California registration renews every year. The DMV lets you renew online, by phone, by mail, at a DMV kiosk or at a field office once you have your renewal notice. To finish you need the license plate number, the last five digits of the VIN, insurance the DMV can see on file, a smog certification if the notice asks for one, and any parking tickets cleared.
Read the renewal notice first
The notice tells you two things that decide how hard the renewal is: whether a smog certification is required, and whether anything is blocking the renewal. If it says Smog Certification Required, any Smog Check station can do it; if it says at a STAR station, it has to be a STAR-certified station.
When smog applies
Gasoline vehicles eight model years old or newer are exempt from the smog inspection and pay a smog abatement fee instead. Older vehicles generally need a smog certification every other renewal. The station reports the result to the DMV electronically.
Why insurance holds renewals up
The DMV checks insurance electronically. Online renewal only works when your insurance company reports your policy to the DMV, so a lapse, a brand-new policy or a policy on a different vehicle can stop a renewal. Fixing the policy usually fixes the renewal.
Do not let it run late
Renewing after the expiration date adds late fees, and driving on an expired registration can get you a ticket. If the notice never arrived, you can still renew with the plate number and VIN.
How to renew a car registration in California
- Find the renewal noticeOr have the license plate number and the last five digits of the VIN.
- Check the smog lineIf a smog certification is required, get it done before you pay.
- Make sure your insurance is currentThe DMV has to see an active policy for that vehicle.
- Clear any parking citationsOutstanding tickets block an online renewal.
- Pick how to renewOnline, by phone, by mail, at a DMV kiosk, at a field office, or ask Monge whether it can be handled at the Bloomington office.
- Keep the new registration card and sticker in the carPut the sticker on the rear plate.
Get it handled in one stop
Monge quotes auto insurance across multiple carriers and handles the vehicle paperwork at the same Bloomington counter. Start with the online quote form, call (909) 440-5999, or see Vehicle Registration Renewals. Help is available in English and español.
Sources
- California DMV: Renew your vehicle's registration
- California DMV: Smog inspections
- California Driver Handbook: Vehicle registration requirements
General information, not legal advice. DMV rules and fees change; the DMV and your policy are the final word. Updated 2026-10-08.
Questions people ask
How often do you renew car registration in California?
Every year. The DMV mails a renewal notice before the expiration date.
Can I renew my registration without the renewal notice?
Yes. You need the license plate number and the last five digits of the VIN.
Why won't the DMV let me renew online?
The most common reasons are a required smog certification that is not on file, insurance the DMV cannot see electronically, or unpaid parking tickets.
Does my car need a smog check to renew?
Gasoline vehicles eight model years old or newer are exempt and pay a smog abatement fee. Most older vehicles need a smog certification every other renewal; your notice says which applies.
Can Monge renew my registration?
Monge handles eligible registration renewals at the Bloomington office. Call (909) 440-5999 with your notice and the office will tell you whether yours can be done there.
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