What You Can and Cannot Renew Online
California lets you renew most vehicle registrations through the DMV website without visiting an office. You can renew online if your vehicle passed its smog check (where required), you have no outstanding violations or fees, and your registration is not suspended. You cannot renew online if you need to change your address, add or remove a vehicle owner, or if your vehicle requires a smog inspection that you have not yet completed.
The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and you pay by credit or debit card. The DMV mails your new registration documents to the address on file, which typically arrives within two weeks. If you need your registration sooner, you can print a temporary registration proof when ready after paying.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your vehicle has passed its required smog check and you have no outstanding violations, fees, or address changes.
- The online process costs the same as renewing in person and takes about 10 minutes from start to finish.
- You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration card, and a valid payment method.
- The DMV mails your new registration documents within two weeks, but you can print a temporary proof of registration when ready after paying.
- If your vehicle requires a smog check and you have not completed one, you must do that before you can renew online.
Gather Your Documents Before You Start
Have your current registration card in front of you before you go to the DMV website. You will need the vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on your registration card and on the dashboard of your vehicle. You also need a valid payment method — the DMV accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
If you do not have your registration card, you can look up your vehicle information using your driver's license number and date of birth on the DMV website. However, this takes longer and may not work if your records are incomplete. It is faster to locate the physical card first.
Steps to Renew Online
Step 1: Go to the DMV website and select "Renew Registration." The DMV home page has a link to online services. Click on vehicle registration renewal. You will see a page asking whether you want to renew a vehicle or a vessel — select vehicle.
Step 2: Enter your vehicle information. Type your VIN and the license plate number from your current registration card. The system will pull up your vehicle record. Review the information to make sure it matches your card. If anything is wrong, stop here — you cannot correct it online and will need to visit an office or call the DMV.
Step 3: Confirm your address and vehicle details. The system shows your current address on file. If this is correct, proceed. If you need to change your address, you cannot complete the renewal online — you will need to visit a DMV office or mail in a change of address form. The system also displays your vehicle's weight, fuel type, and other details. These should match your registration card.
Step 4: Review the renewal fees. The DMV shows the total cost, which includes registration fees, vehicle license fees, and any applicable taxes. The amount depends on your vehicle's weight and age. You cannot change or dispute the amount online — if you believe it is wrong, contact the DMV before paying.
Step 5: Enter your payment information. Provide your credit or debit card number, expiration date, and CVV. The DMV processes the payment when ready. If the payment fails, the system tells you why and you can try again with a different card.
Step 6: Print your temporary registration proof. After payment goes through, the system generates a temporary registration document that you can print or save to your phone. This is valid for 60 days while you wait for your permanent registration card to arrive by mail. Keep this proof in your vehicle.
What Happens After You Pay
The DMV mails your new registration card and renewal notice to the address on file. This usually takes 10 to 14 days, though it can take longer during busy periods. You do not need to do anything while you wait — just keep your temporary proof in your vehicle.
If you do not receive your registration card within three weeks, contact the DMV. Have your confirmation number from the online renewal ready. The DMV can check whether the mail was delivered and reissue the card if needed. If you move before your card arrives, you can update your address on the DMV website, though this may delay delivery.
When You Cannot Renew Online and What to Do Instead
If your vehicle requires a smog check and you have not completed one, you must get that done before you renew. Smog checks are required every two years for most vehicles, and the DMV will not let you renew online without proof of a passing test. Find a smog station near you through the DMV website, complete the test, and then return to the online renewal process.
If you have outstanding parking tickets, toll violations, or other unpaid fines, the DMV will not let you renew online. You must pay these first. Contact the agency that issued the citation to find out how to pay. Once paid, you can renew online.
If your registration is suspended for any reason — unpaid child support, unpaid taxes, or other legal holds — you cannot renew online. You will need to resolve the underlying issue and then visit a DMV office in person. Call the DMV to find out why your registration is suspended and what you need to do to clear it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not try to renew online if you have not completed a required smog check. The system will reject your renewal and you will have wasted time. Check your registration card to see when your smog check is due, and complete it before you start the online process.
Do not assume your address is correct on file. If you moved and did not update your address with the DMV, your new registration card will go to your old address. You cannot change your address during the online renewal process, so if you have moved, visit a DMV office or use the address change form instead.
Do not close your browser or navigate away from the page during payment. If the connection drops, the payment may or may not go through, and you will not know which happened. Wait for the confirmation page to appear before you close the browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my registration if it has already expired?
Yes. You can renew online even if your registration expired, as long as you have not received a notice of suspension. However, driving with an expired registration is illegal. Renew as soon as possible. If your registration has been expired for more than a year, you may need to visit a DMV office instead of renewing online.
What if I get an error message when I enter my VIN?
The system may not recognize your VIN if it is entered incorrectly or if your vehicle record is incomplete in the DMV database. Double-check that you copied the VIN correctly from your registration card or vehicle dashboard. If the error continues, call the DMV or visit an office — you will need to correct your record before you can renew online.
Do I need to print the temporary registration or can I just show it on my phone?
You can show the temporary registration on your phone if a police officer stops you. However, printing it is safer because your phone could die or lose service. Keep a printed copy in your vehicle along with your current registration card until your new card arrives.
What if my new registration card does not arrive after three weeks?
Contact the DMV with your confirmation number from the online renewal. The DMV can verify whether the card was mailed and to which address. If the card was lost in the mail, the DMV can reissue it. If you moved after renewing, update your address on the DMV website so the card can be forwarded.
Can I renew online if I just bought the vehicle?
No. New vehicle registrations must be completed in person or by mail because you need to provide proof of ownership and insurance. Once your initial registration is complete and you receive your first registration card, you can renew online in future years if you meet the other requirements.