Everything You Need to Know: California Car Registration Renewal

If you own a car in California, you must renew your car registration before the expiration date. California car registration renewal proves your ownership of the vehicle and that you are carrying the appropriate insurance. It’s also useful when you want to transfer ownership or sell your car.

The California State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires this for all vehicles registered in the state. However, going to the DMV is a tedious and time-consuming affair. Long queues, lack of information, and lack of online services make it even harder.

Most people loath the horrible DMV experience and would rather go for a root canal than visit the DMV. Fortunately, there are online services that will help you renew your car registration without visiting the DMV. Read on to learn how you can get a California car registration renewal without visiting the DMV.

How to Renew Your Car Registration in California

After your car registration expires, you will receive a notification from the DMV that your car registration renewal is due. Failure to renew the registration will result in hefty fines and fees. Before renewing your car registration, ensure you have your license plate number, the last five digits of your vehicle identification number (VIN), a renewal notice, and your payment information. Here is how you can renew your car registration in California on your own:

1. Log in to the official California DMV website.
2. Click on the “Online Registration Renewal” link on the screen.
3. Enter the license plate, the five last digits of your vehicle identification number, renewal notice, and your payment details.
4. Your registration renewal will be processed and mailed to you.

You can also renew your car registration in person at any DMV location or by mail. This process is more time-consuming, and you will have to visit the DMV in person. You will have to wait 3-4 weeks for your registration renewal to be mailed to you.

How Much Does It Cost to Renew Your Car Registration?

There are several fees you are required to pay when renewing your vehicle registration. The car registration renewal cost depends on your vehicle type, purchase price, county or city you live in, purchase date, and any violations like unpaid parking or toll evasion.

Fee Type Cost:

• Registration – $46
• California Highway Patrol – $28
• Vehicle License – 0.65% of the vehicle’s value
• County Fees – $7 – $47
• Smog Abatement Fee – $25

What Do I Need to Renew My Car Registration in California?

The California DMV requires you to renew your car’s registration every year. The DMV will send you a vehicle registration renewal notice before the expiration date. The notice will have all the required information, including your vehicle information, license plate number, registration renewal fees, and late renewal penalty fee information. You just need to ensure that you have the following when you are registering your vehicle:

• Renewal notice/ current registration certificate
• Valid CA driver’s license
• Your plate number and VIN
• Auto insurance card
• Annual smog

How Often Do You Need to Renew Your Car Registration in California?

The DMV requires you to renew your car registration in California every year. You will receive a renewal notice before your car registration’s expiration date. Note, the DMV offers no grace period for paying your annual car registration fees.

Any late renewal will attract a penalty fee determined by adding a percentage of the car’s license fee, plus a registration late fee and a California Highway Patrol (CHP) late fee.

How to Renew Your Car Registration in California With the Help Of DoNotPay

Car registration is an unpleasant yet necessary requirement in California. Failure to renew your car registration on time results in hefty fines and penalties. But this doesn’t have to be challenging with DoNotPay.

If you want to renew your car registration but don’t know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered in 5 easy steps:

1. Go to the Renew Car Registrations product on DoNotPay.
2. Answer a few questions about your current vehicle, including the license plate number, vehicle identification number, make and model, etc.
3. Verify your identity with a state driver’s license and registration documents.
4. Decide how long you want to extend the renewal for (if your state offers multiple options).
5. Pay the registration fee (or let us automatically calculate it if you aren’t sure).

DoNotPay can help you get your car registration renewed across all 50 states below:

Why Use DoNotPay for California Car Registration Renewal?

Using DoNotPay for your car registration renewal has distinct characteristics, including:

Fast. There are no time-consuming processes involved. Provide only the required details and have your car registration renewal processed quickly.

Easy. You don’t have to struggle to file long, tedious forms and the many passwords when logging in to the DMV. Just provide car registration renewal requirements, and DoNotPay will take care of the rest.

Successful. You can rest easy knowing we will do everything possible to help you register your car.

What Else Can DoNotPay Do?

Helping you renew your car registration is just one of many things DoNotPay can help your readers with. DoNotPay can also help you with the following:

• File dispute seatbelt tickets
• Book DMV appointments
• Appeal parking tickets
• Help with