What you need to renew your California registration

California vehicle registration renews every year or two depending on your vehicle type, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. The state sends you a renewal notice 60 days before your registration expires, and that notice contains everything you need to know about your specific vehicle's renewal date and cost. You do not have to wait for the notice to arrive — you can renew up to six months early if you want to.

The basic requirement is proof that your vehicle passed its smog check (if your vehicle is subject to smog testing), proof of current insurance, and payment of the renewal fee. The fee varies based on your vehicle's value, weight, and fuel type. You will also need your current registration card or renewal notice, though the DMV can look up your vehicle if you provide your license plate number or VIN.

Key Takeaways

  • California registration renews annually or biennially depending on your vehicle, and the DMV mails a renewal notice 60 days before expiration.
  • You can renew online at dmv.ca.gov, by mail using your renewal notice, or in person at any DMV office — online is fastest if your vehicle qualifies.
  • Most vehicles require a current smog certificate, proof of insurance, and payment of a fee that depends on your vehicle's value and weight.
  • If you renew online or by mail, processing takes 1 to 2 weeks; in-person renewal at a DMV office is when ready but requires an appointment.
  • Late registration carries a penalty fee, and driving with expired registration can result in a citation and fine.

Renewing online through the DMV website

Online renewal at dmv.ca.gov is the fastest option if your vehicle meets the requirements. You can renew online if your vehicle is registered in California, your registration is not suspended or revoked, you have not had any address changes, and your vehicle does not require a smog check or has already passed one. You will need your current registration card or renewal notice, your driver's license number, and a valid payment method.

Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Register a Vehicle" and then "Renew Registration," and enter your vehicle information. The system will show you the renewal fee and ask you to upload proof of insurance. After you pay, you will receive a confirmation number. The DMV will mail your new registration card and sticker within 1 to 2 weeks. You can drive with your confirmation number and old registration until the new sticker arrives.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

If you received a renewal notice in the mail, you can renew by mail without visiting a DMV office. Fill out the renewal notice, include a check or money order for the renewal fee (do not send cash), and attach proof of current insurance. If your vehicle requires a smog check, include the smog certificate as well. Mail everything to the address shown on your renewal notice.

Processing by mail takes 1 to 2 weeks. The DMV will send your new registration card and sticker to the address on file. If you do not receive your renewal notice, you can request one at dmv.ca.gov or call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133. Do not wait for the notice if your registration is about to expire — you can renew early using your current registration card or by providing your license plate number.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

You can renew your registration at any DMV office in California. Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, your driver's license, and proof of a passing smog check if required. If someone else is renewing on your behalf, bring a signed power of attorney form (REG 260) along with their ID.

You must make an appointment before you visit — walk-ins are not accepted. Book your appointment at dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133. In-person renewal is when ready, meaning you will receive your new registration card and sticker before you leave the office. This option is useful if your registration has already expired, if you have address changes, or if you prefer to handle everything in one visit.

Smog check requirements and timing

Most vehicles registered in California must pass a smog check every two years. Your renewal notice will tell you whether your vehicle is due for a smog check. If it is, you must obtain a passing smog certificate before you can renew your registration. You can get a smog check at any Bureau of Automotive Repair-certified smog station — search for one near you at bar.ca.gov.

Plan ahead for your smog check because it takes a few days to schedule and complete. If your registration expires before you get the smog certificate, you cannot legally drive the vehicle. Some smog stations can turn around results the same day, but this varies. If you are renewing by mail or online, allow extra time for the smog check to be completed and reported to the DMV before you submit your renewal.

Registration renewal fees and what affects the cost

California registration fees are based on your vehicle's value, weight, and fuel type. The base fee is the same for all vehicles, but additional fees explore depending on these factors. Hybrid and electric vehicles may may have access to for a reduced fee. The DMV will show you the exact fee amount when you renew online, or your renewal notice will list the fee if you are renewing by mail.

If you renew late, you will owe a penalty fee in addition to the regular renewal fee. The penalty increases the longer you wait. If your registration has been expired for more than a few months, the penalty can be substantial. You can check your renewal fee and due date at dmv.ca.gov by entering your license plate number or VIN.

What to do if your registration has already expired

If your registration has expired, you cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads. Renew as soon as possible to avoid citations and additional penalties. You can renew in person at a DMV office for when ready processing, or by mail or online if the DMV system allows it — some expired registrations must be handled in person.

If you were driving with expired registration and received a citation, you can show proof of renewal to the court or traffic officer to potentially reduce or dismiss the fine. However, it is better to renew before your registration expires. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar when you receive your renewal notice, or sign up for email reminders at dmv.ca.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if my address has changed?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if you have a pending address change. You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. The DMV will update your address and process your renewal at the same time.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You do not need the renewal notice to renew. You can renew online at dmv.ca.gov using your license plate number or VIN, renew by mail by requesting a duplicate notice, or renew in person at a DMV office with your current registration card and driver's license.

How long does it take to get my new registration sticker after I renew?

If you renew in person at a DMV office, you receive your sticker when ready. If you renew online or by mail, the DMV mails your new sticker and registration card within 1 to 2 weeks. You can drive legally with your confirmation number or old registration until the new sticker arrives.

Do I have to renew every year?

Most vehicles renew annually, but some renew every two years depending on the vehicle type and registration status. Your renewal notice will show your specific renewal date. Check dmv.ca.gov or call 1-800-777-0133 if you are unsure when your vehicle is due.

What happens if I drive with an expired registration?

Driving with expired registration is a traffic violation. You can receive a citation and fine. If you are pulled over, show the officer that you have renewed or are in the process of renewing. Renew before your registration expires to avoid this situation.