Frequently Asked Questions
The following are answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the new online vehicle registration renewal service.
- How do I become eligible to renew my registration on the Internet?
- Does it matter what browser I'm using?
- What is a Renewal Identification Number (RIN) and how do I get one?
- Do I need a smog certificate? What if I haven't had my vehicle smog checked?
- How soon will I get my sticker and registration after renewing on the Internet?
- Will my credit card information be protected?
- Is there a fee for renewing online?
- Can I renew by Internet if I have a change of address?
- Will I still be able to renew by mail, if I chose?
- Why can't everyone renew on the Internet?
- Does it matter which insurance company is providing coverage to me if I want to renew on the Internet?
- What if I don't plan to drive my vehicle? Do I have to pay my renewal?
- What if I already paid my parking citation fees?
- What is an e-check?
- Is there an additional fee for using an e-check?
- Can I pay for my on-line transaction using more than one type of payment option (e-check and credit card)?
- How soon is the money taken out of my account when I pay using an e-check?
- Is it possible that my e-check payment can bounce?
How do I become eligible to renew my registration on the Internet?
You must have:
- Access to the Internet
- A valid credit card
- Received a renewal notice which contains a unique Registration Identification Number (RIN)
- Insurance with one of the participating insurance companies or be renewing a vehicle not requiring evidence of insurance (such as a trailer)
- Smog certification on file at DMV
Does it matter what browser I'm using?
To be able to use this online registration renewal application, your computer will need to have one of the latest versions of either the Internet Explorer, Netscape Communicator/Navigator, or equivalent web browsers. For Internet Explorer or Netscape Communicator/Navigator, you must have version 4.0 or higher.
To find out what version of web browser you have, click now on "Help" from the menu bar at the top of your screen. From the drop-down menu that appears, select "About." A box will open on which the version number of your browser can be read. If it is not version 4.0 or higher, you can click one of the icons below to download the latest version of the browser of your choice.
Your browser must also be able to process JavaScript (be JavaScript enabled).
To go to the free Internet Explorer or Netscape Communicator/Navigator download sites click on the following:
or 
What is a Renewal Identification Number (RIN) and how do I get one?
A Renewal Identification Number (RIN) is assigned to only those vehicles that are eligible to renew via the Internet and serves as a unique identifier to allow access to the Internet transaction.
If your vehicle is eligible to renew via the Internet, a Renewal Identification Number (RIN) will be printed on your Vehicle Registration Renewal Billing Notice.
Eligibility is determined prior to mailing of the billing notice. To be eligible, proof of insurance must be electronically filed with the department or not be required, i.e. vessels, or trailers. Renewal Identification Numbers cannot be assigned after the vehicle registration renewal notices have been prepared.
Do I need a smog certification? What if I haven't had my vehicle smog checked?
The registration renewal notice mailed to you by the department will indicate if a smog certification is required. If a smog certification is required and you have not had a smog inspection, you may still pay your registration fees to avoid any late fees. However, you will not receive your new registration or year sticker until the smog information has been received by DMV.
How soon will I get my sticker and registration after renewing on the Internet?
It will be mailed within five business days.
Will my credit card information be protected?
Yes, information will be encrypted and firewalls used to ensure all financial information remains private. For more information regarding DMV's Internet Privacy Statement, click here.
Is there a fee for renewing online?
No.
Can I renew by Internet if I have a change of address?
Yes. However, you must change your address by using the online Change of Address system before you use the online Registration Renewal system. To ensure that your renewal will be mailed to your new address; wait three business days and use the online Change of Address system to confirm that your address has been updated before renewing the registration.
Will I still be able to renew by mail, if I choose?
Yes, renewal by mail is still available for all DMV customers.
Why can't everyone renew on the Internet?
Persons who need to submit certain documents to go with their renewal (such as an insurance card or a check) are not eligible.
Does it matter which insurance company is providing coverage to me if I want to renew on the Internet?
Yes. Only customers of insurance companies that electronically report to DMV can renew on the Internet. Currently, only the following companies notify DMV electronically of insurance verification:
Insurance companies that electronically report to DMV
What if I don't plan to drive my vehicle? Do I have to pay my renewal?
If you plan to store and not operate your vehicle during the next renewal year, you may apply for the Planned Non-Operation (PNO) option on-line. There is a filing fee for the PNO.
The PNO filing fee may be paid up to 60 days prior to the expiration date without late fees. If you file up to 90 days after the expiration date, you will be liable for late fees on the full registration amount.
If at any time the vehicle is operated or parked where it may be subject to citation, then full registration fees and penalties for that year become due.
What if I already paid my parking citation fees?
Online renewal requires that the same fees be paid that are quoted on the Vehicle Registration Renewal notice.
If you have paid parking citation fees to the court and no longer owe the amount shown on your renewal notice, you must complete your renewal by mail or at a DMV office. You will need a court clearance showing the fees have been paid to the court before your registration renewal can be completed.
If you wish to contest the parking citations you must resolve the matter with the court. Once you have a clearance from the court, you must submit it with the renewal by mail or at a DMV office.
What is an e-check?
An electronic version of a paper check used to conduct transactions over the internet.
Is there an additional fee for using an e-check?
No. There is no additional fee for using an e-check or any other on-line payment option.
Can I pay for my on-line transaction using more than one type of payment option (e-check and credit card)?
No. E-check payments must be for the full amount of the transaction. You cannot make a payment using both an e-check and your credit card.
How soon is the money taken out of my account when I pay using an e-check?
The funds will be deducted from your account within 24 hours of completing the transaction, excluding weekends and holidays.
Is it possible that my e-check payment can bounce?
Yes. An e-check is the same as a paper check. If you do not have sufficient funds to cover the amount of the e-check, your payment may be returned to DMV. Also, if you enter incorrect bank account or routing information your payment will be returned to DMV.
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