The California DMV has made it easier for customers to renew their Department of Motor Vehicles vehicle registration by providing multiple ways to pay for and pick up their stickers. You can do it in person, online through the DMV virtual office, at a self service kiosk or via mail. The choices to renew your registration are varied in 2023. Here are a few ways you can get it done, from best/quickest, to worst/slowest:
3 . Renew online through the California DMV website: The California DMV does have an option for you to renew your motor vehicle tags online. Their website has the capability to allow its customers to log-in to their website and renew the registration online. Again, like any service the California DMV offers directly, there is no fee. However, their service is NOT instant. They will collect your money instantly, but the sticker is not issued right away. In addition, you have to have an email, create a username and a password, and provide private information (driver’s license, address information). The registration process can be a pain. Here’s the link to their online portal: DMV online portal.
4. Go to a local DMV: Go to the DMV personally to pay for and pick up your motor vehicle tag instantly. The great thing about this is that it is instant: you pay for your tags and you get them on the spot. Also, there is no additional service fees or membership fees. Keep in mind that DMV employees and the building that they work in are paid for by your tax dollars, there should be no fee anyway. The drawback to going to the DMV is that you will be waiting for a several hours, even with an appointment, to get to a DMV technician. Sometimes you will go to a DMV and will be seen within 15 minutes, in and out, with no appointment. But for the most part, you will be waiting for hours. Here is a link to the local DMV field office: Field Office Locator
5. Go to AAA registry services: Like the local DMV, AAA will let you pay for your registration renewal and get your car tags instantly and in person. However, lately, AAA has started to gain popularity, and they are now starting to develop 40 minute wait lines. Another drawback to using their service is that it is NOT free, you will have to pay for a membership to use their service. For some people the membership fee is well worth the money to avoid the even longer lines of the DMV. Keep in mind, the membership allows for other services, such as notary services & roadside assistance. Here’s a link to become a AAA member: AAA for Nothern California or AAA for Southern California
6. Pay for your tags by mail: If you receive a reg renewal notice from the DMV you can mail out a check or money order to the DMV directly. The great thing about this is that you avoid having to leave your home and deal with any lines or people. Another benefit is that you get your auto tag delivered to your address directly. The drawback to this of course is that it could take weeks before you receive your auto tag, leaving you wondering, when will it ever get here? The DMV may cash your check or money order as soon as they receive it, but that does not mean that they will send your car tag out right away. Here is the address that is one the reg renewal:
DMV RENEWAL
PO BOX 942897
SACRAMENTO, CA 94297-0897
This will tell you the date your registration period expires on
Your title also indicates when your registration period goes until
it indicates the date of expiration.
Getting a replacement your reg card, sticker or license plate is a simple transaction that can be processed through us very quickly.
Renewal Your Vessel’s Registration is simple, call us with the following information and we’ll get it done for you:
Registration information for large commercial motor vehicles have requirements and options that are not required for regular vehicles. Getting these things done require DMV office visits. Unfortunately these are items that we not eligible to be processed in our office – we have to take it to the field office. Listed below are the things you may need to consider:
The California Department of Motor vehicles has authorized the BPA (Business partner automation program) to do many things that it does at its field offices, however, it is only limited to vehicles. We do not help with the following:
If you’re planning on not using your vehicle for the upcoming renewal year it is imperative that you file the non-op and fee before the expiration date of the registration.
If you’re registration is suspended it is for 1 reason and 1 reason only: you did not or do not have auto insurance for your vehicle on file. Click here to clear your suspended registration.
For additional information about your DMV transaction please feel free to call one of our friendly staff members or message us through our chat feature, or shoot us an email today – Avoid the California Department of Motor Vehicles!
