What if I already renewed but did not get the sticker yet?

If you had applied to renew before the stop and the new tabs had not arrived, Vehicle Code 5204(c) says the tab rule did not apply, and if your registration was current on DMV records, 5204(e) says no citation may be issued. Bring your renewal receipt or DMV record to the court and ask how it handles the ticket. A DMV clerk, court clerk or officer can also certify the correction.

Can I get a duplicate sticker if mine was lost or stolen?

Yes, you can request duplicate tabs from the DMV. If your registration was current on DMV records when you were stopped, Vehicle Code 5204(e) says no citation may be issued, so tell the court. Otherwise, put the duplicate tabs on and get the correction certified.

CVC 5204(a)RegistrationFix-It Ticket

Expired Registration Tabs or Sticker

A CVC 5204(a) citation means current month and year tabs were not on your rear license plate, or the tabs shown were expired. Before citing, an officer must check DMV records, and no citation may be issued if the vehicle has a current registration on file (Vehicle Code 5204(e)). The rule does not apply while a renewal you applied for is pending and the new tabs have not arrived (5204(c)). From July 1, 2024 to January 1, 2030, it cannot be the only reason for enforcement before the second month after the month of expiration (5204(a)(2)). Otherwise, renewing and putting the new tabs on resolves it.

Correction Window

The deadline is printed on your citation. Act before that date.

Fee After Correction

These steps apply when your ticket was issued as correctable. An officer does not issue it that way if there is evidence of fraud or persistent neglect, the violation presents an immediate safety hazard, or you cannot promptly correct it (Vehicle Code 40610(b)). When the court accepts your proof of correction, the court clerk collects a $25 fee for each corrected violation (Vehicle Code 40611). There is no fee if the agency that cited you handles the correction and nothing is sent to the court (Vehicle Code 40611(c)). Without proof of correction, you may owe the full fine. Check your notice or ask your court for the amount.

Who Can Certify

The DMV, a court clerk or any law enforcement agency can certify this correction once the new sticker is displayed. Call ahead to confirm the office will sign it.

The court must dismiss a corrected violation when you deliver proof of correction on or before the date on your ticket (Vehicle Code 40522). After that date it may not accept the correction, and you may owe the full fine. If you fail to appear without good cause, the court may add a civil assessment of up to $100 after mailing you a warning notice (Penal Code 1214.1). Willfully failing to appear, or willfully failing to deliver proof of correction, is a misdemeanor (Vehicle Code 40508 and 40616). If you need more time, ask the court before the date passes.

Step by Step

How to Correct This Violation

1
Note the deadline printed on the front of your citation.
2
Renew your vehicle registration at dmv.ca.gov, by mail, or at any DMV office.
3
Attach the new registration sticker to the rear license plate as required.
4
Bring your citation and registration renewal document to a DMV office or law enforcement agency for sign-off.
5
Submit the signed citation and the $25 fee to the court before the deadline.

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Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I already renewed but did not get the sticker yet?: If you had applied to renew before the stop and the new tabs had not arrived, Vehicle Code 5204(c) says the tab rule did not apply, and if your registration was current on DMV records, 5204(e) says no citation may be issued. Bring your renewal receipt or DMV record to the court and ask how it handles the ticket. A DMV clerk, court clerk or officer can also certify the correction.
Can I get a duplicate sticker if mine was lost or stolen?: Yes, you can request duplicate tabs from the DMV. If your registration was current on DMV records when you were stopped, Vehicle Code 5204(e) says no citation may be issued, so tell the court. Otherwise, put the duplicate tabs on and get the correction certified.

This guide covers passenger vehicles. Some rules differ for commercial vehicles and truck tractors (for example, where registration tabs go under Vehicle Code 5204(a)). If you were driving one, check with your employer or a licensed attorney.

This guide provides general procedural information only. It is not legal advice. For questions specific to your citation, contact the court listed on your ticket.

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