How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in California

California registration renews on your birthday month, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at the DMV

Your vehicle registration in California expires on the last day of your birth month. The state sends you a renewal notice 60 days before expiration, which includes your renewal fee and instructions. You have three ways to renew: online through the California DMV website (the fastest option), by mail using the renewal notice, or by visiting a DMV office in person. You cannot renew before the 60-day window opens, so the earliest you can act is two months before your birthday month ends.

The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's value and weight. California bases registration fees on the vehicle's market value according to the DMV's schedule, not what you paid for it. A newer car typically costs more to renew than an older one. You will also pay a vehicle registration fee and may owe smog certification fees if your vehicle is subject to smog testing (generally vehicles six years old or newer in most counties, though this varies).

Key Takeaways

Your registration expires on the last day of your birth month, and the DMV mails a renewal notice 60 days before that date.
Online renewal through the DMV website is the fastest method and requires your renewal notice number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method.
If you renew by mail, send the completed renewal notice with your payment to the address printed on the form, and allow two to three weeks for processing.
Smog certification is required for most vehicles and must be completed before you renew; you cannot renew online or by mail without proof of a passing smog test.
Late renewal carries a penalty fee on top of your regular registration fee, so renewing before the expiration date saves you money.

Renewing online through the DMV website

Online renewal is available at dmv.ca.gov and is the quickest option if your vehicle meets the requirements. You can renew online if your vehicle is registered in California, you have not had any address changes since your last registration, your vehicle does not require a smog test or you have already completed one, and your registration is not suspended or revoked. You will need your renewal notice (which has your renewal notice number), your vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or electronic check).

The process takes about 10 minutes. Log in to your DMV account or create one, enter your renewal notice number and VIN, review the renewal information, pay the fee, and receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new registration card arrives by mail within two weeks. You do not need to visit an office or mail anything in. If you cannot find your renewal notice, you can still renew online by entering your VIN and driver's license number instead.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

If you have your renewal notice, you can mail it to the address printed on the form along with your payment. Write a check or money order for the amount shown on the notice. Do not send cash. Include the renewal notice itself (the entire form, not just a copy) and mail it to the DMV address listed. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope, so mail your renewal at least three weeks before your expiration date to be safe.

Keep a copy of your renewal notice for your records. If you are renewing by mail and your vehicle requires a smog test, you must include proof of a passing smog certification with your mailed renewal. Without it, the DMV will return your renewal and you will have to resubmit. Your new registration card arrives by mail after processing is complete.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

You can walk into any California DMV office with your renewal notice, proof of current insurance, and payment to renew on the spot. Bring your driver's license or state ID as well. If your vehicle requires a smog test, bring proof of a passing test. The DMV office will process your renewal when ready, and you will receive your new registration card before you leave.

In-person renewal is useful if you have questions about your renewal, need to update your address or vehicle information, or prefer to handle it face-to-face. However, DMV offices are often busy, and wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check wait times for your local office on the DMV website before you go. Bring all documents with you to avoid a wasted trip.

Understanding smog certification requirements

Most vehicles registered in California must pass a smog test before renewal. The requirement applies to most vehicles six years old or newer, though some counties have different rules and some vehicle types are exempt (electric vehicles, for example). Your renewal notice will tell you whether your vehicle requires smog certification. If it does, you cannot renew online or by mail without proof of a passing test.

You must complete the smog test before you submit your renewal, not after. Visit a STAR-certified smog station (the DMV website lists all certified stations by county). The test costs between $30 and $70 depending on the station and your vehicle type. Bring your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and your vehicle keys. The smog station sends the results directly to the DMV, so you do not need to print or mail anything. Once the test passes, you can renew online, by mail, or in person.

What happens if you miss your renewal important date

If your registration expires before you renew, your vehicle is no longer legal to drive on California roads. Driving with expired registration can result in a citation and fine. If you are pulled over, the officer will cite you, and you will have to pay a traffic fine in addition to your late registration penalty.

You can still renew after expiration, but the DMV charges a late penalty fee on top of your regular registration fee. The penalty is typically $50 or more, depending on how long your registration has been expired. Renew as soon as possible after you realize your registration has lapsed. If your registration has been expired for more than a year, you may need to visit a DMV office in person rather than renewing online or by mail, and you may need to provide additional documentation.

Updating your address or vehicle information during renewal

If you have moved since your last registration, you must update your address before or during renewal. If you renew online, the DMV will ask you to confirm your address; if it has changed, you can update it during the renewal process. If you renew by mail, include a note with your renewal notice stating your new address, or contact the DMV before mailing to update your address first. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days) and the DMV will update it for you.

If your vehicle information has changed—for example, you repainted it a different color or replaced the engine—you should update that information at the DMV. You cannot change vehicle information during online renewal; you will need to visit a DMV office or call the DMV to make those changes. Address changes can be made online, but vehicle changes require an office visit or phone call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration before the 60-day window opens?

No. The DMV does not allow early renewal before the 60-day notice period begins. You can renew starting 60 days before your expiration date. If you try to renew earlier online, the system will reject your renewal notice number.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew online by entering your VIN and driver's license number instead of your renewal notice number. You can also call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to request a replacement notice, or visit a DMV office in person with your driver's license and vehicle registration.

Do I need to renew my registration if I sold my car?

No. Once you transfer ownership to the new owner, your registration responsibility ends. Make sure you complete the transfer of ownership form (REG 138) and submit it to the DMV within 10 days of the sale so the new owner can register the vehicle in their name.

What if my vehicle fails the smog test?

You cannot renew your registration until your vehicle passes. You will need to have the vehicle repaired to address the emissions problem, then retake the smog test at a certified station. Once it passes, you can proceed with renewal. Some repairs can be expensive, so get a diagnostic first to understand what needs to be fixed.

Can someone else renew my registration for me?

Yes, if you renew by mail or in person. For mail renewal, have someone mail your renewal notice and payment on your behalf. For in-person renewal, someone with power of attorney or a family member can visit the DMV with your renewal notice, proof of insurance, and payment. Online renewal requires your personal DMV account login, so you would need to do that yourself or give someone your login credentials.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.