Key takeaways
- You can renew online, by phone, by mail, at a DMV Now kiosk or in an office once you receive your renewal notice, sent about three months before the due date.
- Your total combines a $76 registration fee, a $34 CHP fee, a Vehicle License Fee of 0.65% of the vehicle's value, a value-based Transportation Improvement Fee and county fees.
- Late penalties start the day after your expiration date and grow from 10% to 160% of certain fees, so renew on time even if your smog check isn't done yet.
California registration must be renewed every year. The DMV mails (or emails) a renewal notice about three months before your registration expires. It shows your total fee and whether you need a smog check.
If you renew online, use only the official site, dmv.ca.gov. The DMV warns about lookalike sites that charge unnecessary fees. We're an independent guide and can't renew for you.
Five ways to renew
| Method | What you need | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Last 5 digits of your VIN; insurance that reports electronically to DMV | Available as soon as you get your notice |
| Phone | Your renewal notice | 1-800-777-0133 |
| Notice plus check or money order | DMV Renewal, PO Box 942897, Sacramento, CA 94269-0001 | |
| DMV Now kiosk | Renewal notice or current registration card; card at all kiosks, cash at DMV offices and some retail locations | In DMV offices and some grocery stores. Cards carry a 1.95% service fee |
| DMV office | Notice, payment, any smog certificate | Book an appointment to avoid long waits |
What makes up your fee
The DMV's fee schedule lists these main parts (all fees can change by law):
- Registration fee: $76, which includes a $3 alternative fuel and technology fee.
- California Highway Patrol (CHP) fee: $34.
- Vehicle License Fee (VLF): 0.65% of the vehicle's purchase price or value. It drops over the first 11 renewal years.
- Transportation Improvement Fee, based on value:
| Vehicle value | Fee |
|---|---|
| $0–$4,999 | $33 |
| $5,000–$24,999 | $66 |
| $25,000–$34,999 | $132 |
| $35,000–$59,999 | $198 |
| $60,000 and up | $231 |
- Road Improvement Fee: $121 for zero-emission vehicles of model year 2020 or newer.
- County or district fees: vary by county.
Use the DMV's fee calculator on dmv.ca.gov for your exact total.
Late penalties
Penalties apply if you pay after the expiration date. Each step adds a percentage of the Vehicle License Fee and weight fee, plus flat registration and CHP late fees:
| How late | Penalty |
|---|---|
| 1–10 days | 10%, plus $10 + $10 |
| 11–30 days | 20%, plus $15 + $15 |
| 31 days to 1 year | 60%, plus $30 + $30 |
| 1–2 years | 80%, plus $50 + $50 |
| More than 2 years | 160%, plus $100 + $100 |
Tip: pay your fees on time even if your smog check isn't done. Paying avoids penalties, and DMV finalizes the renewal once the smog certification is received.
Worked example: renewing 15 days late
Say your registration expires on March 31 and you pay on April 15. That's 15 days late, so the 11–30 days row applies:
- a penalty of 20% of your Vehicle License Fee and weight fee;
- a $15 registration late fee; and
- a $15 CHP late fee.
For illustration only: if your Vehicle License Fee and weight fee together came to $200, the 20% penalty would be $40. Add the two $15 flat fees and you'd owe $70 on top of your normal renewal total. Had you paid by April 10 (10 days late), the 10% row would apply instead: $20 plus $10 and $10, or $40. Your own numbers depend on your vehicle, so check the DMV's fee calculator.
When you need a smog check
Your renewal notice says whether a smog check is required. Most gasoline vehicles need one every two years in the counties covered by the program. Newer vehicles and electric vehicles are exempt. See California smog check requirements.
Not driving the car this year?
If the car will be off public roads for the whole registration year, you can file Planned Non-Operation (PNO) online for a much smaller fee instead of renewing.
Renewal checklist
- Read your renewal notice. Check the total and whether it says a smog check is required.
- Get the smog check early if one is due, at a BAR-licensed station. The station sends results to DMV electronically.
- Confirm your insurance reports to DMV. Online renewal only works if your insurer reports electronically. If DMV asks for a document such as an insurance card, you'll need to renew another way.
- Pick your method: online, phone, mail, kiosk or office.
- Pay before the expiration date, even if the smog check is still pending.
- Keep your receipt until your new card and sticker arrive.
Frequently asked questions
Can I renew my registration if my smog check isn't done?
Yes, you can pay your renewal fees before the smog check is done, and you should if the deadline is close. Paying on time avoids late penalties.
DMV won't finalize the renewal until it receives the smog certification. See smog check requirements to find out whether your car needs one.
How early can I renew my car registration in California?
You can renew as soon as you receive your renewal notice. DMV sends it about three months before your registration expires, by mail or by email if you signed up for paperless notices.
Why can't I renew my registration online?
The most common reason is insurance. You can only renew online if your insurance company reports electronically to DMV. If DMV needs to see a document, such as an insurance card, you must use another method, like a DMV office.
How much is the late fee for California registration?
It depends on how late you are. Penalties start the day after your expiration date. They range from 10% of your Vehicle License Fee and weight fee plus $10 and $10 (1–10 days late) up to 160% plus $100 and $100 (more than two years late). See the table and worked example above.
Is there a fee to renew at a DMV Now kiosk?
Yes, if you pay by card. Kiosk card payments carry a 1.95% service fee on top of your renewal total. Kiosks are in DMV offices and some grocery stores.
Do I have to renew registration on a car I'm not driving?
No, if the car will stay off public roads for the whole registration year. You can file Planned Non-Operation (PNO) instead, for a much smaller fee. You can do it online, along with many other DMV online services.
Is it safe to renew on a site that isn't dmv.ca.gov?
Be careful. The DMV warns about lookalike websites that charge unnecessary fees. Type dmv.ca.gov into your browser yourself. Learn the warning signs in how to spot fake DMV websites.
Sources
We use primary sources: statutes, court rules, official forms and government pages. Read our editorial standards.