What You Need to Know Before You Start

California vehicle registration renews on the date printed on your registration card, not on your birthday. You can renew starting 60 days before that date, and you have a grace period of up to 30 days after it expires — but driving on an expired registration is illegal and can result in a citation. The California DMV offers three ways to renew: online at dmv.ca.gov, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

Online renewal is the fastest option and works for most vehicles. You will need your registration card, proof of current insurance, and a payment method. If your vehicle requires a smog check, you must complete that before renewing — the DMV will not process your renewal without it.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online, by mail, or in person starting 60 days before your registration expires.
  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and you receive your new registration card by mail within two to three weeks.
  • If your vehicle requires a smog check, you must complete it before the DMV will process your renewal.
  • Renewing online costs less than renewing in person because you avoid the service fee charged at DMV offices.
  • If your address, vehicle information, or insurance has changed, you may need to renew by mail or in person instead.

Renewing Online at dmv.ca.gov

Online renewal is available 24 hours a day and is the least expensive option. Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Register a Vehicle" from the menu, then choose "Renew Registration." You will be asked to enter your license plate number or vehicle identification number (VIN), your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your registration record.

Review all the information on your registration card to make sure it matches what appears on the screen. If your address, vehicle information, or insurance company has changed, stop here — you cannot make those changes online and must renew by mail or in person instead. If everything is correct, proceed to payment. The DMV accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You will receive a confirmation number by email when ready, and your new registration card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

Online renewal does not include the $1.50 service fee that DMV offices charge, so you pay only the registration renewal fee itself. Check your confirmation email for the exact amount charged and the expected delivery date of your new card.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal is the option to use if you cannot renew online because your information has changed, or if you prefer not to use the internet. The DMV will mail you a renewal notice 60 days before your registration expires. This notice includes a form you can sign and return with payment and proof of insurance.

Do not wait for the renewal notice to arrive — you can request the renewal form from dmv.ca.gov or call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133. Include a check or money order made payable to "Department of Motor Vehicles," your current proof of insurance, and the signed renewal form. Mail everything to the address printed on the form. Processing by mail takes four to six weeks, so send your renewal at least six weeks before your registration expires to avoid driving on an expired registration.

If your vehicle requires a smog check, you must include proof that it passed before mailing your renewal. The DMV will not process your renewal without it.

Renewing in Person at a DMV Office

Visit a DMV office if you need to change your address, update your vehicle information, or if you cannot renew online or by mail. Bring your registration card, proof of current insurance, your driver's license or ID, and payment. If your vehicle requires a smog check, bring proof that it passed.

Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. You can check the current wait time for your local office on dmv.ca.gov before you go. In-person renewal includes a $1.50 service fee in addition to your registration renewal fee. You will receive your new registration card by mail within two to three weeks; the DMV does not issue registration cards on the spot.

Smog Check Requirements

Vehicles in California must pass a smog check every two years, and the check must be current before you can renew your registration. Your vehicle is due for a smog check if it has not passed one in the last two years. The renewal notice the DMV sends you will indicate whether your vehicle requires a smog check.

You can get a smog check at any Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) certified smog station. The test costs between $30 and $50 depending on your vehicle type. Once your vehicle passes, the smog station will send the results to the DMV electronically, or you will receive a paper certificate to include with your renewal. Do not renew your registration until the smog check is complete — the DMV will reject your renewal if the check is not on file.

Some vehicles are exempt from smog checks, including vehicles that are less than four years old, diesel vehicles registered for the first time, and vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating over 14,000 pounds. Check your renewal notice or dmv.ca.gov to confirm whether your vehicle is exempt.

What to Do If Your Registration Has Expired

If you miss the 30-day grace period and your registration is now expired, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. Bring your registration card, proof of current insurance, and payment to a DMV office, or mail the same documents to the address on your renewal notice.

Driving with an expired registration can result in a citation and a fine. If you are stopped by law enforcement, explain that you are in the process of renewing. Some officers will issue a citation; others may issue a warning if you can show proof that you have begun the renewal process. The safest approach is to renew before your registration expires or within the 30-day grace period.

Insurance and Registration Changes

Your proof of insurance must be current on the date you renew. If your insurance has lapsed or you have switched insurance companies, update your policy before you renew your registration. The DMV verifies insurance information electronically when you renew online, so if there is a gap in coverage, your renewal will be rejected.

If you have changed your address, vehicle information (such as a new paint color or engine), or the vehicle's primary use, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person so the DMV can update your registration record. Bring documentation of the change — for example, a bill showing your new address, or a receipt if you have made modifications to your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to renew my registration?

Registration renewal fees vary based on your vehicle's value, weight, and type. The DMV will show you the exact fee before you complete your online renewal. In-person renewal includes an additional $1.50 service fee. Mail renewal does not include a service fee.

Can I renew my registration if my license is suspended or expired?

Yes, your driver's license status does not affect your ability to renew your vehicle registration. However, you cannot legally drive the vehicle if your license is suspended or expired, regardless of whether your registration is current.

What if I lose my registration card before it arrives in the mail?

You can request a replacement registration card from dmv.ca.gov or at a DMV office. There is a small fee for a replacement card. You can also print a temporary registration document from dmv.ca.gov if you need proof of registration while you wait for your card to arrive.

Can I renew my registration if I have unpaid parking tickets or traffic violations?

Unpaid parking tickets do not prevent you from renewing your registration. However, some traffic violations or court-ordered suspensions may affect your ability to renew. If your renewal is rejected, contact the DMV or the court that issued the violation to find out what needs to be resolved.

What happens if I renew online but my vehicle does not pass the smog check?

If you renew online and then fail a smog check, your registration is still valid. However, you must pass the smog check before your next renewal. If you fail a smog check before renewing, do not submit your renewal until the vehicle passes.