Expired Registration in California
Operating a motor vehicle in California necessitates current and valid registration. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) administers all vehicle registration processes throughout the state, while the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and local law enforcement agencies enforce compliance with registration requirements on public roadways.
State Code Provisions in California
California's vehicle registration framework is codified in the California Vehicle Code, specifically Division 3, which establishes procedures for registration, renewal, penalties, and enforcement mechanisms. These provisions outline the obligations of vehicle owners, the administrative processes managed by the DMV, and the consequences for non-compliance.
Division 3, Chapter 1 addresses registration and certificates of title, establishing the foundational requirements for maintaining valid registration. The code specifies registration procedures, fee structures, renewal timelines, and enforcement authority granted to state and local agencies.
Registration Terms and Expiration in California
California operates on an annual registration renewal system. Vehicle registrations expire at midnight on the date indicated on the registration card and license plate sticker. The expiration date is typically set to a specific day of a particular month, often aligned with the month the vehicle was initially registered or based on the last digit of the vehicle identification number (VIN).
For example, if a vehicle's registration expires on June 15, the owner must complete the renewal by that date. After midnight on June 15, the registration expires, and the vehicle may not be legally operated on public roads.
California does not provide a grace period for expired registration. Once registration expires at midnight on the expiration date, vehicle owners may not legally operate the vehicle on public roads until registration is renewed. The DMV sends renewal notices approximately 60 days before expiration, but vehicle owners remain responsible for timely renewal regardless of whether they receive notification.
The California DMV allows vehicle owners to renew registration up to 75 days before the expiration date. Owners can complete renewal online, by mail, or in person at DMV field offices. The new registration period begins on the day following the current expiration date, not the date of renewal payment, ensuring that early renewal does not result in shortened registration periods.
Penalties for Expired Registration in California
California imposes substantial administrative penalties for late registration renewal payments. The penalty structure is progressive, meaning penalties increase the longer registration remains unpaid after expiration.
Administrative Penalties for Late Renewal
The DMV assesses penalties based on three components: a percentage of the vehicle license fee, a registration late fee, and a CHP late fee. The specific amounts depend on how many days have elapsed since the registration expiration date.
| Time Period Late | Percentage of Vehicle License Fee & Weight Fee | Registration Late Fee | CHP Late Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 10 days | 10% of vehicle license fee 10% of weight fee (if applicable) | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| 11 to 30 days | 20% of vehicle license fee 20% of weight fee (if applicable) | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| 31 days to one year | 60% of vehicle license fee 60% of weight fee (if applicable) | $30.00 | $30.00 |
| More than one year to two years | 80% of vehicle license fee 80% of weight fee (if applicable) | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| More than two years | 160% of vehicle license fee 160% of weight fee (if applicable) | $100.00 | $100.00 |
These penalty fees are assessed in addition to the standard registration renewal fees. The longer the payment is delayed, the greater the total penalty amount becomes.
Penalties for New Vehicles or Vehicles Never Registered in California
Vehicles purchased new or brought into California from out of state that have never been registered in California follow a different penalty schedule:
| Time Period Late | Percentage of Vehicle License Fee & Weight Fee |
|---|---|
| One year or less | 40% of vehicle license fee 40% of weight fee (if applicable) |
| More than one year to two years | 80% of vehicle license fee 80% of weight fee (if applicable) |
| More than two years | 160% of vehicle license fee 160% of weight fee (if applicable) |
Planned Non-Operation Status
Vehicle owners may file for Planned Non-Operation (PNO) status up to 90 days after the registration expiration date if the vehicle was not operated in any manner. However, applicable late penalties are still due even when filing for PNO status.
Traffic Violations for Operating with Expired Registration
In addition to administrative penalties assessed by the DMV, operating a vehicle with expired registration on California public roads constitutes a violation under California Vehicle Code Section 4000(a). This violation is classified as an infraction.
The base fine for operating a vehicle with expired registration is $25. However, after mandatory state and county assessments, penalty assessments, and court fees are added, the total amount typically ranges from $175 to $200 or more, depending on the county where the citation is issued.
Law enforcement officers have discretion to issue citations for expired registration during traffic stops or when observing vehicles operating on public roadways. Registration expiration is readily identifiable through license plate stickers displaying the expiration month and year.
Government Agencies Contact Information
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Office of the Director
2415 1st Ave., Mail Station F101
Sacramento, CA 95818-2606
Phone: 1-800-777-0133
Website: California Department of Motor Vehicles
California Highway Patrol Headquarters
601 North 7th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
Phone: 1-916-843-3000
Website: California Highway Patrol
Local law enforcement agencies within cities and counties also enforce vehicle registration requirements within their jurisdictions. Vehicle owners should contact their local police department or sheriff's office for jurisdiction-specific enforcement information.
