10.140 Registration Renewals

Every vehicle registration expires at midnight of the assigned registration expiration date. The registration must be renewed or a planned nonoperation (PNO) certification filed on or before the expiration date to avoid a late penalty. (VC §§4601 and 9552)

Mandatory Renewal—Renewal fees must be paid on any application presented within 30 days of the registration expiration date, except on an application for replacement title only (VC §5902.5).

Renewal Options:

• Online Renewal at dmv.ca.gov—The option of online renewal is available to vehicle owners who have or have not received a renewal notice that shows the current address or who use the online Change of Address system to change their address prior to renewing their registration.
• Automated Voice Recognition (AVR) Service—The option of renewing by telephone is available, by calling 1-800-777-0133 for owners who have received a renewal notice that:
  • Shows the current address or will use the online Change of Address system to change the address prior to renewing their registration.
  • Includes a renewal identification number (RIN).
• Self-Service Terminal (SST)—Currently there are SSTs located in the lobbies of many DMV field and AAA offices. The requirements for use are the same as for online renewal.
• By Mail—Available to vehicle owners who have or have not received a renewal notice.
  • If the owner does not have a notice, they may still mail the fees (calculated by the online fee calculator, quoted by a DMV call center employee, DMV headquarters, DMV field office, or estimated based on the previous registration card) and the previous registration card or note with the registered owners information to renew.