How to Get a Copy of a Florida Vehicle Registration

If you are driving in Florida, you must have your valid registration (the yellow card) in your car at all times. If you lost it—or if it never arrived in the mail—you are at risk of a ticket.

Many drivers assume they can just “print a new one” at home. This is only half true.

While you can print a receipt online to use temporarily, the state will not let you print the official card on your home printer. To get the official yellow card, you must either wait for the mail, visit a Tax Collector, or use the “Publix Kiosk” hack.

This guide covers the 3 ways to replace your lost registration, the cost for each, and how to get it instantly without an appointment.

Method 1: The “Publix Kiosk” Hack (Instant Card)

Best For: Getting the yellow card instantly on nights/weekends. Cost: Registration Fee + ~$4.50 Convenience Fee.

Did you know you can print your registration while buying groceries? Florida has installed “Florida MV Express”kiosks in select Publix locations.

The “Renewal” Secret: Kiosks are designed for renewals, not simple replacements.

• If your birthday is coming up (within 3 months): Go to the kiosk and renew your registration early. You will walk out with a brand new yellow card and decal instantly.
• If you just renewed: You generally cannot use the kiosk for a simple duplicate. Use Method 2 or 3 instead.

How to Use It:

1. Tap the screen and enter your License Plate Number + Date of Birth.
2. Pay with a credit/debit card.
3. The machine prints your yellow card and sticker on the spot.

Method 2: Ordering Online via MyDMV (Receipt Only)

Best For: If you can wait 7-10 days for the mail. Cost: ~$5.00 ($3.00 State Fee + $2.00 Processing Fee).

The “Print at Home” Rule: When you order online, you cannot print the official yellow card. You will only get a paper receipt.

• Is the receipt legal? Yes, Florida law allows you to drive with the receipt while you wait for the card.
• Is it permanent? No. You need the card for things like selling the car or transferring titles.

1. Go to the Florida MyDMV Portal.
2. Log in with your Driver’s License Number.
3. Select “Replace Registration.”
4. Verify your address! (If you moved, update it first using our Florida driver’s license address change guide, or the mail will get lost).

Method 3: Visiting a Tax Collector (Same-Day Service)

Best For: If you need the official card today (e.g., to sell the car). Cost: ~$3.00 – $5.00 (Varies by county service fees).

1. Find your local Tax Collector. We recommend booking a Florida DMV appointment to skip the line.
2. Bring ID: Valid Driver’s License.
3. Picking up for someone else?
   • If the car is not in your name (even if it’s your spouse), you cannot pick it up without a signed Florida vehicle Power of Attorney (Form 82053).
4. Pay: They will print the yellow card for you immediately.

Lost in the Mail? How to Get a Free Replacement

Did you renew your registration online, but the card never showed up?

• Wait 21 Days: The state asks you to wait at least 3 weeks before reporting it lost.
• Free Replacement: If it truly got lost in the mail, you can often get a replacement for free. You must visit a Tax Collector and sign Form HSMV 83146 (Application for Replacement License Plate/Validation Decal or Parking Permit) declaring it was “Lost in Transit.”

Picking Up for a Spouse? You Need a Power of Attorney

Make sure you are ordering the right document.

• Registration: The Yellow Card that goes in your glovebox. It proves you paid your taxes this year. (Cost: ~$5 to replace).
• Title: The “Pink Slip” that proves you own the car. You keep this in a safe at home. (Cost: ~$75+ to replace).

Frequently Asked Questions