Expired registration in California: how to renew and what it costs you to wait

Last reviewed: September 2026. Registration Leaders is a private business, not the California DMV or any government agency. This guide is general information based on DMV publications and the California Vehicle Code; check with the DMV for your exact fees.

The short answer

If your California registration has expired, renew it as soon as you can. The DMV does not offer a grace period, and late penalties are added starting the day after the expiration date on your registration card. The longer you wait, the larger the penalty gets. You also need any required smog certification, current insurance, and any parking or toll violations cleared before the renewal can be completed.

How late penalties work

According to the DMV, penalties for a late renewal combine a percentage of the vehicle license fee, a registration late fee and a California Highway Patrol (CHP) late fee. All three increase in steps the later you pay, from a few days late up to more than two years late.

Because the amount depends on your vehicle and how late you are, we do not list penalty amounts here. The DMV's fee calculator can estimate your fees, and any DMV office or business partner can tell you the exact total before you pay.

Is it illegal to drive with expired registration?

Yes. California Vehicle Code section 4000 says a vehicle may not be driven, moved or left standing on a highway, or in an off-street public parking facility, unless it is registered and the fees have been paid. You can be cited.

If the registration has been expired for more than six months, Vehicle Code section 22651 allows the vehicle to be towed when it is found or driven on a highway, public land or an off-street parking facility. Towing and storage costs are then added to what you already owe.

How to renew expired registration: step by step

1. Find your renewal notice, or have your license plate number and VIN ready.
2. Check whether a smog check is required. Your notice says so. If it is required, get the smog check first. The DMV says a registration will not be renewed without a passing smog result on file when one is required.
3. Make sure insurance is current. The DMV needs proof of insurance for the vehicle.
4. Clear parking and toll violations. The DMV says you have to pay or settle parking tickets before renewing online. Violations on the record can stop a renewal.
5. Renew and pay. Options include DMV online services, phone, mail, a DMV kiosk, a DMV business partner or a DMV office. The penalty is added to the regular renewal fees.
6. Put the new sticker on your plate and keep the new registration card in the vehicle.

What to bring

• Your renewal notice, or the plate number and VIN
• A smog certification, if your notice says one is required
• Current proof of insurance
• Your driver's license or ID
• Receipts for any parking or toll violations you already paid
• Payment for the renewal fees and late penalties

If the car failed smog or you need more time

In some situations, such as a vehicle that failed its smog inspection, the DMV offers a Temporary Operating Permit (TOP) for a fee. Eligibility rules and time limits apply, so ask the DMV or your registration service whether you qualify.

If you are not driving the car

If a vehicle will not be driven, towed or parked on public roads, the DMV has a Planned Non-Operation (PNO) status that can be filed instead of full registration. There are rules about when it can be filed and what it covers, so check with the DMV before you rely on it.

Official sources

• Official source: California DMV, Registration Fees (late penalties and fee calculator)
• Official source: California DMV, Vehicle Registration Renewal
• Official source: California DMV, Temporary Operating Permits
• Official source: California Vehicle Code section 4000 and section 22651