You need to renew your vehicle registration every 1-5 years in California, depending on the vehicle. Keep your registration up-to-date.

If changing address during renewal, a form REG 14 needs to be completed.

Documents Required:

Previous registration card or DMV Renewal notice

Driver’s License/ID

Title $50

Sticker/Registration Card $40

Plates $40

If your vehicle's registration sticker, plates, or registration card has been lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed, we can help you request a replacement.

Vehicle Registration Suspended?

The DMV can suspend your registration if:

No proof of insurance is provided within 30 days

Your policy is canceled and not replaced within 45 days

False insurance documents were used

To reinstate your registration, you’ll need valid insurance and a $14 DMV reinstatement fee.

Title $50

Sticker/Registration Card $40

Plates $40

Anytime there’s a change to a vehicle or vessel’s registered owner or lienholder, that change needs to be updated in DMV’s records within 10 days and the California Certificate of Title needs to be transferred to the new owner.

A change in ownership is usually due to:

Sale, gift or donation.

Adding or deleting the name of an owner.

Inheritance.

Satisfaction of lien (full payment of car loan)

To transfer a title, you will always need:

Either the California Certificate of Title or an Application for Duplicate or Transfer of Title (REG 227) (if the title is missing).

The signature(s) of seller(s) and lienholder (if any).

The signature(s) of buyer(s).

A transfer fee.

Smog

For Out Of State, in addition to the above, you will need the following:

Vin Verification

Weight Certificate (if a commercial vehicle/pick up truck)

Application for Title Reg 343

A DMV Vehicle History service provides detailed records about a vehicle’s past, including ownership history, title status, accident records, odometer readings, and recalls. It helps buyers and owners make informed decisions by verifying a vehicle’s condition, authenticity, and legal standing. Reports can be obtained through the DMV or third-party providers like CARFAX.

If you're selling your car in California, the DMV requires you to submit a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) within 5 calendar days of the sale. This form officially notifies the DMV that you're no longer responsible for the vehicle.

Information Needed:

- buyer's information

- miles

- price sold

- date sold

If your car was declared a total loss, you (or the insurance company) must apply for a California Salvage Certificate within 10 days of the settlement.

We’ll assist you in submitting:

Salvage Certificate Application (REG 488C)

Proof of ownership: either the signed title or a Duplicate Title Application (REG 227)

Any available bills of sale

Odometer disclosure, if needed

License plates, or explanation if unavailable

We work with both private owners and insurance representatives to ensure quick, correct filing—no DMV lines, no guesswork.

If you’re reviving a junked or salvaged vehicle in California, there’s a lot the DMV requires—but we make the process fast, easy, and stress-free.

To Re-Register a Junked Vehicle, You’ll Need:

We can help you complete and submit all required documents:

Application for Title or Registration (REG 343)

Vehicle inspection by the DMV or CHP

Brake and Light Adjustment Certificate from a certified station

Applicable DMV fees

Don’t worry—we walk you through each step and make sure nothing gets missed.

Vehicle lien sales are a legal process allowing businesses like tow companies or mechanics to recover unpaid fees (like towing or storage) by selling a vehicle at auction. This occurs when the vehicle owner fails to pay outstanding charges, and the business (lienholder) has a valid lien on the vehicle.

Registration fees due

If the lien sale is approved by the DMV & has all of the documents required the next thing you as the buyer needs to keep in mind are the registration fees. Many vehicles that are sold at lien sale have their vehicle registration expired and have excessive back registration fees.

Important note: The fact that a lien sale was conducted does NOT void any back fees or penalties – this is why it is imperative that you do your homework prior to committing to the purchase of this vehicle. Sometimes the registration fees due exceed the value of the vehicle.

What Documents Will I Need To register the vehicle?

The lien sale paperwork packet that you will have will be compromised of different types of paperwork depending on the vehicle value:

Vehicles valued at $4,000 or less:

- You will need a REG 168A

- A bill of sale -REG 262, from the lien holder to the new buyer 

- A copy of the DMV record (vehicle report/DCS) listing the registered owners, legal owner, or interested parties.

- A copy of the return receipt requested sent to the DMV along with proof that anyone with an interest in the vehicle was notified by mail.

- Smog

Vehicles valued at $4,001 or more:

- You will need a REG 168

- A bill of sale - REG 262, from the lien holder to the new buyer

- Certified or bulk mailing receipts

- DMV authorization to conduct a lien sale paperwork

- Smog

A Planned Non-Operation (PNO) lets the DMV know that your vehicle will not be driven or parked on public roads for the upcoming registration year.

You must file for a PNO before your current registration expires to avoid full renewal fees.

The filing fee is $23 (as of 2025) and must be submitted up to 60 days before registration expires.

If you miss the deadline and apply more than 90 days after expiration, you’ll owe the full registration fees and late penalties.

You cannot drive or park the vehicle on any public street while under PNO status—doing so may result in fines, citations, and full registration charges.

You may need to complete and sign Form REG 102, confirming the vehicle will not be operated.

We make it easy. Let us submit your PNO for you—no DMV lines, no confusion, no stress.
Avoid late fees and keep your vehicle in compliance.

We, as Notary Public professionals, provide essential services to authenticate and certify important legal documents. Our role is to verify identities, witness signatures, and administer oaths or affirmations, ensuring that documents such as affidavits, deeds, contracts, or powers of attorney are legally binding and fraud-free. With our seal and signature, we add trust, credibility, and legal authority to your important documents.