What is the penalty for late vehicle registration in California?

 

You may be in a dilemma about your vehicle registration renewal in California. Well, if you have recently took the ownership of a car in California or recently shifted here from another state, you must have to register your vehicle with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to operate your vehicle in a legitimate manner. Through this write-up, we will let you know the significance of vehicle registration on time, what documents you have to bring to the DMV to complete the registration process and what fees you need to pay. 

 

About Vehicle Registration in California 

 

If you have bought your car from a dealership, they are expected to take care of the entire registration process for you. You will get a temporary registration to apply until your permanent registration card and stickers arrive in the mail from the DMV. Check with the dealership before the purchase whether they register vehicles. If they don't, then you will need to follow the process described below. If you buy a car from a private entity, it makes the registration process a bit more complicated. You will be allowed a window of 10 days after you take possession of the vehicle to register it with the DMV. Otherwise, you should be penalized for late fees. The initial registration of the vehicle can exclusively be done by attending in person at the DMV. That’s why it is advisable to fix an appointment and submit the following documentation: 

 

• Form REG 343  which will be a complete application for title or registration. 

• The vehicle's title with Odometer Mileage in case the vehicle is under 10 years old. 

• A valid smog certificate, in case the vehicle is more than 4 years old. 

• Payment for fees (according to "Fees" below). 

 

When you will be at the DMV, an executive will complete the inspection of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Once completed, you will receive your registration card, stickers, and your plates. 

 

Registration for a New California Resident 

 

If you officially settle in California you will get 20 days to register your vehicle with the DMV to avoid late fees. To register, go to the DMV and submit the following: 

 

• Form REG 343  which will be a complete application for title or registration. 

• The vehicle's out-of-state title. 

• The vehicle's out-of-state registration. 

• Proof of insurance. 

• A valid smog certificate 

• Payment for fees (according to "Fees" below). 

 

Once a DMV executive completes the inspection of your vehicle's VIN, you will get your registration card, stickers, and plates. 

 

Vehicle Registration Fees 

 

Many different fees may be charged during registration. Each case is different. These fees will be applicable if you purchase your car from a dealer. You need to pay the DMV directly when you purchase your vehicle from a private entity. The fees that have to be paid by all vehicles include: 

• Registration Fee: $46 

• California Highway Patrol Fee: $23 

 

The DMV provides the facility of a Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator that enables present and new residents of California evaluate their registration fees. Remember that late fees will be applicable if you fail to register your vehicle within 10 days of buying it from a private entity. A late fee will be charged too if you fail to register your vehicle with the DMV within 20 days of acquiring residency in California. 

 

Registration Renewal Process 

 

You should renew your vehicle registration every year. The DMV will send you a renewal notice before your registration expires. This notice will itemize your renewal options usually comprising renewal in person, by mail, by phone, or online. You may also opt to renew your registration with Car Registration. Registration is officially recognized by the DMV and allows simpler and faster DMV transactions online. For more detail on how to renew your registration, visit the "Renew California Vehicle Registration" page. 

 

Penalty  

 

If you fail to register your vehicle within thirty days of purchase, interest will be levied on late vehicle property tax payments and registration renewal fees. It may so happen that you could receive a ticket for driving without registered plates, and the DMV may also impose late registration fees. 

Let us Find Out the Penalties (Registration, VLF, Weight) Applicable for Each Scenario 

Fee Type	Fee Amount
Late registration penalties for original:
– 1 year or less	$30
– Above 1 year to (and including) 2 years	$50
– Above 2 years	$100
Late VLF/weight penalties for original:
– 1 year or less	40%
– Above 1 year to (and including) 2 years	80%
– Above 2 years	160%
Late registration penalties for renewal:
– 1 to 10 days	$10
– 11 to 30 days	$15
– 31 days to (and including) one year	$30
– Above 1 year to (and including) 2 years	$50
– Above 2 years	$100
Late VLF/weight penalties for renewal:
– 1 to 10 days	10%
– 11 to 30 days	20%
– 31 days to (and including) 1 year	60%
– Above 1 year to (and including) 2 years	80%
– Above 2 years	160%

The main aim of motor vehicle registration is to identify the link between a vehicle and the owner or user of the vehicle. This link may come in handy during taxation or crime detection purposes. Even smog test centers will not serve you for your unregistered vehicle.