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Registering a Vehicle Which Hasn't Had Tags For a Long Time
Last Updated: 01-10-2023
Question
I have a car I'm trying to get back on the road and need to know what it is I'll be needing to get it registered in California again. It was last registered back in 2015. I got a smog check for it back then, but never renew the tags. Now I'm ready to start driving it again so I need to get new tags. I'm unsure if I'll need a smog check and what if any penalties I might have to pay.
Answer
The list below shows the penalties for late payments. You fall in the "More Than 2 Years" category. Luckily it doesn't get worse from there. You will need a smog check since the vehicle hasn't had one in a while... except if your vehicle is (as of the time of this writing) 8 or less years old.
Here is a current registration late fee chart:
- 1 to 10 Days Late - Additional 10% vehicle license and weight fee plus $10.00 DMV penalty and $10.00 CHP fee
- 11 to 30 Days Late - Additional 20% vehicle license and weight fee plus $20.00 DMV penalty and $20.00 CHP fee
- 31 Days to 1 Year - Additional 60% vehicle license and weight fee plus $30.00 DMV penalty and $30.00 CHP fee
- 1 Year to 2 Years - Additional 80% vehicle license and weight fee plus $50.00 DMV penalty and $50.00 CHP fee
- More Than 2 Years - Additional 160% vehicle license and weight fee plus $100.00 DMV penalty and $100.00 CHP fee
Here is a current registration late fee chart:
- 1 to 10 Days Late - Additional 10% vehicle license and weight fee plus $10.00 DMV penalty and $10.00 CHP fee
- 11 to 30 Days Late - Additional 20% vehicle license and weight fee plus $20.00 DMV penalty and $20.00 CHP fee
- 31 Days to 1 Year - Additional 60% vehicle license and weight fee plus $30.00 DMV penalty and $30.00 CHP fee
- 1 Year to 2 Years - Additional 80% vehicle license and weight fee plus $50.00 DMV penalty and $50.00 CHP fee
- More Than 2 Years - Additional 160% vehicle license and weight fee plus $100.00 DMV penalty and $100.00 CHP fee
