I had a somewhat similar thing happen at the DMV section at AAA. I'd paid my registration via check through the mail. Great. Needed a smog test, 1991 Cherokee Laredo that hadn't ran in about a year. Got it smogged and it passed with flying colors. Instead of waiting for DMV to mail the sticker I went to AAA to get the sticker. They said they couldn't give me the sticker, that I would have to wait for DMV to mail it. So I keep my paperwork with me in case I get pulled over so I can show them that it is registered.

292 1966; 3962084 T6G2 Lumped 250 Head 1.94/1.60 gasket matched, mildly ported. LOWEBOY