To renew your vehicle registration in California, you can use any of the following methods:
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Online: You can renew your registration online through the California DMV website. Before you begin, make sure you have your license plate number, the last 5 digits of your vehicle identification number (VIN), and a renewal notice confirming your current address. You will also need your payment information, and all credit/debit card transactions include an additional 1.95% payment processing fee.
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Assisted Online Renewal: This option is designed for more complex transactions that would normally require a DMV Field Office visit. You may need to enable third-party cookies in your browser settings for this application. Gather the following documents: current vehicle registration renewal notice, smog inspection certification (if needed), and proof of insurance. If the renewal notice does not have the correct address, complete a change of address online and allow 3 business days for processing before completing your registration renewal.
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In Person: You can renew your registration in person at a local DMV field office. Be sure to bring a copy of your CA registration renewal notice or your current vehicle registration, your California driver license, proof of car insurance, and payment for applicable CA registration renewal fees. If you have any outstanding traffic tickets, you must resolve these debts with the court before the DMV will process your renewal. If you did not receive a renewal notice, contact your local DMV office to verify your address on file.
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By Mail: If you receive a renewal notice from the DMV, you can mail out a check or money order to the DMV directly. You will need to include your renewal notice, payment, and proof of insurance if the DMV does not have your vehicle insurance information on file. The drawback to this option is that it could take weeks before you receive your auto tag.
To renew your registration, you will need to have the following:
- Your annual registration renewal notice or your plate number and VIN number or old registration.
- Your payment information.
- Proof of insurance.
- Smog inspection certification, if needed.
- Proof of car insurance on file with the DMV.
- Payment for applicable CA registration renewal fees.
If the renewal notice does not have the correct address, complete a change of address online and allow 3 business days for processing before completing your registration renewal.
