Vehicle registration
How California registration renewal works, what makes up your fee, what happens if you're late, and when you need a smog check.
Statewide guides
How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in California
How to renew California vehicle registration online, by phone, mail, kiosk or in person, what the fee includes, late penalties and smog check rules.
Vehicle registrationCalifornia Smog Check Requirements: Who Needs One and When
Which California vehicles need a smog check at renewal or sale, who's exempt, which counties require it, and the 2027 San Joaquin Valley change.
Vehicle registration at a glance
California registration must be renewed every year. These guides explain how to renew, what makes up your fee, what happens if you pay late, and when your car needs a smog check. We're an independent guide, so always renew on the official site, dmv.ca.gov.
| Item | Rule | Guide link |
|---|---|---|
| Renewal notice | Sent about three months before your registration expires | Renew registration |
| Base fees | $76 registration fee and $34 CHP fee, plus a Vehicle License Fee of 0.65% of the vehicle's value | Renew registration |
| Late penalties | Start the day after expiration, from 10% of the Vehicle License Fee and weight fee plus $10 and $10 (1–10 days late) up to 160% plus $100 and $100 (more than 2 years) | Renew registration |
| Smog check at renewal | Every two years for most gas vehicles in covered counties | Smog check rules |
| Smog transfer fee | $8, paid by the buyer of a non-diesel vehicle four or fewer model years old | Smog check rules |
| Smog certificate for a sale | Valid for 90 days | Smog check rules |
Where to start
- If you need to renew, understand your fee total or work out a late penalty, read how to renew your vehicle registration.
- If you need to know whether your car needs a smog check, or who pays for one when you sell, read California smog check requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can I renew my registration before my smog check is done?
Yes. You can pay your fees on time, and you should if the deadline is close. Paying avoids late penalties.
DMV won't finalize the renewal until it receives your smog certification. The station sends results to DMV electronically.
Do newer cars need a smog check in California?
Not at renewal. Gasoline vehicles less than eight model years old are exempt. They pay a smog abatement fee with registration instead.
Electric vehicles and gas vehicles from 1975 or earlier are also exempt. Your renewal notice says whether a check is due.
Why can't I renew my registration online?
The most common reason is insurance. Online renewal only works if your insurance company reports electronically to DMV. If DMV needs to see a document, such as an insurance card, you'll have to renew another way, like at a DMV office.