gently lift that area and re-apply while slowly smoothing out the bubble. Small bubbles will disappear over time as the sticker adheres.
Wrinkles
Like bubbles, light wrinkles often flatten out over time. For deeper creases, carefully lift the sticker and re-position. Avoid sharp creases by using firm but gentle pressure when applying.
Lifting Edges
If the corners or edges aren’t sticking, press them back down firmly. You can use a bit of superglue on severely lifting edges if needed. Let it dry completely.
Wrong Location
If you realize the sticker is in the wrong spot, gently peel it up immediately before it sets. Clean away any residue and re-apply in the proper location.
Upside Down
An upside down registration sticker invalidates the registration, so this mistake needs immediate correction. Carefully remove and replace right-side up.
Damaged Sticker
If your sticker gets badly damaged, you will need to request a replacement from the NY DMV right away. Do not drive with a damaged or partially missing sticker.
What If I Lose My Sticker?
If your new registration sticker is damaged while you try to install it or it gets lost in the mail, you will need to get a replacement sticker from the DMV.
You can request a duplicate registration sticker by doing one of the following:
- Visiting your local DMV office in person
- Calling the DMV sticker replacement phone number at 1-518-486-9786
- Requesting online through MyDMV, if you have an account
There is no fee for your first replacement sticker request. Further replacements come with a $1 fee.
The DMV will mail your new sticker promptly after receiving your request. Make sure to place the new one on your plate right away to avoid any registration issues.
Conclusion
Displaying a valid registration sticker is required to legally operate your vehicle in New York. Thankfully, installing your new sticker is a quick and simple process as long as you follow the steps.
Be sure to place your new sticker in the proper location based on your plate number before the old one expires. Take care when applying it to avoid bubbles or wrinkles. With just a little preparation and care, your new sticker will be cleanly and seamlessly installed.
Following the DMV’s guidelines and these tips will ensure your vehicle registration stays current and valid each year.