California Vehicle Registration Renewal Process

Renewing your vehicle registration in California is essential to stay legal on the road and avoid costly penalties. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers multiple ways to renew registration, depending on the type of vehicle and your eligibility. Here’s everything you need to know about the renewal process, including documents needed, smog check rules, deadlines, and available methods.

When to Renew Your Registration

Vehicle registration in California must be renewed annually. The DMV typically mails a renewal notice about 60 days before your expiration date. This notice includes:

• Renewal fee amount
• Due date
• Smog certification requirement (if applicable)
• Insurance verification status
• Any outstanding citations or fees

Driving with an expired registration can lead to fines and impoundment. If you haven’t received your renewal notice, you can still renew using your license plate number, VIN, or by contacting the DMV directly.

How to Renew

There are four main ways to renew your vehicle registration:

Online

The fastest and most convenient method. You can renew at California DMV's official website.

You’ll need:

• License plate number
• Last 5 digits of the VIN
• Renewal notice or current registration
• Valid credit/debit card or bank account info

By Mail

Use the pre-addressed envelope included in your renewal notice or send the required documents and payment to:

DMV Renewal, P.O. Box 942897, Sacramento, CA 94269-0001

Include:

• Renewal notice or REG 156 (Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents)
• Check or money order payable to DMV
• Smog certificate (if required)

In Person

Visit a local DMV field office or DMV Now kiosk. Appointments are recommended. Bring:

• Renewal notice or current registration
• Valid ID
• Smog certificate (if needed)
• Payment

Auto Clubs

Members of the AAA can renew registration at participating Auto Club offices.

Smog Check Requirements

Most gasoline-powered vehicles over 8 years old require a biennial smog check. Your renewal notice will indicate if it’s required. If your car fails the smog test, you must resolve the issue before you can renew your registration.

For more on registration and emission rules, read How to Register Your Vehicle in California.

Fees and Late Penalties

Renewal fees vary based on:

• Vehicle type and weight
• County and city of residence
• Special license plates
• Unpaid parking or toll violations

If you renew late, penalties increase the longer you delay. You may face:

• Additional DMV late fees
• CHP (California Highway Patrol) penalties
• Potential vehicle impoundment

You can estimate your renewal fee using the DMV Fee Calculator.

Special Circumstances

Change of Address

You must update your address with the DMV before renewing. This can be done online or by submitting a DMV 14 form.

Non-Operational Vehicles

If you’re not using your vehicle, you can file for Planned Non-Operation (PNO) status to avoid registration fees, as long as you do so before the registration expiration.

Vehicle Ownership Transfers

If you recently purchased or sold a vehicle, read Transferring Vehicle Ownership in California to ensure proper documentation is filed before renewal.

Additional Resources

For more guidance on the renewal process, check out the official California DMV Registration Renewal Page or California Vehicle Registration Renewal Process.