California sends you a renewal notice, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office

The California DMV mails you a renewal notice 60 days before your registration expires. The notice shows your renewal fee, which varies based on your vehicle's value and type. You have three ways to renew: online at dmv.ca.gov (fastest, if you have no violations or address changes), by mail using the notice itself, or in person at any DMV office. You do not need to visit in person unless your registration was suspended, you have an address change the online system won't accept, or you're renewing a commercial vehicle.

Renewal takes about two weeks by mail and one to three business days online. Your registration expires on the date printed on your current registration card, and driving with an expired registration can result in a citation. If you miss the expiration date, you can still renew, but you may owe a late penalty fee on top of the standard renewal cost.

Key Takeaways

  • The DMV mails your renewal notice 60 days before expiration; check your mailbox or log into your DMV online account if you don't receive it.
  • Online renewal at dmv.ca.gov works only if your address hasn't changed, you have no violations, and your vehicle has no liens or safety issues.
  • Mail renewal uses the notice the DMV sends you; include a check or money order and mail it to the address on the notice.
  • If you renew after the expiration date, you will owe a late penalty in addition to your standard renewal fee.
  • Your new registration card arrives by mail within two to three weeks of approval; you can drive legally during this waiting period if you keep your renewal notice with you.

Renewing online through the DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option and requires no visit to a DMV office. Go to dmv.ca.gov, click "Register a Vehicle" or "Renew Registration," and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your vehicle information and show your renewal fee. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check.

Online renewal works only if all of these are true: your address has not changed since your last registration, you have no outstanding violations or holds on your vehicle, your vehicle has no liens, and you are not renewing a commercial or fleet vehicle. If any of these conditions don't explore, the online system will tell you to renew by mail or in person instead. Do not try to force through an online renewal if the system says you cannot; you'll need to use another method.

Once you submit your payment online, you receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new registration card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You can legally drive during this time if you carry your renewal notice or confirmation number with you.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

The renewal notice the DMV mails you is a form you can return by mail. Write a check or money order for the amount shown on the notice, sign the notice where indicated, and mail both to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Include your renewal notice, your check or money order, and nothing else unless the notice tells you to include additional documents.

Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they arrive, so mail your notice early rather than waiting until the expiration date. If you lose your renewal notice, you can request a duplicate by calling the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or by visiting dmv.ca.gov and logging into your account.

Keep a copy of your check or money order number and the date you mailed the notice. If your renewal card doesn't arrive within three weeks, contact the DMV with this information so they can track your renewal.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Visit any DMV office with your renewal notice, your current registration card, and a valid ID. Bring your vehicle's title if your vehicle has a lien or if you're renewing a commercial vehicle. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office. In-person renewal usually takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.

You must renew in person if your address has changed and the online system won't accept the change, if your vehicle has a suspension or hold, or if you're renewing a commercial or fleet registration. Some DMV offices allow you to make an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Check your local office's website before you go.

When you renew in person, you receive a temporary registration card on the spot. Your permanent registration card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

What happens if you miss the expiration date

If your registration expires and you have not renewed it, you can still renew, but you will owe a late penalty fee in addition to your standard renewal fee. The penalty amount varies; contact the DMV or check dmv.ca.gov for the current late fee. Driving with an expired registration is a violation and can result in a citation from a police officer.

If your registration has been expired for more than a few months, the DMV may require you to renew in person rather than online or by mail. You may also need to pass a smog check or vehicle inspection depending on your vehicle's age and type. Call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to find out what you need before you visit an office.

Scams and safety alerts for registration renewal

Do not respond to text messages, emails, or phone calls claiming to be from the DMV and asking you to renew your registration or verify your information. The DMV does not contact you by text or email to ask for personal information. Scammers use these messages to steal your identity or credit card information. If you receive such a message, delete it and do not click any links or call any numbers in it.

The only official DMV website is dmv.ca.gov. Do not use any other website to renew your registration, even if it appears in a search result. Fake DMV websites charge high fees and may not actually renew your registration. If you are unsure whether a website is real, call the DMV directly at 1-800-777-0133.

Be cautious of third-party services that offer to renew your registration for you. These services charge a fee on top of your renewal cost and are not necessary. You can renew for free through the DMV's official channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I didn't receive my renewal notice in the mail?

Log into your DMV online account at dmv.ca.gov using your driver's license number and date of birth. Your account will show your registration expiration date and renewal fee. You can renew online from your account, or call 1-800-777-0133 to request a duplicate notice by mail.

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

Yes, but you must renew in person or by mail. Online renewal does not work for vehicles with liens. Bring your vehicle's title showing the lien holder's information when you renew in person, or include a copy with your mail renewal.

Do I need a smog check to renew my registration?

It depends on your vehicle's age and type. The DMV will tell you on your renewal notice if a smog check is required. If one is required and you don't include proof of a passing smog test with your renewal, the DMV will deny your renewal and you'll have to start over.

What if my address changed since my last registration?

You must renew by mail or in person. Online renewal will not accept an address change. When you renew in person, bring a document showing your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. By mail, include a note with your new address on your renewal notice.

How long can I drive after my registration expires while I wait for my new card?

You can drive legally during the processing period (usually two to three weeks) if you carry your renewal notice, confirmation number, or temporary registration card with you. After three weeks, if your new card has not arrived, contact the DMV to track your renewal.