California Registration Renewal: A Guide

California Vehicle Registration Renewal Guide

If your vehicle registration is about to expire and you’re not sure how to get started with your renewal, eTags is here to help! Our handy California vehicle registration renewal guide covers exactly how to get updated tags with no hassle.

How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in California

First, in order to renew your car, truck, SUV, or motorcycle registration in California, you must meet the following requirements:

Emissions Standards

In California, most vehicles must pass an emissions evaluation, commonly referred to as a smog test. These tests should be done every two years, or whenever a car transfers ownership. Some vehicles, however, are exempt from smog testing before registration, and they are:

• Any vehicle manufactured before 1975
• Diesel vehicles manufactured before 1997
• Hybrid vehicles
• Electric vehicles (EVs)
• Motorcycles
• Trailers
• Natural gas-powered vehicles weighing over 14,000 pounds

If your vehicle is less than six years old, you can opt to pay a $20 abatement fee and bypass the smog certification.

Insurance Coverage

The state of California requires all drivers to hold insurance with the following coverage minimums:

• $30,000 of bodily injury/death coverage for one person
• $60,000 of bodily injury/death coverage for more than one person
• $15,000 for property damage

Fines and Tickets

Before renewing your registration, any outstanding fines and tickets against your vehicle will have to be resolved.

Late Fees

If life got in the way, and you weren’t able to renew your registration within the required period, please note that the DMV may collect late fees at the time of renewal.

Items Needed to Renew Your Registration

Once you are certain that you’ve met all the above requirements, you can start to gather the following necessary documents and info:

• Your current registration or renewal notice
• A valid California driver’s license
• The last 5 numbers of your VIN
• Proof of auto insurance
• Proof of smog certification

After these items are in order, you’re ready to renew your registration! There are four ways to go about renewing your vehicle registration in California: online, in person, by phone, or via mail:

How to Renew Your California Vehicle Registration Online

The easiest and fastest way to get your renewal done is online with eTags, by simply following these steps:

1. Visit us at eTags.com. Head to our registration renewal page and select California as your state for the drop-down menu.
2. Enter your information. Our system will prompt you to add personal information such as your insurance policy number, driver’s license number, and VIN.
3. Pay any fees: You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or bank withdrawal.
4. Print out temporary registration: Once your payment is accepted, you can download and print your temporary paper registration and place it in your car.
5. Await your new registration in the mail: In about a week, your official registration and tags will arrive.

How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration by Phone

1. Call the DMV. The California DMV’s phone number is 1-800-777-0133.
2. Provide all requested info. The answering service will request your driver’s license, insurance, and vehicle information.
3. Pay fees. The DMV allows you to pay with a card over the phone.
4. Wait for your registration to arrive. Your new tags and papers should arrive within one to two weeks of renewal.

How to Renew Your Registration by Mail

1. Review renewal notice. The notice you received from the DMV lists all the information you need to provide.
2. Mail relevant info and payment: Send copies of insurance documents and scans of your driver’s license along with a check for the required amount. If you prefer, you can fill out a form to pay using your credit or debit card.
3. Wait for your new tags: Your updated registration will arrive within two weeks. It’s a good idea to renew via mail at least three weeks before your registration expires, as postal delays may occur.

How to Renew Your Registration in Person

1. Schedule an appointment. California DMV locations are often busy, so it’s best to book an appointment if you plan to renew in person.
2. Bring all required documents. Bring your smog report, proof of insurance, plate number, VIN, and driver’s license. Your renewal notice should list any additional items you’ll need.
3. Pay any fees. When your name is called at the DMV, hand the representative any necessary documents and pay your fees with a check or card.
4. Receive your new registration: The representative will print your new registration and tags immediately.

And there you have them, folks: the quick and easy ways to renew your registration in the state of California. Remember, for all your tag and title needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for assistance, because as always, at eTags, we’re here to help!