A car registration renewal in California could be costly, time-consuming, and even stressful.
If you don’t gather the right documentation, you’ll end up making continuous visits to your local CA DMV, which could be really frustrating.
Whether your county doesn’t offer any booking option for renewals, showing up by just walking in could be even more time-consuming
However, there’s always a solution to every hassle. The goal is to make your car registration renewal a hassle-free task so you could have more time to focus on what really matters in your day.
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Let us explain you how to complete a CA DMV registration renewal one question at a time.
Should you have any other questions in regards to CA DMV registration renewal, please let us know in the comments below.
What do I need to renew my registration?
To renew your vehicle registration in California, you will need to bring your renewal notice or current registration certificate, your valid CA driver’s license, and payment for the renewal registration fees.
If applicable, submit a court clearance document detailing that any delinquent fees attached to your vehicle have been paid.
You are also allowed to pay your CA DMV vehicle registration renewals by cash, check, money order, and debit/ATM card.
Where can I go to renew my car registration?
You can renew your car registration in several ways. You could renew your car registration in person at your nearest CA DMV branch.
Note that you must renew it in person whether you have outstanding fees or unpaid traffic tickets. It may be the most time-consuming choice but find out if your local DMV offers appointment reservations.
You could alternatively renew your car registration by mail but you’ll need to make sure that your renewal request documentation is sent to the indicated address on time.
You are also allowed to renew your car registration over the phone only if your auto registration notice has your current home address and you don’t have any unpaid delinquency or ticket fees.
Lastly, the most convenient way is to renew your car registration online. You’ll need to find the appropriate platform that matches your state, or even your county.
eTags, for example, is a website that drivers in any California county can use, and the only service allowing drivers to renew after the expiration period has passed and/or your car registration is expired.
How often do you renew vehicle registration in California?
The CA DMV requires drivers to renew their car registration on an annual basis. This is important for drivers who just moved into California and are not aware of this obligation.
You’ll receive a renewal notice in advance of your car registration’s date of expiration.
The registration renewal notice normally includes the date of your tag expiration, registration renewal fees, information of the vehicle, any emissions requirement, and delinquency fees (if applicable).
Whether you haven’t received your CA car renewal notice, contact your local DMV for more information about your renewal time.
It’s also advisable to update your address with the CA DMV to avoid any missed renewal notice in the future.
How early can I renew my car registration in California?
You are allowed to renew you car registration in California 60 days prior to the expiration date. Usually, getting your car registration renewal notice serves as a reminder of the expiration date to avoid late fees.
Note that the CA DMV does not give any grace period for late renewals.
Provided that you failed to renew your car registration within the indicated time, you’ll be liable for a percentage of your regular renewal, flat late fee, and a flat California Highway Patrol (CHP) late fee.
For example, if you renew your car registration one day after the expiration date, you will be paying about $30 on late fees, which are charged in addition the standard renewal cost.
Never stay behind on your car registration renewals as late fees increase over time. The longer you delay this obligation, the more you’ll pay.
How long do you have to renew your tags in California?
Again, you are allowed to renew you car registration in California 60 days prior to the expiration date. Usually, getting your car registration renewal notice serves as a reminder of the expiration date to avoid late fees.
The CA DMV does not give any grace period for late renewals so try avoid delaying your obligation.
When does my vehicle registration expire?
Your car registration expires every year on the date indicated on your vehicle registration card. Note that the CA DMV does not give any grace period for late renewals.
How much is California registration renewal?
There are several factors that you need to take into consideration when estimating how much you need to pay to renew your car registration in California.
Fees typically vary according the year, weight, and value of your vehicle. Keep in mind that your fees could go up whether you request special license plates.
It’s also recommended that drivers check with the CA DMV for specific fees that pertains to their local county or district.
More importantly, if your vehicle information shows pending delinquency fees such as parking tickets, they must be paid prior to renewing your car registration in California.
Check with your local DMV if you qualify for a tax deduction provided that you completed your car registration renewal.
How to calculate registration fees in California
First, all motor vehicles must pay a registration fee and a $23 California Highway Patrol (CHP) fee. Drivers must also pay other fees depending on many other variables including the type of vehicle and the county they live in.
To find more information about registration fees in California, visit the California VLF calculator and enter your license plate number, the last 5 digits of your VIN, and your zip code.
How much are late fees for vehicle registration in California?
Since the CA DMV does not offer any grace period, here is an estimate of the fees you’ll pay for not renewing your vehicle registration on time.
- Less than 1 year: $30
- 1 to 2 years: $50
- Over 2 years: $100
To avoid paying late fees on your next car registration renewal, complete your registration renewal before the expiration date.
How do I remove my name from car registration in California?
To request a registration name change, you’ll need to contact your local CA DMV and follow their instructions.
However, you could only remove your name from the car registration when there are more than one name registered on the vehicle.
How can I check my vehicle registration status?
You could always contact the CA DMV to check your car registration status at (800) 777-0133.
If you renewed your car registration with eTags, feel free to contact our customer support for more information about your car registration status.
Can your car be towed for expired registration in California?
Yes. Your vehicle could be towed if you get caught driving a vehicle with an expired registration in California.
It also depends on how long you’ve been driving with an expired license. If your car registration has expired for less than 6 months, you could get a fine if caught by a police officer.
If you are driving a car with a registration that has been expired over 6 months your vehicle could potentially be towed by law.
How do I get a temporary registration in California?
If you buy a car from a dealership, they will give you a temporary registration certificate for you to keep with you until your permanent registration arrives from the CA DMV.
The temporary registration is valid until you receive the license plates and stickers, or for 90 days from the date of sale.
How to get a copy (duplicate) vehicle registration in California
You could apply for a duplicate California registration with the CA DMV either in person or by mail.
You must filled out an Application for Replacement Plates, Sticker, Documents (Form REG 156), a Notice of Change of Address (Form DMV 14), and pay the $21 replacement fee.
If you need to send it by mail, you’ll need to mail to this address:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Registration Operations
P.O. Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 94269
How to change your vehicle registration address
You could change your address either online, in person, or by mail. Note that the CA DMV allows drivers to change their vehicle registration within 10 days after moving.
All you need to do is submit a completed Change of Address (Form DMV 14) to the DMV. If you are doing it by mail, submit it to the address listed on the form.
Can I renew my registration at the nearest CA DMV?
Yes. You could only renew your car registration at your nearest CA DMV in person. However, you should try gathering all the documents you need prior to heading to the DMV office to avoid future complications.
Can I go to any DMV to renew my registration?
You can only go to your nearest CA DMV branch to renew your vehicle registration in person, unless you want to do it by mail or online.
How long is the wait time at the California DMV?
It depend on how you handled this procedure. If you booked an appointment, you may not be waiting as longer as any other person who just walks in.
Keep in mind that a lot of people visit the DMV for different procedures and inquiries.
What do I need to renew my registration in person?
If you decide to renew your car registration in person, you will need to bring your renewal notice or current registration certificate, your valid CA driver’s license, and payment for the renewal registration fees.
If applicable, submit a court clearance document detailing that any delinquent fees attached to your vehicle have been paid.
You are also allowed to pay your CA DMV vehicle registration renewals by cash, check, money order, and debit/ATM card.
When does the CA DMV send out renewal notices?
The CA DMV will mail you a car registration renewal notice well in advance of the expiration date.
If you haven’t received your renewal notice, we recommend that you investigate by contacting your local DMV for further information.
It may be that you haven’t updated your address on their records or it got lost on the email.
Either way, you can still renew your car registration without renewal notice either in person, online, or with eTags which is the fastest and most hassle-free choice.
I did not receive my car registration renewal notice . What should I do?
Whether you haven’t received your car registration renewal notice in the mail, either contact your DMV office or call (800) 777-0133.
When it come to renewal notices, always try to update your home address with your local DMV to avoid this type of situations.
What if lost my DMV renewal notice?
You shouldn’t worry about losing your vehicle registration renewal notice as you can still renew your registration by following alternatives routes including in-person visits or online renewals.
Yet, you could always contact the local DMV to find out more about your current status.
Can I renew my registration from out of state?
Whether you are currently located out-of-state, the CA DMV allows you to renew your car registration by mail as if it was already mentioned above.
Make sure you have the renewal notice with you prior to submitting your documentation.
How to read a California vehicle registration card
It’s simple. Your license number is at the right of your vehicle, whereas your vehicle identification number (VIN) is the last 5 digits on the center left side of your card.
Your vehicle licensing fee is the second set of digits at the bottom.
Do I need a smog check to renew my registration?
Yes. CA registration renewals require drivers to get a smog check to ensure emission equipment on cars keep running properly and have not been altered since the last inspection.
However, some vehicle are exempt from meeting smog requirements including:
- Vehicles that are 1975 or older models that are powered by gasoline
- Vehicles that are 1997 or older models that are diesel powered and have a Gross Vehicle Weight of 14,000 lbs. or more
- Vehicles that are natural gas powered with a Gross Vehicle Weight of 14,000 lbs. or more
- Electric vehicles
- Motorcycles
Gasoline-powered, hybrids, and alternative-fuel vehicles that are 1976 and newer versions require a smog check. Yet, here are 2 exceptions to the norm:
- Six model-year and newer vehicles do not need a biennial (every other year) inspection
- Four model-year and newer vehicles do not need a change-of-ownership inspection
Where can I get a smog check?
You could get a smog check by going to the nearest Smog Check station in your area or call (800) 952-5210.
Can I renew my registration online in California?
Yes, you can. You could choose to renew your CA DMV registration renewal online.
As you may find it easier to renew your car registration online, you won’t be allowed to do it with the DMV if you have any pending traffic/delinquency fees.
Still, car registration renewals online are more secure and convenient compared to other options. That’s why eTags offers a CA DMV registration renewal online service to help you handle this procedure easy and quick.
Note that there’s a convenience fee associated when you renew your car registration with eTags, but that fee is normally offset by the time, fuel, and unnecessary frustration savings related to renewal in person.
Can I print my vehicle registration online in California?
If you renew your vehicle registration with your local CA DMV office, your vehicle registration will be mailed to the address you added on your vehicle records.
eTags, though, offers users to print their vehicle registration online anytime by calling the support team or visiting the website.
Can I complete my DMV registration renewal online if I am currently out-of-state?
You definitely could do it but the CA DMV will force you to change your registered mailing address to your new out-of-state address, which makes it more complicated to handle.
If you aren’t planning on staying at your out-of-state address permanently, you could use our eTags registration renewal service to get the tags mailed to you.
It’s an easier and hassle-free choice as you won’t need to make any changes on your vehicle information to complete your car registration renewal in CA.
Ready to renew your CA DMV vehicle registration online?
We hope these commonly asked questions about CA DMV tag renewal have been helpful. If you have another question regarding how to renew your vehicle registration in the state of California, leave us a question below in the comments and we will be happy to answer as soon as we can.
If you’re ready to renew we would be happy to assist. Save time, avoid the line, and renew your vehicle registration online by visiting eTags.com/app/ca/renewal.
38 comments
If I bought a car and the previous owner had recently paid the tags and as the new owner would I need to pay again for the tags or can that just be transferred under my name without charge?
No you won’t have to pay again, bc the tags match the vehicle.
Who should i contact if i’m 9 months late renewing my registration and the DMV no longer shows anything for my vehicle?
You can try to renew on our website at http://www.etags.com/app/ca
If that doesn’t work, try going to your local DMV in person.
I paid all my fees online Sept. 1st. but was told that it was incomplete because I needed a smog. Well i then had my car smogged on sept. 19th. When do you think I will receive my tags?
If you renewed your registration with eTags, please email us at support@etags.com or call us at 1 888 633 5332
Hello,
I am going through financial hardships and wondering if I have an option to make payments to renew my registration? If so, how can I do that, or where to go?
Yes, you can set up a payment plan by placing an order at https://www.etags.com/app/ca
You’ll see your payment plan selection at Checkout thru PayPal or Affirm
I renewed my cars registration March 2019 the sticker we received was March 2019 so when does it expire? Or did the DMV send me the wrong sticker? Is it supposed to be March 2020?
It should be March 2020, but if you missed last year’s renewal, you may not be covered right now.
I bought a vehicle in Marin, CA from a dealer on 4/11/19 for $27,200 and paid registration fees to the dealer, as required at the time of sale, in the amount of $411. I just received a notice from the CA DMV for vehicle registration renewal notice again by 11/10/19 in the amount of $393. Why would I have to pay renewal registration fees again so soon? Wasn’t that what I just paid for when I bought the car from the dealer? Shouldn’t my renewal date be sometime in April of 2020? It seems as though I had to pay CA DMV registration fees for the whole year yet I only got 7 months worth of registration for $411….
Hi Chris, a vehicle will stay with the same plate and registration period/expiration date throughout its use in California unless an owner specifically pays for a new plate which happens most often with the request of a vanity or personalized plate. The only reason you would have needed to pay registration fees in April when the tags don’t expire until November is because the registration wasn’t paid in November of last year so it was still due through April when the transfer was being completed. You can confirm if this is true by contacting the DMV at 1 (800) 777-0133 to assure the $411 the dealer collected wasn’t done so in error (when renewal was not due). We hope that helps. If you have any other questions, please let us know.
Can a police officer tow your vehicle if you have temp tags on your car. They said they don’t recognize these tags as a reg vehicle .
If the tags have expired, they can.
Hi. I have a question. I purchased a used vehicle in December of last year and when my tags came they had ‘December 2019’ on them. But, I received a letter from the DMV saying that my registration was due in June. How could that be?
Hi there. It appears that there’s an incongruence in your renewal period. You will need to contact your local tax collector’s agency and verify the status of your registration. Keep in mind that FL tags expire at midnight on the birth date of the owner listed first on the car registration.
Hello,
I bought an ATV from a friend. At the time of registering the ATV under my name the DMV asked me to get a Release of Liability letter from the financial institution that finance the ATV 10 years ago. I can’t get in touch with the financial institution. The ATV has been paid off in full for a long time now. I currently hold the Pink slip for it. But because the financial institution did not sign off on this i am being asked to do this by the CA DMV. Can this site assist me with this?
Hello Jaime. Unfortunately, we cannot advise you on tasks that exclusively pertains to the financial institution that is supposed to issue the Release of Liability form. Have you considered talking to the previous owner? The DMV needs to verify the vehicle has been paid off officially.
Very helpful..! thanks for sharing your helpful work.
You are welcome, Tammy.
Hello trying to get my real drivers license I have everything required but I have been married 3 times and divorced twice. I fo not know where the divorce was filed the first marriage due to him I’m the service so don’t know where to get my divorce decree is there any other way to get this license without the first divorce decree. Or instead of the real license will a passport be significant. Thanks
Wanda White
white1944@aol.com
951 2593136
Hello Wanda. You are strongly required to discuss your case with the DMV. In California, getting a driver’s license is a method of establishing residency if you need to register a vehicle. Here is a link with more information about valid IDs in CA.
Hi. I am moving to Cali from Mississippi in two weeks. My husband is pulling our car (with his car which has a current tag). The car being pulled has a MS tag that expired in April. We plan to get a Cali tag when we arrive but I worry about showing up with an out of state expired tag. Should I proceed with renewing our MS tag (for two more weeks and waste 11.5 months of fees, which are really expensive here) or show to Cali with an expired out of state tag?
Hello Erin. You cannot operate a vehicle with expired tags as it is against the law. You may need to renew your registration prior to moving to California. Contact your local DMV agency for additional information about temporary tags though. Good luck.
Hi, I was a nonresident military member stationed in California. I purchased two motorcycles in CA, registered them, chose not to renew registration due to not driving them/moving away from CA. I am now being fined for not renewing. I did not know I should fill out a REG 5045. Can I do this retroactively to negate the payment that is being requested? Is there another way to take care of this issue? I do not want to pay for a renewal because it is not needed.
Hello Devan. You will need to handle your non-operative vehicle request with your local DMV agency. Unless you can provide proof of having a non-operative vehicle, registration is mandatory.
What do I do if my income situation is not good at the moment and I was hit with a $378 renewal fee. Is there a way to get a price reduction?
Hello Rito4ka. You could renew your registration by using our online portal. We offer different payment methods including PayPal. They might be able to help you pay for your renewal on installments. If you have any other questions in regards to our services, please feel free to contact our Customer Support or call us at 1-800-633-5332. We are glad to assist you on this procedure.
I sent in my registration fee in February. The check was cashed. I haven’t received my registration stickers. Should I go in to the DMV?
Hello Elaine. Typically, it takes about a week to get your new registration. Since you haven’t received it yet, you will have to contact your local CA DMV agency to find out the status of your registration. It may be that you haven’t updated your address with them. Remember that you must keep your vehicle registered in order to be allowed to drive it. Good luck!
I have a question regarding the DMV rules for the validity of the smog certificate. I understand the smog certificate is good for 90 days and you can renew your registration as early as 60 days prior to the registration expiration date. However, does the DMV rule require that the smog certificate be good AS OF THE DATE OF EXPIRATION (i.e., that you had the smog done within 90 days prior to the expiration date)? OR, is it OK as long as the smog certificate has not yet expired AS OF THE DATE YOU ARE SENDING IN YOUR RENEWAL? For example, my registration expires August 2, I get a smog check on April 1, and renew the registration on June 3. As of June 3, the smog certificate is still good and it should work unless the DMV requires that the smog certificate be good AS OF THE EXPIRATION DATE. Do you know the answer? The DMV website offered no information relative to this question.
Hello John. As long as your smog certificate is valid as specified on the document, you will be to renew your registration. Did you know that eTags offers vehicle registration renewals in California? Our online service will help you complete your renewal without having to arrange in-person visits to the DMV. If you have any question in regards to our service, please contact our Customer Support or call us at 1-800-633-5332. We are glad to assist you on this procedure.
Hi is this website as reliable as the dmv? Like will the CA dmv have the same information as you guys? I want to use the site but I don’t know if you are affiliated with the actual dmv system in CA
Hello Audrey. We are a licensed agency through the state of California. Our information about vehicle registration renewals and other DMV-related topics are always updated.
We also take great pride in providing an instant check of DMV fees, fast processing and exceptional customer support for those looking to renew their registration.
Our online service provides:
– A downloadable copy of the registration card, or eTag, available within minutes after the order is submitted.
– Multiple payment options including a flexible monthly payment plan option that still allows immediate renewal.
– Order status updates sent by email and available via our status page.
– Annual email reminders when it comes time to renew again.
– Notification of issues barring you from completing the registration renewal.
– A priority shipping option to anywhere within California, Arizona, and Nevada (no PO Boxes).
If you have any other questions, please feel free to call us at 1-800-633-5332. We are glad to assist you on this procedure.
What is required to have someone else renew your registration and get new sticker?
Hello Kim. If you need someone to renew your registration, you may use a power of attorney granting the person you’ve chosen the authority to complete this procedure on your behalf. You should contact your local DMV agency to ensure this procedure is allowed in your local state.
Great content very informative thanks for sharing this with us.
It’s a pleasure and feel free to check our other blogs for more information about registration, titles, and other informational car topics.