Registration FAQs

I just moved to California. How soon must I register my vehicle?

Within 20 days of moving here, you must register your vehicle. The State of California defines establishing residency as living or working in California; students and military may be exempt if they keep nonresident status.

I just bought a vehicle. Must I register it right away?

When you purchase a vehicle, you must transfer the title and register the vehicle within 10 days. When you sell a vehicle, you must notify the California DMV of ownership transfer within five days.

How do I register my vehicle in California?

If your vehicle has never been registered here, you'll need to make an appointment at your local Department of Motor Vehicles office. There, you'll need to:

• Fill out an Application for Title or Registration.

• Give the DMV your out-of-state title and registration.

• Present a California smog certificate and a mileage certification.

• Allow your vehicle's VIN to be verified.

• Pay all applicable fees.

How much does it cost?

Fees vary according to the type of vehicle; the estimated value of the vehicle; the year, make, and model of the vehicle; and the county in which you live. Fees for late registration may also be assessed.

The DMV's cool registration fee calculator allows you to estimate your registration fees. The calculator works for new and used cars, as well as for cars being transferred to California from another state.

How can I change my address on my vehicle registration?

Whenever your address changes, you have 10 days to notify the DMV. Do it online or by mail, using a change of address notification. Send it to:

• DMV Change of Address

• P.O. Box 942859

• Sacramento, CA 94259-0001

Or, drop it off at any DMV office.

How can I renew my registration?

You must renew your registration annually. For some cars, a smog inspection is required every other year, too. Registration renewals can be conducted at any DMV office, and online. You can renew your registration online as long as:

• The DMV has sent you a special renewal ID number (RIN) through the mail.

• You haven't moved since the last renewal.

• You have proof of insurance on file with the DMV.

• Your smog certification is on file with the DMV.

• You can pay with a credit card.

What if I don't receive my registration renewal and stickers?

If it's been eight weeks since you submitted the renewal paperwork and you haven't received your new registration card or stickers, call the DMV at (800) 777-0133 between 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. If you mailed all the paperwork off before your expiration date, you won't be charged any late fees, and you can still legally drive on your old registration until the new one arrives.

If you renewed online, you'll be able to print a receipt that you can keep in your car until the stickers arrive.

How do I get a replacement registration?

Complete an Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents. Submit the application along with the replacement fee and, if applicable, the damaged registration card to:

• Department of Motor Vehicles

• P.O. Box 942869

• Sacramento, CA 94269-0001

How do I apply for a duplicate title?

Fill out the Application for Duplicate Title form. Submit this, the duplicate title fee, and, if applicable, the damaged title to:

• Department of Motor Vehicles

• Registration Operations

• P.O. Box 942869 MS E254

• Sacramento, CA 94269-0001

How do I obtain replacement registration stickers?

If you only need the month sticker, simply go to your local DMV. It's free. For faster service, you should make an appointment. If you need a new sticker for the year, you'll have to complete an Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents and submit it with the correct fee to your local DMV. Or you can mail it to:

• Department of Motor Vehicles

• P.O. Box 942869

• Sacramento, CA 94269-0001

Do I have to renew the registration on my nonoperable vehicle?

Yes. Filing for nonoperational status must be done before your vehicle's current registration runs out. There is a box to check on the yearly registration renewal form that the DMV sends out. Check the box and return the form with a $17 Planned Nonoperational fee.

If you don't have a renewal form, you can fill out a Certificate of Planned Nonoperation and mail it in with the $17.

Can I deduct the Vehicle License Fee on my income tax?

Yes, but only the Vehicle License Fee; the state does not consider your entire registration fee a tax deduction. Look on either your renewal notice or your registration card for the list of fees; you'll find the Vehicle License Fee. If you don't have either one, use the DMV's Fee Calculator.

If you don't know how to make the deduction, please consult a tax professional.

I'd like to buy a hybrid vehicle. Are there any tax breaks?

Yes. The IRS allows purchasers of new hybrid vehicles (put into use after December 31, 2005 and purchased on or before December 31, 2010) to get a credit. Check out the IRS information page, which tells you how much you qualify for.

Where can I get more information?

This list of handy links will give you all the registration details you need―and more:

• How to Register Your Car

• Registering Your Boat

• Motorcycle Registration

• Smog Checks

• Registration Forms

• Personalized License Plates

• Auto Insurance

• DMV Registration FAQs

• Nonoperable Vehicles