California vehicle registration renews on your birthday month each year
Your California vehicle registration expires on the last day of your birth month. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sends a renewal notice 60 days before that date to the address on file. You do not have to wait for the notice to arrive — you can renew as soon as you receive it, or up to 60 days early.
You have three ways to renew: online through the DMV website, by mail using the renewal notice, or in person at a DMV office. Online is fastest and available 24 hours a day. By mail takes 1 to 2 weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the location is.
The renewal fee varies by vehicle type and weight. For most passenger cars, the fee is between $250 and $350. Motorcycles, RVs, and commercial vehicles have different rates. You can see the exact amount on your renewal notice or on the DMV website before you pay.
Key Takeaways
- Your registration renews during your birth month each year, and the DMV mails a renewal notice 60 days in advance.
- Online renewal through the DMV website is the fastest option and works 24 hours a day if your vehicle meets basic requirements.
- You can renew by mail using the notice the DMV sends, though it takes 1 to 2 weeks for processing and return.
- If you renew in person, bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid ID to a DMV office.
- Renewal fees depend on your vehicle type and weight, and you can see the exact amount on your renewal notice.
Renewing online through the DMV website
Online renewal is available if your vehicle has a valid smog certification (if required), your address is current on file, and you have not had any registration holds placed on your account. You will need your current registration card and a valid payment method — credit card, debit card, or electronic check.
Go to the DMV website and select "Renew Registration" from the main menu. Enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) and license plate number. The system will pull up your registration record and show you the renewal fee. Review the information for accuracy, then pay online. You will receive a confirmation number when ready, and your new registration card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If the online system tells you that you cannot renew online, it means your vehicle requires a smog test, you have an address issue, or there is a hold on your account. In that case, you will need to renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
The DMV renewal notice includes a payment envelope and instructions. Fill out the notice with any updated information — address, phone number, or email — and include a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash. Mail the notice and payment to the address printed on the envelope.
Processing takes 1 to 2 weeks from the time the DMV receives your payment. Your new registration card and updated registration sticker will arrive together by mail. Keep the confirmation number from your notice in case you need to track the status of your renewal.
If you lose your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail. Call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 and request a replacement notice, or visit a DMV office to pick one up in person.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). If your vehicle requires a smog test and you have not completed one, you will need to do that before the DMV can process your renewal. The DMV office cannot perform smog tests — you must go to a certified smog station first.
At the DMV office, take a number and wait for your turn. Tell the clerk you are renewing your registration. They will verify your information, confirm your insurance is current, and process the payment. You will receive your new registration card and sticker on the spot. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
If you want to avoid a long wait, visit early in the morning on a weekday, or use the DMV's online appointment system to reserve a time slot at your local office.
What happens if your registration expires
Driving with an expired registration is illegal in California. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can receive a citation and a fine. The fine for expired registration is typically $100 to $250, depending on how long the registration has been expired.
If your registration has been expired for more than 6 months, you may need to pay a penalty fee in addition to the renewal fee. The penalty is usually 10 percent of the renewal fee. If your registration has been expired for more than 1 year, you may need to pass a smog test even if your vehicle would not normally require one.
If you realize your registration is about to expire or has just expired, renew when ready. The sooner you renew, the sooner you are back in compliance with state law.
Smog certification requirements for renewal
California requires a smog test every two years for most vehicles. If your vehicle is due for a smog test, you must complete it before you can renew your registration. The DMV will not process your renewal until the smog certification is on file.
You can take your vehicle to any certified smog station in California. The test costs between $30 and $70, depending on the station and your vehicle type. The smog station will send the results electronically to the DMV, usually within one business day. Once the DMV receives the results, you can renew your registration online, by mail, or in person.
Some vehicles are exempt from smog testing — this includes vehicles that are less than 6 years old, vehicles registered as classic cars, and some electric vehicles. Your renewal notice will indicate whether your vehicle requires a smog test.
Updating your address during renewal
If you have moved since your last registration, update your address when you renew. The DMV uses the address on file to send your renewal notice and registration card, so keeping it current is important.
If you renew online, you can update your address during the renewal process. If you renew by mail, write your new address on the renewal notice before you send it in. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement — and the clerk will update your file.
If you move and do not update your address with the DMV, your renewal notice will go to your old address and you may miss the important date. You can update your address at any time without renewing your registration by visiting a DMV office or using the DMV website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my registration if my insurance has lapsed?
No. California law requires proof of current insurance to renew registration. If your insurance has lapsed, contact your insurance company to reinstate it before you attempt to renew. Once your insurance is active again, you can renew online, by mail, or in person.
What if I renew online but my vehicle actually needs a smog test?
The online system will not let you complete the renewal if a smog test is required. You will see a message telling you to get a smog certification first. Take your vehicle to a certified smog station, wait for the results to reach the DMV, then try renewing online again.
How long can I drive after my registration expires?
You cannot legally drive with an expired registration. Renew before the expiration date. If your registration has already expired, renew when ready to avoid fines and penalties.
Do I need to renew my registration if I sell my vehicle?
No. When you sell your vehicle, the new owner will register it in their name. You should notify the DMV that you no longer own the vehicle by submitting a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability form to avoid liability for the vehicle after the sale.
Can someone else renew my registration for me?
Yes, if you renew by mail. You can give your renewal notice and payment to someone else to mail on your behalf. If you renew in person, the person must have a signed power of attorney from you, or you can authorize them to act on your behalf at the DMV office.