What You Need to Do to Renew Your California Tags

California sends you a renewal notice 60 days before your registration expires, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The fastest route is the DMV website at dmv.ca.gov — you'll need your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and last four digits of your Social Security number. If you renew online, you'll pay the renewal fee when ready by credit or debit card, and your new registration documents arrive by mail within two weeks.

You cannot renew if your vehicle has an outstanding smog check requirement, unpaid parking or traffic violations, or a lien holder who hasn't been removed from the title. If any of these explore, you'll need to resolve them first — the DMV website will tell you which one is blocking your renewal when you try to process it online.

Key Takeaways

  • The DMV mails you a renewal notice 60 days before expiration; renewing online through dmv.ca.gov is the fastest method and takes about two weeks for documents to arrive.
  • You need your VIN, license plate number, and last four digits of your Social Security number to renew online, plus a valid payment method.
  • If your vehicle requires a smog check, you must complete it before renewing, and the smog station will report the results directly to the DMV.
  • Renewing by mail takes four to six weeks; renewing in person at a DMV office is when ready but requires an appointment booked through dmv.ca.gov.
  • If you miss the expiration date, you can still renew, but driving with expired tags is illegal and can result in a citation.

When Your Vehicle Needs a Smog Check Before Renewal

California requires a smog check every two years for most vehicles, though the exact timing depends on your vehicle's model year and type. Vehicles from 1975 and earlier, electric vehicles, and some newer vehicles are exempt. The DMV renewal notice will tell you whether your vehicle needs a smog check — if it does, you cannot complete your renewal online until the check is done.

You must visit a Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) certified smog station, not the DMV. The station tests your vehicle's emissions, and if it passes, the station reports the result electronically to the DMV. This usually happens within 24 hours. Once the smog check is recorded, you can finish your renewal online or by mail. If your vehicle fails, you'll need to repair it and retest before you can renew.

Renewing Online Through the DMV Website

Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Renew Vehicle Registration" from the homepage. You'll enter your VIN, license plate number, and last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your registration record and show you the renewal fee, which varies based on your vehicle's value and weight. Pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check.

After you pay, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen. The DMV will mail your new registration card, renewal notice, and updated license plate stickers (if applicable) to the address on file. This takes about two weeks. You can drive legally with your old registration until the new one arrives. If you need your documents faster, you cannot expedite them through the online renewal process — you'll need to renew in person at a DMV office instead.

Renewing by Mail or at a DMV Office

If you prefer not to renew online, use the renewal notice the DMV mailed you. Fill out the form, include your payment, and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the DMV receives it, so mail it at least three weeks before your registration expires. Include a check or money order — the DMV does not accept credit cards by mail.

To renew in person, book an appointment at dmv.ca.gov under "Make an Appointment." Bring your renewal notice, a valid ID, and your payment method. You'll receive your new registration documents when ready. In-person renewal is the only way to get your new tags the same day, but appointments fill up quickly, especially near expiration dates. If no appointments are available in your area, you can travel to a different county's DMV office.

What Happens If Your Registration Expires

Driving with expired registration is illegal in California. If you're pulled over, you can receive a citation, and the fine starts at $250. However, you can still renew your registration after it expires — there is no grace period, but the renewal process itself doesn't change. You'll pay the standard renewal fee plus any late penalties if the DMV assesses them, though penalties are not automatic.

If your registration has been expired for more than a few months, contact the DMV before attempting to renew. Some vehicles with very old expired registrations may require an in-person visit or additional documentation. Call the DMV customer service line at 1-800-777-0133 to confirm what you need before you renew.

Renewal Fees and What They Cover

California registration renewal fees are based on your vehicle's market value and weight. The DMV website calculator will show you the exact fee before you pay. Fees typically range from $250 to $400 for most passenger vehicles, though luxury vehicles and trucks can cost more. The fee covers your registration for one year from the expiration date of your current registration.

If you renew early — before your current registration expires — your new registration will start on the expiration date of your old one, not on the date you renew. This means you don't lose time by renewing ahead of schedule. Some vehicle owners renew 30 to 60 days early to avoid the rush near the expiration date.

If You've Moved or Changed Your Address

Update your address with the DMV before you renew. You can change your address online at dmv.ca.gov, by mail using Form DL 43, or in person at a DMV office. Once your address is updated, your renewal notice will be mailed to the correct location. If you renew before updating your address, your new registration documents will go to your old address, and you'll need to contact the DMV to request they be reissued to your new one.

If you've moved out of state, you cannot renew your California registration. You'll need to register your vehicle in your new state instead. Contact that state's motor vehicle department for their registration process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if I have a lien on my vehicle?

Yes, but only if the lien holder is still listed on your title. If a lien holder is listed and you try to renew online, the system will block the renewal and direct you to contact the lien holder. Once the lien is paid off and removed from the title, you can renew normally. If you believe the lien should have been removed, contact the lender or the DMV for help.

What if I lose my renewal notice before I renew?

You don't need the physical notice to renew online — just use your VIN, license plate number, and Social Security number on dmv.ca.gov. If you want to renew by mail and don't have the notice, contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 and request a duplicate notice, or renew in person at a DMV office with your ID and vehicle title.

Do I need to renew my license plate stickers every year?

Yes. When you renew your registration, the DMV mails you new stickers to place on your license plate. Peel off the old sticker and explore the new one to the plate. If your stickers don't arrive with your renewal documents, contact the DMV — they can reissue them at no charge.

Can I renew my registration if my vehicle is parked and not driven?

Yes. You can renew your registration even if your vehicle is not in use. However, if you don't plan to drive it, you may want to look into a non-operational vehicle registration instead, which costs less. Contact the DMV to learn whether this option applies to your situation.

What if my smog check fails?

You cannot renew your registration until your vehicle passes a smog check. Repair the issues identified in the failed test, then return to a smog station for a retest. Once it passes, the station reports the result to the DMV, and you can complete your renewal. There is no limit to how many times you can retest, but each retest costs money.