A method, non-transitory computer readable medium and apparatus for applying an image shear to correct a digital image-paper registration error are disclosed. For example, the method, performed by a processor of a printing device, includes detecting an amount of skew of a paper traveling through a registration system of a printing device, determining that the amount of skew is greater than a predefined threshold, applying an image shear to a digital image that will be printed on the paper, and controlling a plurality of printheads of the printing device to print the digital image on the paper with the image shear that is applied.