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.
156 comments
In the FAQ information above it says renewal can be done 60 days prior to expiration but in the comments above you said:
“AUGUST 10, 2020 AT 6:59 PM
Registration fees can only be posted 75 days in advance of the expiration date…”
I’m Pretty sure 75 days is correct…is that a mistake in the FAQ?
hey there, there’s a variety of variables/factors that affect that 60 or 75 days. Vehicle owners may renew vehicle registration or file a planned nonoperation (PNO) up to 75 days prior to the registration expiration date. But the DMV has to send you notice 6o days before.
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/vehicle-industry-registration-procedures-manual-2/renewals/registration-renewal-notices/
My registration expires on December 6, 2020. My lease expires the same day. I will be turning the car in a a week or two before this date and don’t need a renewed registration. How do I inform the Califronia DMV of this?
contact https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/
Bought a 1979 Pontiac in 2018 and it was last registered in CA in 1997 owes like 800 in fees anyway I can get some slack or discount.
Please contact a DMV field office manager for any type fee waivers. These waivers are provided at the discretion of a supervisor only.
Could I drive if I have paid the renew of the registration, but I still didn’t get the sticker ?
I paid the fee on Aug 13.
If you renewed with etags you can download your digital registration e-tag and use temporarily, until you get it in mail. Check your status for it.
I payed my registration fee online at the dmv website but I still need to smog my vehicle and stated that I had 2 weeks starting on the day I made the payment to get it smogged, the 2 weeks passed and I didn’t smog it. What are the consequences?
Please contact the DMV for details on your specific situaiton.
I received a delinquent renewal for car registration but I had already turned the leased car into the dealership prior to the registration expiring. How do I resolve this issue?
it’s best to contact your local tax collectors office
I recently changed my car’s garaged address (not where I live anymore). When it come’s time to renew, will my tags still be sent to my home address or the garaged address?
Typically, it should be sent to the address the DMV has on file, connected to the address on your current registration. When it’s time to renew again, should you want it shipped to a different address than what’s on your registration, you can register online at http://www.etags.com/app/ca?utm_source=blogquestion. eTags has both a mailing and shipping address field.
A month ago I sold car A with vanity plates and held onto the plates. I bought new car B, and the dealer requested new sequential plates for me (I couldn’t back out of this). I then immediately submitted the form to transfer my vanity plates from previous car A to car B, noting that I didn’t yet know the sequential plate number for B.
Surprisingly this worked, and I just received both the sequential plates (+ registration card) and the (slightly newer) registration card for the vanity plates for the new car.
My question: what do I do with the sequential plates? Destroy them or try to send them back?
License plates should be surrendered to a DMV or AAA for proper destruction.
Hi, I just bought a vehicle like four months ago and I almost paid $500 to the dmv so my registration is going to be expired on October this year but they registered to my name for this same year, my question is why the dmv didn’t renew my tag until next year instead of this year, thanks
Registration fees can only be posted 75 days in advance of the expiration date. The dealership transferred your vehicle and charged the appropriate fees.
Hello, I refinanced my car in 2018 and paid license plate fees at dealership. Since then I haven’t received a renewal notice from the DMV. I have 2 cars and i have been paying my license plates on time. I didn’t know/notice that the DMV hadn’t been sending me the renewal notices for the car i refinanced until I was stopped by the police this year 2020 for expired tags. If he hadn’t pulled me I wouldn’t have noticed all this. Why did the DMV stop sending me renewal notices since I refinanced? I can’t pay my plates online bcs of late fees.
Please contact the DMV to find out why you have not been receiving renewal notices in the mail.
I will be shipping & selling my car to a family member in Arizona next month (August), the CA registration is due Sep. 2. Do I go ahead and pay for it or let them do it when they receive it in Arizona? Would they be covered for any length of time with a CA license plate?
If the vehicle will no longer be in CA prior to the registration expiration date, you will not need to pay CA registration. You will need to submit a release of liability form available on CADMV.GOV. You will need to contact AZ MVD in regards to how long the new owners have to transfer vehicle in state and if they accept CA tags.
I paid for my new registration for 2021 Aug 19 20 20. I have the authorization number.
When do I received it?
Pls resend your complete questions with an order id number or license plate
I’m moving out of state on the day my registration expires. Do I have to renew before I leave?
yes you do.
I need help! Trying to get rid of my 20 year old truck. It has been sitting on my driveway for 11 1/2 years non operational the whole time. City wants it gone. I can’t find the title, or registration and no key. I filed for non op in 2009 but never heard anything from the dmv. So junk yards are saying no key, no title, no registration no problem but they are lying!!! I need a quick way to prove ownership but my truck isn’t in the system what do I do? Apparently after a few years your car disappears from the system? Please i need help asap! Thank you.
A vehicle falls off record after 5 years of not being registered. If you have no ownership documentation then you must re-register the vehicle. This includes a Vin Verification and registration fees. If a junk yard is willing to remove the vehicle as is, I would probably let them.
So I just received a registration notice for a vehicle currently on file with the DMV as a non operational vehicle (I do not own, have in my possession, & have not placed on a non operational status) this notice came about a week ago. I am not sure how to proceed now with the DMVs being closed and not taking new appointments. I do not want this car in my name and have not received a notice for this vehicle before. But according to the DMV documents I have found in order to have a release of liability or transfer of Title you need a “new owners” name and address and proof of sale.
I would recommend contacting DMV by phone or the CA,DMV.Gov website. The only document provided by the DMV to release responsibility is the release of liability. You can submit it with any information you have, it will still get filed.
If you pay registration early(due at the end of august but wanting to pay in July) does the the 12 month registration period reset? As in the following years registration would be due in July?
No. Your registration renewal date will never change for any reason.
I purchased a used vehicle 11/3/2019. My dealership paper plates expired at the end of February and the dealership had to find my plates from the DMV and rush them to me. It literally took from 11/3/19 to 2/29/20 to get my plates. Part of what I paid in my cash down was for the registration. Got my plates and the registration is due in August? Why am I expected to pay my registration 4 months earlier than when I took possession of the vehicle? What was the registration/transfer/titling fee I paid for at the dealership for anyway if it doesn’t cover a years registration on the car?
Vehicle registration dates do not change due to transfer of ownership. You most likely paid for delinquent registration fees that made the vehicle current until 08/2020. The dealership is not responsible for registration fees. The new owner is responsible for registration fees upon purchase and registration.
I bought a Piaggio scooter and I am getting handicap license and I already paid for registration add a new pink slip which I have not received all three of them yet oh, what can I do
We advise you to go back to the place you purchased the scooter to follow-up with the transaction as eTags can’t assist you in this case. You can also contact the CA DMV.
I purchased a vehicle out of state and the tags are expired by over 3 years. When i register the car in CA in my name do i have to pay all the 3 years of unpaid reg?
CA will only collect fees due for CA. Current reg fess and tax may be applicable.
Last year I cleared a suspension on my registration through my auto insurance & paid registration fees with DMV, but did not complete the smog requirement and I also have an unpaid ticket, therefore I never received my tags. I can’t remember if I need to do a STAR, Test Only or Standard smog. What is the fastest way to complete registration this year?
You will need to complete your renewal at a DMV field office. Due to the incomplete transaction on file you won’t be eligible for online or kiosk renewals. You will also need to contact DMV to determine what smog is required.
When I received my plates it did not have month or year stickers. I waited 2 months and still no stickers. I paid for new stickers and I received only the year. How do I get the month sticker?
The DMV will give you a free month sticker if provide a valid registration card.
I bought a used Kia Van from a dealer in Dover Delaware the middle of April. I got the van Maryland inspected and sent all the information to the dealer who sent in to get new tags and Registration. I still haven’t received my new tags and registration. I’m on my second set of temporary tags. I have called the car dealer numerous times. All they tell me was all the paper work was sent/ filed to MVA. Who or where can I contact to check on my new tags.
Try contacting the MVA directly. Things may take a little longer than usual due to COVID-19. Many DMVs were closed or are only open for people with appointments.
I no longer own a car that is now inoperable, but I still got a notice that I needed to renew my registration. Can I just ignore it, or what?
You want to make sure that the transfer was taken place, to take it out of your name. (You will continue to get registration notices in the mail until this takes place.) Also you can go onto the DMV website to do a release of liability as well to protect yourself.
I I buy a ride who owe on tags do I have to pay or can I just go to the DMV and get tags in my name. As new owner without paying someone else’s owed fees?
The owner is responsible for any late fees due at the time of the transfer.
I never received my annual registration renewal form, or it was lost in the mail. I just received a notice that I am late paying the registration, and now have to pay a late fee of $236 in addition to the registration fee. Due to Covid-19 the DMV is not taking phone calls, and I can’t find anything on their website. I want to renew my registration but would like the fee to be waived. Do you have any suggestion on how to sort this out?