The license plate sticker renewal in California It is an annual procedure that drivers in that state must comply punctually to be able to circulate legally.
In this article we tell you when, how and where to renew the car sticker; What are the requirements and modalities available to do so, as well as the price and what to do when your vehicle registration has expired?.
California license plate sticker renewal
California state regulations stipulate that car owners have the duty to renew their car registration annually to avoid incurring a crime.
If they do not do so, they are exposed to receiving a traffic ticket or other penalties from the California DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles), which is the official agency in charge of issuing license plate stickers in the state. .
It is recommended to do so on time to avoid late fees. Your car may be towed or impounded if it has been more than six months since its registration expired or if you have received several tickets for not having new tags.
Additionally, traffic ticket rates increase the longer the sticker expires.
Continue reading: Vehicle registration in Texas
When should the license plate sticker be renewed in California?
License plate sticker renewal in California must be done annually, before it expires.
You can do it up to 60 days before it expires, when state authorities send the registration renewal reminder.
The notice sent by the Department of Motor Vehicles arrives at the driver's postal address or email. If it has not arrived to you by any of these means, you can call 1-800-777-0133 and request it.
When drivers receive the notice, they can find out the fee to pay, the exact day the registration expires, and whether or not the car is required to pass an emissions test.
Continue reading: Plate sticker renewal in Oregon
Requirements to renew the license plate sticker in California
To renew the license plate sticker in California you must have the following:
- Registration number
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Current California auto insurance card
- Driver's license number
- An emissions inspection report, only if requested by authorities
- Renewal notice confirming your current address
- Valid form of payment (credit/debit card or bank account)
If you have moved, you must update your address at the DMV at least 3 business days before beginning your license plate sticker renewal application.
Continue reading: Car registration in NJ
How to renew license plates in California?
The DMV CA makes available to the public various ways to carry out the California license plate renewal process:
- Online
- By phone
- By mail
- In person
Pay plates online
To pay for the license plate sticker online, you must first verify if you are eligible.
Once you have verified that you meet the requirements to request the license plate stickers this way, you must enter the online California license plate renewal page and complete the information it asks for:
- License Plate or CF Number (License Plate or CF Number): you must enter the license plate number, omitting the special characters.
- VIN/HIN– You must enter the last 5 digits of the Vehicle Identification Number.
Then click the blue “Continue” button. If you have problems logging in, consult this link.
Retrieved from dmv.ca.gov/wasapp/vrir/start.do?localeName=en
Follow the instructions indicated on the page. Make payment for plates online. Payments by credit/debit card have a surcharge of 1.95%, with the bank account there are no additional surcharges.
You will receive your registration and license plate sticker in 3 or 4 business days after submitting the online request.
If you have problems with this method or are not eligible, you can use the CA DMV's online assisted renewal system.
License plate sticker renewal by phone
Call 1-800-777-0133 and choose the option to renew your car registration. Have your Vehicle Identification Number, auto insurance policy number, license plate number, driver's license number, and a debit or credit card on hand.
The registration and sticker may take up to two weeks to arrive at your postal address.
Renew car sticker by mail
To renew the sticker by mail you must have the renewal notice, the auto insurance policy number, the smog certificate (if required) and a check to pay the fee. Send to the following address:
DMV Renewal
PO Box 942897
Sacramento, CA 94269-0001
The registration and sticker may take up to two weeks to arrive at your postal address.
License plate sticker renewal in person
You can renew your license plate sticker in person at a DMV kiosk, or at an authorized establishment or agent.
Using your zip code or city name, locate a California DMV-enabled kiosk near you.
Assists with collections and manages registration renewal. Credit and debit card payments are accepted at all locations. Some accept cash.
Upon completion of the transaction you will immediately receive your registration renewal and the sticker.
If you make the transaction through an authorized agent, it may take several days for your registration and decal to be shipped.
Continue reading: License plate sticker renewal in Colorado
Places where I can get the license plate sticker in California
The entity in charge of processing license plate sticker renewal applications in California is the Department of Motor Vehicles.
If you wish to renew the car sticker in person, you can do so at an establishment or agent authorized by the DMV.
Another place where you can get the license plate sticker in person is at a California DMV kiosk. This way you can obtain your registration and sticker immediately after completing the process.
Continue reading: Vehicle Registration in Massachusetts
License plate sticker renewal near me in California
You can locate the offices of authorized DMV agents and affiliated businesses on the following map:
Continue reading: License plate sticker renewal in Washington State
When will I receive my new California license plate stickers?
Waiting times depend on the method you use to renew the car sticker:
- The sticker ordered online may take 3 or 4 business days to arrive by postal mail.
- When you request it by mail or by phone it can take up to two weeks.
- Requests at the kiosks are processed at the same time you complete the process.
- Procedures with third parties can take several days.
Keep reading: How to register a car in Virginia
How much does a license plate sticker cost in California?
The starting price for the sticker and registration card is $25 each. This amount varies depending on local rates and taxes in the county where you are located.
The final price of the license plate sticker in California will depend on the type of car, gross weight, type of registration, local fee and taxes, and late fees if you did not renew on time.
Additionally, if you apply through a DMV business partner, you will have to pay an additional fee.
Continue reading: License plate sticker renewal in Illinois
How do I know how much I owe for license plates in California?
To find out how much you owe for license plates in California, consult the renewal notice sent by the CA DMV. You can also call 1-800-777-0133, or log into your MIDMV account and review the corresponding rates.
Another method is to use the calculator that the DMV offers for license plate sticker renewal in California.
To use the calculator you must enter your license plate number, Vehicle Identification Number, county and zip code. Then, you click on the button that says “Calculate”, and the system will give you an average amount.
Keep reading: How to pay a traffic ticket in California?
Can I drive my car while waiting for the registration tag in California?
Yes, you can drive it, since the application and payment for car stickers is updated in the DMV files.. If you applied online, keep your payment receipt and temporary record. If you did it by mail, keep a copy of the sent check.
What happens if I don't pay my car license plates in California?
If not paid by due date, DMV will charge fines, late fees, and other fees.For example, California Highway Patrol (CHP) late payment. There is no grace period to pay the car sticker in California.
How much is the fine for expired license plates in California?
The fine for driving with an expired registration in California ranges from $100 to $200. The initial fine is only $25, but taxes and other court fees are added to that.
Finally, the price of the traffic ticket in California for an expired license plate will depend on the time that has passed since it expired, and the local fees and taxes in the county where you live.
Additionally, if your registration has expired, you will have to pay the late fee, which will depend on how many days have passed since the expiration date.
Below we present the late fees, depending on how long the driver is late:
- Between 1 and 10 days: $10
- Between 11 and 30 days: $15
- More than 31 days: $30
- More than one year: $50
- More than two years: $100
IMPORTANT: These are the base late fees. For the final amount you will likely have to add local county fees, vehicle license fee, and an amount for the California Highway.
You can use the fee calculator or this link to find out late registration charges.
Keep reading: How to dispute a traffic ticket in California?
How to cancel license plates in California?
To deregister plates in California you must send a notice of transfer and release of liability (NRL) to the CA DMV to make notification.
You can do it through the online system on the official website, or by postal mail by completing a form and sending it to the address indicated on the same form.
