Registration Renewal FAQs

You cannot renew your registration online if you do not:

Vehicle registration fees can be paid online, however registration is not complete if the vehicle requires a smog certificate or proof of insurance.

I’m renewing my registration online. Does it matter which browser I’m using? plus minus

We recommend you use the latest version of one of these web browsers:

Your browser should have JavaScript turned on to make sure the DMV website loads properly.

If you have problems with the browser you are using, try a different one from the list above. If you continue to have problems, you can contact our Technical Support.

If I renew online, how long will it take for me to get my updated registration and registration sticker in the mail? plus minus

Your new registration and sticker will be mailed to you within 2 weeks.

You can also review current renewal processing times on the Vehicle Registration Renewals page for an estimate of how long it will take for your registration to arrive in the mail.

Can I renew online if I have changed my address? plus minus

Yes, you can. However, you need to change your address online before you try to renew your registration online.

To make sure that your new registration is mailed to your updated address, make sure you wait 3 business days between changing your address online and renewing your registration so the system can update your information.

I want to renew my registration by mail. Is that ok? plus minus

Most customers can renew their registration online. You can even pay by check or card and save the stamp!

You can also call us and renew over the phone at 1-800-777-0133 – also saving a stamp.

And if you must renew by mail and have time to wait you can mail to:

DMV Renewal
PO Box 942897
Sacramento, CA 94269-0001

Why can’t everyone renew their registration online? plus minus

Sometimes you need to share certain documents with DMV, like an insurance card. You can’t renew online in that case because DMV needs to have that information on file in order to process your renewal online.

I want to renew my registration online. Does it matter which insurance company I’m using? plus minus

Yes. You can only renew online if your insurance company electronically reports information to DMV.

I don’t plan to drive my vehicle this year. Do I still have to pay a renewal fee? plus minus

No. If you do not plan to use your vehicle this year, but you plan to store it somewhere, you need to apply for Planned Nonoperation online. Then you will have to pay the PNO filing fee.

After you apply for PNO, if you decide to operate your vehicle or park it somewhere where it could get a parking ticket, then you need to pay full vehicle registration fees and penalties for that year.

What if I already paid my parking citation fees? plus minus

You have to pay or settle all parking tickets before renewing your registration online.

If those parking citations still appear on the renewal notice you get from DMV, you should complete your renewal by mail or on site at a DMV location.

If you want to challenge your parking ticket, you need to resolve that with the court. Once the court clears your parking ticket, submit your clearance paper with your renewal notice by mail or at a DMV location.

I mailed my renewal fees several weeks ago, but my check hasn’t cleared. What do I do? plus minus

If you have paid your renewal fees but your check has not cleared, do not place a stop payment on your check. The department might still be processing your payment.

If it has been 8 weeks since you renewed your registration, but your check still has not cleared, please contact DMV at 1-800-777-0133.

I paid my registration fees, but my vehicle failed smog certification / I haven’t paid my parking tickets. Is my registration still valid? plus minus

Even if you pay your registration fees, if your vehicle does not meet other requirements (like smog certification or outstanding parking tickets), your registration will not be renewed. In this case, you have to pay your parking tickets or get your smog certification before you can renew your registration.

What do I need to do if I'm moving out of state, but the vehicle registered to me will continue to be registered in California? plus minus

You need to report your change of address to DMV within 10 days of moving.

You can change your address online to notify DMV of a change of residence or mailing address for your vehicle, vessel, driver’s license, or identification card records.

I’m underage and I don’t have a driver's license. Can I still register a vehicle? plus minus

No. According to the law, any minor who does not have a valid driver’s license cannot order, buy, lease, or receive any vehicle as a gift. (California Vehicle Code (CVC) §15500)

How Do I Replace Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Certificates or Stickers? plus minus

If your California Certificate of Ownership is stolen or damaged, you can submit a completed Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) and pay a duplicate fee.

If you lost the registration card or sticker, you can submit a completed Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, Documents (REG 156) to replace the lost certificates and/or stickers and the appropriate fee.

You can submit these forms to DMV by mail or in person at a DMV office.

Need something else?

Renew Your Registration Online

If you are eligible, why not skip the line and renew online?

Registration Fees

Look up fees, or use one of our handy calculators to estimate your registration costs.

Insurance Requirements

Insurance (a.k.a. financial responsibility) is required to register a vehicle – are you prepared?