You just finished your driving classes. Your career is doing ok. It’s obvious that at this stage, the next thing that will be running through your mind is getting a car. Yes, buying your first car is a great step. However, you must know that owning one comes with responsibilities.

For instance, after acquiring your car, you have to register it with your local DMV. It’s illegal to drive a vehicle without the current registration. If you recently received an email from your local DMV, that the registration is about to expire, worry less. This article is meant for you if it’s your first time doing this.

What items do I need to renew my car registration? How should I go about the process? This article will answer all that. Continue reading!

What items are needed to renew the vehicle’s registration?

The queues at the DMV offices in California can get long. It’s not something that many drivers can enjoy. Now imagine how it would feel, waiting all along to be served, only to realize that you forgot an essential item needed to complete the transaction. For this reason, you need to know every item required to prevent such instances that may even delay the renewal, hence the penalties.

Some of the common items that the clerks at your local DMV offices will likely ask for include;

• Vehicle title or the bill of sale if your car was financed
• Vehicle renewal notice
• Vehicle’s license plate number
• Vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Address or name changes if there are any
• Proof of insurance

Steps to follow when renewing your registration

After checking and confirming that you have got all the necessary documents for your vehicle registration, your next move should be to start the renewal process. If you find the process to be tiring, you can always opt for a third-party service where you can have your DMV vehicle transactions processed quickly. Involving a third party saves you from waiting in the lines at your local DMV offices. But, if you have the energy to wait, you can follow the following steps. 

Step one: Check the Status of your Registration

The DMV usually mail your renewal notice 30 days before your current registration expires so that you can start the renewal process. Therefore, you must check your mail to confirm receipt. The message acts as a reminder of the time you have left to have the registration renewed. If you notice that you can’t find your renewal notice in your inboxes, don’t hesitate to contact your local DMV office. 

Step two: Calculate your Fees

The total cost of renewing your registration may vary from one state to another. Besides, there is never a standard figure for the renewal. For this reason, you need to calculate your total cost before even heading to the DMV’s offices. The DMV’s website usually has a calculator that you can rely on to find out the rough estimate. 

Many factors are put into consideration when coming up with the final cost. Some common factors include;

• Type of car
• How old your car is or when you brought it to California
• The car’s declared value
• Whether you have an unpaid parking violation
• Whether you have toll evasion
• Whether you have custom plates
• Gross vehicle weight

Step three: Submit your Application Online or by Visiting your Local DMV Offices

Your renewal notification is intact; you have all the needed documentation and a rough idea of how much you are likely to pay for the process. The next and most crucial step is to submit your application. 

Submitting your application can either be done online or in person by visiting your local office. Going in person to the DMV’s offices is popular among most Californians because that’s what they are used to doing. 

The only problem with going to the office in person is that you will likely be met with long queues. Unless you don’t mind waiting, it’s essential to involve a third party, as mentioned earlier. 

When your documents are presented to the clerks at your local DMV offices, they are checked to confirm they are ok. Once everything checks right, you are required to pay, either in cash, check, or using your debit card. You should receive your new registration sticker, which should be replaced with the expired one. 

Renewing your vehicle’s registration in California should be a walk in the park. However, most drivers find it complicated as they don’t know what is needed and the process. This article mentions everything you ought to know, from the requirements to the steps you should follow. Read through the entire article to make your next renewal smooth.