Renew Vehicle Registration, Tags, and Plates in Los Angeles County

Reading about vehicle registrations is not as fun as visiting Universal Studios but there’s always a reason to stay current with your responsibilities as a car owner.

California requires drivers to renew their registration annually and they strictly enforce all traffic violations (i.g expired registration). Watch out!

However, nobody enjoys planning visits to the DMV for procedures like this. Many drivers complain about long lines and other frustrations that arise from in-person visits.

Registration renewals in person can be as irritating as driving in Los Angeles traffic during rush hour.

That being said, we would like to introduce you to our new online registration renewal service in California.

We cannot promise you that you’ll love reading about registration renewals but we can promise you’ll love your online experience with eTags.

Check our FAQ to learn more about registration renewals in LA County.

What Is A Vehicle Registration?

A vehicle registration refers to the obligation that every driver has to register their car with the local authority or governmental agency, which is compulsory in the Golden State.

Whether you are new in Los Angeles County or bought a new car, it’s your responsibility to register your car with the CA DMV.

Now, if you find LA to be a frustrating place to drive in during rush hour, imagine how much more frustrating it can be to register your car when you don’t have the right tools to do so.

Do you need to pay state fees? Absolutely.

When registering a car for the first time in California, you must pay the following fees:

• Registration fee: $58
• California Highway Patrol (CHP) fee: $25
• Transportation Improvement Fee (TIF): You’ll pay a fee based on the value of your car

Since California requires drivers to renew their tags every year, why not use technology for situations like these?

What Do I Need To Renew My Registration In California?

It all depends upon the method you choose to renew your registration. Assuming that you plan on visiting your local DMV, here’s what you need to provide:

• Your renewal notice or registration card
• Your CA Driver’s License
• Smog Check
• Payment for renewal fees. Cash, check or debit only. No Credit Cards.

If you scroll down, we created a list of 26 DMV agencies where you could go to renew your tags. There has to be one in your area so keep that in mind.

Does it look like an easy task so far?  If not here’s some advice for you.

Tip#1: Regardless of where you live, always book an appointment with your local motor vehicle services office. Be aware that it could take up to 2 weeks or longer to receive your DMV appointment. And once you are there, there is no guarantee you will be attended too quickly, but you could at least jump the line.

CA also requires drivers from selected counties, including Los Angeles, to pass a smog check to make sure vehicles are still running and in good condition as indicated during the last inspection.

For that reason, here’s our second tip so you won’t have to delay this procedure.

Tip#2: If you require a smog test to complete your registration renewal in LA County, visit your local Smog Check station or give them a call at (800) 952-5210 for more information about your case.

Now, once you survive the horrific traffic in LA, check for areas around where you could find authorized parking.

It’s so hard to find a decent parking spot nowadays.

Can I Renew My Tags And Registration Online In Los Angeles County?

Of course. Nobody likes waiting in line or face other frustrations while renewing a vehicle registration.

When it comes to registration renewals, eTags is the new Awesome!

Here’s what you need to do to complete your registration quick and easy:

• Insert your license plate number and Email
• Pay your renewal fees along with our convenience fee using one of the many payment options available to you
• AMEX VISA MC DISCOVERY PAY PAL and PAY PAL CREDIT WOW!

It cannot get any easier than this so, why would you even plan on making a long visit to the DMV when you could take care of things from home?

The fact is that eTags will let you complete your renewals in a jiffy.

Not only will you not have to deal with the crowds, parking and frustrations of the DMV, but you’ll also have more time to focus on the more important things in life.

You could renew your tags without having to postpone a great summer day surfing with your buddies at El Porto Beach. That’s an awesome way of managing your time indeed.

You may also find the CA DMV registration renewal site a good alternative to eTags and that’s fair enough. However, you won’t be able to renew your tags unless you provide a smog check certification.

On the other hand, eTags offers drivers the opportunity to renew their tags prior to completing their smog check avoiding very costly late fees.

Once you give us a proof of passing your smog check, we’ll be able to send the new tags.

Tip#3: Be sure to update your address with the DMV at least 30 days prior to renewing your registration. If the DMV doesn’t have your current address on file they will mail it to your old address and they don’t forward DMV mail. OOOPS! You then have to spend valuable time in line at the DMV replacing the lost registration and sticker.

If you pay online using eTags however, we ship your registration anywhere in the USA. We also offer Priority next day shipping. Now that’s convenience!

How To Renew CA Vehicle Registration In Los Angeles County

Again, registration renewals could be as boring as getting stuck in traffic during rush hour but once you learn how to handle them smartly things get even better.

Don’t neglect your renewals and follow our last tip.

Tip#4: Renew your registration online!

To make sure you know what your options are, let’s outline everything you need to do to renew your registration asap.

Los Angeles County Registration Renewal Online

To renew your registration with eTags, follow these steps:

• Insert your license plate number
• Pay your renewal fees along with our convenience fee.

Los Angeles County Registration Renewal In Person

Provide the following:

• Your renewal notice or registration card
• Your CA Driver’s License
• Smog Check (if required)
• Payment for renewal fees

Feel free to refer to our list of CA DMV branches in LA County.

Los Angeles County Registration Renewal By Mail

To complete your renewal request, submit the following:

• Your registration renewal form
• Proof of auto insurance
• Proof of smog inspection (if applicable)
• Proof of complete payment of your pending fees (if required)
• Check or money order to pay your renewal fees

Mail those items to the address below:

Vehicle Registration Operations
Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 94269

Note that if you have changed your address, you will need to print it on the renewal form before submission.

Los Angeles County Registration Renewal By Phone

To do it over the phone, provide the following:

• Your vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Proof of car insurance which must be in file with the DMV
• Proof of smog check
• Your plate number
• A credit/debit card to pay the renewal fees

Note that you’ll only be able to do it over the phone provided that your renewal notice shows the right address and you have no outstanding delinquency or ticket fees.

Ready to Renew Your Car Tag?

Renew your vehicle registration online today with eTags by clicking here. Licensed and trusted by the CA DMV.

Los Angeles County DMV Hours, Phone Numbers, and Addresses