What happens when you renew your California registration

California vehicle registration renewal means you pay a fee to keep your vehicle legally registered for another year. The state sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your registration expires — that notice tells you the exact amount you owe and your important date. You can renew online through the California DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Most people renew online because it takes 10 minutes and you get your new registration when ready.

When you renew, the DMV checks that your vehicle still passes smog requirements (if your vehicle is subject to smog testing), that you have current insurance, and that there are no unpaid tickets or violations on your record. If everything is clear, you pay the renewal fee and receive a new registration card and renewal notice. Your license plate stays the same unless you request a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • The DMV mails you a renewal notice about 60 days before your registration expires — check the expiration date on your current registration card if you have not received one.
  • You can renew online at dmv.ca.gov, by mail using the notice the DMV sent you, or in person at a DMV office, and online renewal usually takes 10 minutes.
  • Some vehicles need a smog check before renewal; the DMV notice tells you whether yours does, and you must complete it before you renew.
  • You need your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and proof of current insurance to renew, whether online or by mail.
  • If your registration has already expired, you can still renew, but you may owe a late penalty fee in addition to the regular renewal fee.

Online renewal through the DMV website

Online renewal at dmv.ca.gov is the fastest route for most people. Go to the DMV website, select "Register a Vehicle" or "Renew Registration," and enter your license plate number or VIN. The system will pull up your vehicle record and show you the renewal fee. You will need your current registration card to verify the information, and you will need to confirm that you have current insurance.

Once you pay the fee with a credit or debit card, the DMV issues your new registration when ready — you can print a temporary registration document right away if you need proof that your registration is current. Your official registration card and renewal notice arrive in the mail within one to two weeks. If the online system cannot find your vehicle record, you will need to renew by mail or in person instead.

Renewing by mail

If you received a renewal notice in the mail from the DMV, you can renew by mailing it back with your payment. Fill out the notice, include a check or money order for the amount shown, and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current proof of insurance if the notice asks for it.

Mail renewal takes longer than online — typically two to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. To avoid delays, mail your renewal at least two weeks before your expiration date. If you lost your renewal notice, you can request a duplicate from the DMV website or call the DMV customer service line, or you can renew in person at a DMV office instead.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

You can walk into any DMV office and renew your registration without an appointment, though you may wait. Bring your current registration card, your vehicle's VIN (from your dashboard or registration), and proof of current insurance. The DMV staff will verify your information, collect your fee, and issue your new registration card on the spot.

In-person renewal is useful if you have questions about your renewal, if you need to update your address or vehicle information at the same time, or if you did not receive a renewal notice in the mail. Bring a form of identification (driver's license, passport, or state ID) along with your registration documents. Wait times vary by location and time of day; the DMV website shows current wait times for each office.

Smog checks and other requirements before renewal

Vehicles that are six years old or newer do not need a smog check. Vehicles that are seven years old or older must pass a smog inspection before you can renew your registration, unless they are exempt (some diesel vehicles, some hybrids, and vehicles registered in certain counties have different rules). Your renewal notice will tell you whether your vehicle needs a smog check.

If you need a smog check, you must complete it before you renew — the DMV will not process your renewal without proof that your vehicle passed. You can get a smog check at any Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) certified smog station. The check costs between $30 and $70 depending on your vehicle type. Once your vehicle passes, the smog station sends the results electronically to the DMV, and you can then renew your registration online or by mail.

You must also have current auto insurance to renew. The DMV verifies your insurance electronically when you renew online or in person. If you are renewing by mail and the notice asks for proof of insurance, include a copy of your insurance card or declaration page.

What to do if your registration has expired

If your registration expired and you did not renew on time, you can still renew, but you will owe a late penalty fee in addition to your regular renewal fee. The longer your registration has been expired, the higher the penalty. You cannot legally drive with an expired registration, so renew as soon as you can.

If your registration expired more than a few months ago, the DMV may require you to renew in person rather than online or by mail. Call the DMV customer service line or visit a DMV office to find out what you need to do. Bring your current registration card (even though it is expired), your VIN, and proof of insurance. If your vehicle needs a smog check and it has been expired for a long time, you will need to pass the smog check before you can renew.

Scam alert: Fake renewal notices

Scammers send fake DMV renewal notices by email or mail that look like official documents. They ask you to click a link or call a phone number to "confirm" your information or pay a fee. The DMV does not ask you to renew through links in emails, and the DMV does not call you asking for payment.

If you receive a renewal notice by email, it is a scam — the DMV only sends official renewal notices by mail. If you receive a notice in the mail that looks suspicious, compare it to your current registration card. Official DMV notices have specific formatting and include your vehicle information. If you are unsure, call the DMV directly at the number on your registration card or visit dmv.ca.gov to check your renewal status. Never give your personal information, credit card number, or VIN to someone who contacts you first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to renew my registration?

The renewal fee varies based on your vehicle's value, age, and type. Your renewal notice shows the exact amount you owe. Most standard passenger vehicles cost between $200 and $400 to renew, but luxury vehicles and trucks may cost more. The DMV website has a fee calculator if you want to estimate your cost before you receive your notice.

What if I move to a different address before my registration expires?

Update your address with the DMV before your renewal notice is mailed. You can change your address online at dmv.ca.gov, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. If you move after your renewal notice is already mailed, you can still renew using that notice — just make sure the DMV has your current address so your new registration card arrives at the right place.

Can I renew my registration if my vehicle has outstanding tickets or violations?

The DMV will not renew your registration if you have unpaid traffic violations or parking tickets. You must pay or resolve the violation first. Contact the court or the agency that issued the ticket to find out what you owe and how to pay. Once it is resolved, you can renew your registration.

What if I sold my vehicle — do I still need to renew?

No. Once you sell your vehicle, you should notify the DMV when ready so the registration is not renewed. You can do this online at dmv.ca.gov or in person at a DMV office. If you already received a renewal notice for a vehicle you no longer own, do not pay it — contact the DMV to cancel the registration instead.

How long does my new registration card take to arrive?

If you renew online or in person, your new registration card arrives in the mail within one to two weeks. If you renew by mail, it takes two to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. You can print a temporary registration document from the DMV website when ready after online renewal if you need proof that your registration is current.