This is how to complete and renew your vehicle registration at the DMV in California. There are a few things that you should note when doing this. Firstly you will need to ensure that your current address is correct. If it is not then you must first correct your address before you renewed the vehicle registration. This I have explained below.
DMV Renew Vehicle Registration
Alright, so before you get started, make sure you’ve got a few key things handy: your license plate number, the last 5 digits of your vehicle’s VIN or HIN if it’s a boat, and your payment info. Remember, there’s an extra 1.95% fee for credit/debit card transactions, but if you’re paying directly from your bank account, no worries about that. Also, keep in mind that this process is just for registration renewal, not for Disabled Person Parking plates or placards. If you need to update your address, make sure you do it at least 3 days before renewal. See also other CA DMV on here.
Now, let’s talk about eligibility for renewing your registration online. You’re good to go if you have internet access, a valid credit card, debit card, or checking account, and you know the last 5 digits of your vehicle’s VIN or boat’s HIN. Plus, your vehicle needs to have insurance or be one of those exceptions like a trailer, and the DMV should already have smog certification info on file for your vehicle.
But if you’re missing any of those criteria, unfortunately, you won’t be able to renew online. Don’t worry though, there are other options available.
Once you’ve completed your online renewal, expect your new registration and sticker to arrive in the mail within 2 weeks. If you’re curious about processing times, you can check out the Vehicle Registration Renewals page for an estimate. And if you’ve changed your address recently, no problem – just make sure to update it online before renewing.
If you prefer to renew by mail, that’s totally fine. Most people can renew online, but if you choose to go the mail route, you can pay by check or card and avoid the stamp. Alternatively, you can call the DMV and renew over the phone, also saving on postage. If mailing is your preference and you’re okay with waiting, send your renewal to the provided address.
Now, why can’t everyone renew online? Well, sometimes the DMV needs specific documents, like insurance cards, on file to process your renewal online. And speaking of insurance, it does matter which company you’re using – you can only renew online if your insurance provider reports information electronically to the DMV.
If you’re not planning to use your vehicle this year, you can skip the renewal fee by applying for Planned Nonoperation online. But keep in mind, if you change your mind and decide to use your vehicle later on, you’ll have to pay full registration fees and any penalties for that year.
Got parking tickets to deal with? Make sure those are resolved before renewing online. If they’re still showing up on your DMV notice, handle your renewal by mail or in person, and if you want to challenge a ticket, you’ll need to sort that out with the court first.
And if you’re waiting on a check to clear, hold off on placing a stop payment. It might just be that the DMV is still processing your payment. If it’s been 8 weeks and your check still hasn’t cleared, give them a call.
Lost your certificates or stickers? No worries, just fill out the necessary forms and pay the fee to get those replaced.
So, whether you’re renewing online, by mail, or over the phone, that’s the rundown on getting your registration sorted.
