Vehicle Registration

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In This Section

New Registration

If you need to register a vehicle for use on California roadways, waterways, or trailways, you’ve come to the right place to find out all you need to know.

Renew Your Registration

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Replace Your Registration Card

If your registration card has been lost, stolen, or mutilated, you may get a replacement registration card for a fee.

Smog Inspections

Smog inspections are required when you register or renew registration for a vehicle in California, but there are some exceptions.

Update Info on Your Registration

It’s important to keep the information on your registration current and accurate. Fortunately, it’s not difficult to make basic changes to your vehicle registration!

Titles

A California Certificate of Title is an official document that identifies the legal owner of a vehicle and contains important vehicle identification information.

Registration Fees

There are a variety of fees that may be required when applying for or renewing vehicle registration. 

Insurance Requirements

Insurance (also referred to as financial responsibility) is required on all vehicles operated or parked on California roads.

License Plates, Decals, & Placards

License plates, decals, and placards help identify vehicle owners, show proof of registration, grant driving and parking privileges, and more. 

Partial Year Registration

Commercial motor vehicles not operated throughout a calendar year may be eligible for partial year registration (PYR). PYR can be valid for any amount of time between 1-12 months.