Top1) Determine the Status of Your Registration

You'll need to pay your registration renewal fees annually to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Renew CA Registration

To legally operate or park a vehicle on California roads, you must have a current registration. You must also provide proof of financial responsibility (for example, carry car insurance) before hitting the road. To compare quotes, visit our Insurance Center. To read more about your renewal options scroll down to the next section titled, "Check Your Renewal Notice".

Register a Vehicle in CA for the First Time

If your vehicle is either brand new or just new to the state, you’ll need to register it for the first time using info on our Car Registration page.

Register a Non-Operational Vehicle

You must file for non-operational (also referred to as non-op) status before your vehicle's current registration expires. Here's how:

1. On the yearly registration renewal notice sent to you by the DMV, check the appropriate box indicating you want the vehicle’s record to reflect non-operational status.
2. If you don't have your renewal form on hand, complete and submit a Certificate of Planned Non-Operation instead.
3. Mail the paperwork along with a check or money order covering the $17 Planned Non-Operation (PNO) fee to:


• Department of Motor Vehicles
• Registration Operations
• P.O. Box 942869
• Sacramento, CA 94269-0001

Top2) Check Your Renewal Notice

Each year you should receive a vehicle registration renewal notification in the mail. If the registration is within 60 days of expiration and you haven't received a renewal notice, or if you have lost the notification card, call (800) 777-0133.

On this notice you’ll see a Renewal Identification Number (RIN) if you are eligible to renew the registration online. This notice will also tell you whether smog certification is required. For more info, consult our page on smog requirements.

Top3) Calculate Your Fees

Your registration renewal fees are notated on the registration notification. If you have misplaced or have not received your notification card, call (800) 777-0133. You can also calculate your fees using the state site’s registration fee calculator. Registration fees are similar to car insurance rates in that the newer and more valuable the car, the more you must pay.

Avoid Late Fees and Penalties

California does not have a grace period for renewing your registration; late fees start―and continue―to accrue the day after the expiration date.

Keep in mind that even though the sticker on your license plate states the expiration month, your registration actually expires on the exact date listed on your current registration card. Stay on top of your registration renewal to avoid late fees and penalties.

Top4) Renew Online, In Person, or By Mail

Online

1. Have your Vehicle Renewal Billing Notice ready; this displays your Renewal Identification Number (RIN) necessary to use the state’s online renewal system. The DMV only assigns RINs to those vehicles eligible for online renewal. Eligible vehicles have their proof of insurance filed with the department―unless insurance is not required as with vessels or trailers.
2. Check the notice to find out if you must have smog certification filed with the DMV. If it is required and you have your car tested, you can still pay your registration fees online to avoid being late. For more info on state requirements and financial assistance programs, check our Smog & Emission Checks page.
3. Have your credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover) or ATM/debit card (Star, Nyce, Pulse, Accel) ready, or be prepared with a personal check to make an E-Check payment.
4. Visit the state site’s Online Registration Renewal page
5. Wait five business days for your sticker and registration to arrive in the mail.

In Person

1. To expedite the renewal process, bring your Vehicle Registration Renewal Notice. It provides info on fees you owe and whether you need to submit smog certification. If you don’t have this notice, call (800) 777-0133 for fee and smog info specific to your vehicle.
2. If the state requires you to obtain smog certification, visit our related section to read about the steps you’ll need to take to test your car. Keep in mind you can pay your registration fees before getting your car smog-tested in order to avoid late fees and penalties.
3. Be prepared to show the DMV proof of financial responsibility―especially if you know your car insurance company does not report to the DMV. If you are looking for a new policy or just want to compare quotes, visit our Insurance Center.
4. Make an appointment at the DMV.
5. On the day of your appointment bring the necessary paperwork and some form of acceptable payment. These include:
• ATM/debit card
• Cash
• Check
• Money order

NOTE: Credit cards are not accepted for in-person payments.

By Mail

1. Locate the renewal notification you received in the mail. This offers info on fees and smog requirements associated with your vehicle. If you don’t have one, you can still renew by mail, but you’ll need to call (800) 777-0133 to obtain these details.
2. Obtain smog certification (if necessary). For more info on smog-testing your car, visit our Smog & Emission Checks page.
3. Mail your paperwork, and a check or money order to:
• Department of Motor Vehicles
• P.O. Box 942869
• Sacramento, CA 94269-0001
4. If you don’t receive your sticker and registration within eight weeks, contact the DMV at (800) 777-0133.

Top5) Affix Your Stickers

Be sure to properly place your stickers on your plates by following the provided instructions.

Top6) Get a Tax Deduction

Once you renew your registration, consider deducting part of the registration fees from your income tax. Simply locate the annual Vehicle License Fee―the only deductible portion of the total amount―either on your Vehicle Registration Renewal Notice or your Validated Registration card. Note the Registration Fee, Weight Fee and County/District Fee are not tax deductible. For more details, see our Registration FAQs.

Consult a tax attorney for more information on this tax deduction or any other tax-related topics.

Top7) Do Your Part to Keep Our Roadways Safe

Driving safely and defensively is the first step. But how safe is your vehicle? Are you certain it’s in optimal running condition? Have you diligently kept up with its proper maintenance?

Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotation (or replacement), and tune-ups could reduce your chances of getting stranded―or worse, getting in an accident. It also doesn’t hurt to enroll in a roadside assistance program, purchase an after-market auto warranty, and find a mechanic you feel comfortable with.

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