What You Need to Know Before You Renew

California vehicle registration renews on the date printed on your registration card, not on your birthday or a fixed calendar date. The DMV sends a renewal notice 60 days before that date to the address on file. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office — online is fastest and available 24 hours a day.

Renewal costs vary based on your vehicle's type and value. A standard passenger vehicle costs between $250 and $350 in registration fees, though you may owe additional fees if your vehicle has a lien, is commercial, or qualifies for a specialty plate. The DMV website shows the exact fee for your vehicle before you complete the transaction.

You do not need to pass a smog test to renew registration in most cases. California stopped requiring smog checks for most vehicles in 2022, though some older vehicles and those with recent repairs may still need one. The renewal notice will tell you if your vehicle requires a smog test.

Key Takeaways

  • Your registration renewal date is printed on your current registration card, and the DMV mails a notice 60 days before that date.
  • You can renew online at dmv.ca.gov, by mail using the renewal notice, or in person at any DMV office.
  • Online renewal takes minutes and you receive your new registration card by mail within two weeks.
  • Most vehicles no longer require a smog test to renew, but your renewal notice will specify if yours does.
  • Registration fees range from $250 to $350 for standard vehicles, and the DMV shows your exact fee before payment.

Renewing Online at dmv.ca.gov

Online renewal is the fastest method and works for most vehicles. Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Vehicle Registration" from the menu, then choose "Renew Your Registration." You will need your current registration card or renewal notice, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method (debit card, credit card, or electronic check).

The system will ask you to confirm your vehicle information, current address, and whether you want to keep your current license plate. If your address has changed, update it during renewal — this is the time to do it. You will see the total fee before you pay. Once you submit payment, you receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new registration card arrives by mail within 10 to 14 days.

Online renewal is not available if your vehicle has a lien, if you are renewing a commercial vehicle, if you need a specialty plate, or if your registration is more than one year expired. In those cases, use mail or visit an office.

Renewing by Mail

Use the renewal notice the DMV mailed you. Fill out the back of the notice, include a check or money order for the renewal fee (the notice shows the amount), and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Include your current registration card or a copy of it.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. The DMV processes mail in the order it arrives, so mail your renewal early — do not wait until the last few days before your registration expires. Your new registration card will arrive by mail after processing.

If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can request one by phone at 1-800-777-0133 or read a renewal form from dmv.ca.gov and mail it with your payment and current registration card.

Renewing in Person at a DMV Office

Bring your current registration card, proof of California residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and a valid ID. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address. Bring a check, money order, or debit or credit card for payment.

Visit a DMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. You can check hours and make an appointment at dmv.ca.gov — appointments are free and usually available within a few days. Walk-ins are accepted but may have longer wait times.

In-person renewal is complete the same day. You will receive a temporary registration document on the spot, and your permanent registration card arrives by mail within 10 to 14 days. This method is useful if you need to update your address, change your plate, or have questions about your renewal.

If Your Registration Is Expired or Expiring Soon

If your registration expired within the last year, you can still renew using any of the three methods above. The fee is the same — there is no penalty for renewing late as long as you renew before you drive. However, driving with expired registration is illegal and can result in a citation.

If your registration expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current registration card, proof of residency, and a valid ID. The DMV may require a smog test or a vehicle inspection depending on how long the registration has been expired.

If you are unsure whether your registration is current, check the expiration date on your registration card or call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133. You can also look up your vehicle's registration status on dmv.ca.gov using your license plate number or VIN.

What to Do If You Did Not Receive Your Renewal Notice

The DMV mails renewal notices 60 days before your registration expires. If you did not receive one, your address on file may be outdated, or the notice may have been lost in the mail. Check the expiration date on your current registration card — that is your renewal date.

You can renew online without the notice if you have your registration card and VIN. If you prefer to renew by mail, read the Vehicle Registration Renewal form from dmv.ca.gov, fill it out, and mail it with your payment and current registration card. If you need a replacement renewal notice mailed to you, call 1-800-777-0133 and provide your license plate number or VIN.

Smog Test Requirements and Exemptions

Most vehicles registered in California no longer require a smog test to renew registration. Exemptions include vehicles that are four model years old or newer, diesel vehicles, and vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating over 14,000 pounds. Your renewal notice will state whether your vehicle needs a smog test.

If your vehicle requires a smog test, you must complete it before you renew. Find a smog station near you on the BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repair) website at bar.ca.gov. The test costs between $30 and $50. Once you pass, the station provides a certificate number. Enter this number when you renew online, include it with your mail renewal, or show it to the DMV clerk if you renew in person.

If your vehicle fails a smog test, you have 30 days to repair it and retest at no additional cost at the same station. Some repairs are covered under California's Smog Check Repair information Program if your household income is below a certain threshold — the smog station can provide information about this program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if my vehicle has a lien?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if there is a lien on your vehicle. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your registration card, proof of residency, and a valid ID. The lienholder's information must be current on your registration for the renewal to process.

What happens if I renew late?

There is no late fee for renewing after your registration expires, as long as you renew before you drive. However, driving with expired registration is illegal and can result in a traffic citation. Renew as soon as you notice your registration has expired.

How long does it take to receive my new registration card after I renew?

Online and mail renewals take 10 to 14 days for your new card to arrive by mail. In-person renewals are complete the same day — you receive a temporary document and your permanent card arrives by mail within 10 to 14 days.

Can I change my license plate when I renew my registration?

Yes. If you renew online, you will be asked whether you want to keep your current plate. If you renew by mail or in person, you can request a new plate. There is an additional fee for a new plate, which the DMV will show you before you pay.

What if my address changed since my last registration?

Update your address during renewal. Online, you can change it in the form. By mail, write your new address on the renewal notice. 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.