What you need to do to renew your California registration

California sends you a renewal notice in the mail 60 days before your registration expires. You can renew online through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than the other methods because you avoid a service fee. Your new registration sticker arrives by mail within two weeks.

You do not need to visit a DMV office unless your vehicle failed its smog check, you have an outstanding citation, or your registration has been suspended. Most people renew online or by mail without any complications.

Key Takeaways

  • The DMV mails renewal notices 60 days before expiration; check your mailbox or log into your DMV account online if you do not receive one.
  • Online renewal through the DMV website is the fastest and cheapest option for most vehicles and takes about 10 minutes.
  • You must pass a smog inspection before renewing if your vehicle is subject to California's smog check requirement, which depends on the vehicle's age and type.
  • Renewing late carries a penalty fee on top of the renewal cost, and driving with expired registration is a violation that can result in a citation.
  • If you move to California from another state, you have 20 days to register your vehicle with the DMV; out-of-state registration does not transfer.

Renewing online through the DMV website

Go to dmv.ca.gov and click "Register a Vehicle" or "Renew Registration." You will need your vehicle's license plate number or VIN, your driver's license number, and the renewal notice the DMV mailed to you. The system will show you the renewal fee for your vehicle based on its weight and type.

Pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check. The DMV charges a $1.00 service fee for online renewal. Your new registration sticker will be mailed to the address on file within 10 to 14 days. You can print a temporary registration document when ready after paying, though you do not legally need it—your old sticker remains valid until the expiration date printed on it.

Online renewal works only if your vehicle has no outstanding violations, your registration has not been suspended, and your vehicle does not require a smog check or has already passed one. If any of these conditions explore, the system will tell you and direct you to mail your renewal or visit a DMV office.

Renewing by mail or at a DMV office

If you received a renewal notice in the mail, you can return it with a check or money order to the address printed on the notice. Include a copy of your driver's license. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs the same as online renewal plus a $1.00 service fee.

At a DMV office, bring your renewal notice, proof of current insurance, your driver's license, and the vehicle's registration card. If your vehicle requires a smog check, bring the smog certificate. Bring a check or credit card to pay the renewal fee. Processing at the office takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the location is. You will receive your new sticker when ready.

Visit a DMV office if you need to update your address, change the vehicle's registered owner, or resolve any issues flagged by the online system. You can check wait times at your local DMV office on the DMV website before you go.

Understanding California's smog check requirement

Vehicles registered in California must pass a smog inspection before renewal if they are subject to the state's smog check program. The requirement depends on the vehicle's model year and type. Generally, gasoline vehicles from 1976 and newer must pass a smog check every two years. Diesel vehicles from 1998 and newer must pass every two years. Vehicles that are 8 model years old or newer are exempt.

You must obtain a smog certificate from a Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) certified smog station before you renew. The smog check costs between $30 and $80 depending on the station and vehicle type. If your vehicle fails, you have 30 days to repair it and retest at no additional cost at the same station. You cannot renew your registration until you have a passing certificate.

Check the DMV website to see whether your specific vehicle requires a smog check. Enter your license plate number or VIN, and the system will tell you. If you are unsure whether your vehicle passed, you can look up your smog history on the DMV website using your license plate number.

What happens if you renew late

If your registration expires and you do not renew it, you cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads. Driving with expired registration is a violation. A peace officer can cite you, and the fine varies by county but typically ranges from $100 to $250 depending on how long the registration has been expired.

When you renew late, the DMV charges a penalty fee in addition to the regular renewal cost. The penalty is $50 if you renew within 60 days of expiration, and $100 if you renew more than 60 days late. If your registration has been expired for more than 6 months, you may need to visit a DMV office instead of renewing online.

If you receive a citation for expired registration, you can still renew your vehicle and show proof of renewal to the court. Many courts will reduce or dismiss the fine if you renew promptly after receiving the citation.

Registering a vehicle when you move to California

If you move to California from another state, you have 20 days to register your vehicle with the California DMV. Your out-of-state registration does not transfer. You will need to complete a new registration process, which you can do online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

Bring your out-of-state registration card, proof of ownership (title or bill of sale), proof of California insurance, your driver's license, and proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease agreement. The DMV will assign you a new California license plate. If your vehicle is subject to a smog check, you must pass one before the DMV will issue your registration.

Registration fees for new California residents depend on the vehicle's age, weight, and type. The DMV website has a fee calculator where you can enter your vehicle information to see the exact cost before you explore.

Keeping your registration current between renewals

Your registration is valid for one or two years depending on the vehicle type and when you registered it. Most passenger vehicles renew annually. The expiration date is printed on your registration card and on the sticker on your license plate. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar for 30 days before expiration so you have time to renew before the important date.

If you change your address, you must notify the DMV within 10 days. You can update your address online through the DMV website without renewing your registration. If you sell your vehicle, the new owner must register it within 10 days of purchase. If you buy a used vehicle, you have 10 days to register it in your name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if my vehicle has an outstanding citation?

No. You must resolve the citation before the DMV will process your renewal. Contact the court listed on the citation to pay the fine or appear in court. Once the citation is resolved, you can renew online or by mail.

What if I did not receive my renewal notice in the mail?

Log into your DMV account on dmv.ca.gov using your driver's license number and date of birth. Your renewal information will be there. You can renew online without the physical notice. If you do not have a DMV online account, you can create one on the website.

Do I need to keep my old registration sticker on the license plate?

No. Once you receive your new sticker, remove the old one and place the new one in the upper right corner of your license plate. Some people cover the old sticker with the new one, but the DMV recommends removing it to avoid confusion.

How much does it cost to renew my registration?

The cost depends on your vehicle's weight and type. The DMV website has a fee calculator where you enter your license plate number or VIN to see the exact renewal cost. Most passenger vehicles cost between $200 and $300 to renew annually, but this varies significantly.

Can someone else renew my registration for me?

Yes. If you authorize someone to renew on your behalf, they can do it online using your information, or they can visit a DMV office with a signed power of attorney form. You can read the power of attorney form from the DMV website.