Vehicle Registration Renewal in
California with eTags

Renew California Vehicle Registration Online

California drivers, renew car registration online. No lines, no headaches!

  • Instant registration fees check with a secure online checkout for different vehicle types including cars, trucks, and motorcycles
  • Option to pay California registration and service fees with any major credit card or via a 6-month payment plan with no interest
  • An immediately available digital copy that can be printed and used temporarily if selected
  • Comprehensive customer support by phone or email for any questions with the processing or shipment of your registration renewal

Registration Renewal Fees

In addition to a motor vehicle’s initial registration renewal fee, California residents may also be required to pay other fees before they can renew their registration. These fees can include:

  • Local county or district fees for special programs
  • Fees for specialty license plates (Specialty Equipment)
  • Vehicle license fee (VLF) at .65% the value of the vehicle
  • Delinquency fees for things like unpaid tickets and late renewal

If your vehicle has not been operated for over 90 days, you may file for a Planned Non-Operation. Additionally, you may be eligible for a tax deduction on your vehicle license fee (VLF) after you renew your registration. For more information about how California registration fees are calculated, please click here.

Registration Renewal for Fleets

Let eTags manage your vehicle services so you can run a safer, more productive, more compliant fleet. Big or small, we can renew registrations for all types of fleet sizes including cars, trucks, SUVs and more. eTags is 100% online, saving you 100% of the time with a dedicated log-in for zero hassles and zero downtime.

Renew registrations for all types of fleet sizes

Emission and Smog Testing

In the state of California, motor vehicles owners will be required to have their vehicle undergo an emission and smog test every other year. The registration renewal notice that you’ll receive in the mail will state whether or not your motor vehicle requires it on that renewal year. There are some vehicles that do not require smog testing or qualify for a smog exemption. They include:

  • Hybrids
  • Trailers
  • Electric vehicles
  • Motorcycles
  • Any vehicle made before 1975
  • Diesel vehicles made before 1997
  • Vehicles less than 6 years old and have paid a $20.00 abatement fee
  • Vehicles powered by natural gas that weigh more than 14,000 pounds
For more information about smog regulations for California registration, please visit the Smog Information page

Lost or Stolen Tags? California Replacements and Registrations

If your motor vehicle’s registration or tags got lost or stolen, you can conveniently order a replacement through eTags online. You can also fill out CA DMV Form REG 56 “Application For Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents” and mail it in to the address on the form or turn it in at your local DMV.