Top1) Determine the Status of Your Registration

You must renew your registration every two years. Registrations expire on the last day of the month indicated on your registration.

Renew LA Registration

It's illegal to drive within the state if your registration has lapsed. It's also against the law to drive without current auto liability insurance. If you need to obtain coverage or are looking for better insurance rates, consult our Insurance Center.

See our "Check Your Renewal Notice" section below to learn about your renewal options.

Register a Vehicle in LA for the First Time

If you just moved to the state or bought a vehicle, you'll need to complete an initial registration. Please visit our main registration page to see how to accomplish this task.

Register a Non-Operational Vehicle

The state doesn't have a special registration for vehicles that aren't in service.

However, if you've already registered your vehicle and it becomes non-operational, you may cancel your registration and then reinstate it at your local Office of Motor Vehicle (OMV) branch.

Top2) Check Your Renewal Notice

Before your registration expires, you should receive a renewal reminder notice in the mail.

You're not required to have the notice to renew your registration, and you must renew on time even if you didn't receive it. If you didn't receive the notice, the OMV may not have your current address on record. Call the OMV at (877) DMV-LINE if you're concerned about not receiving your notice.

The notice contains helpful information, such as letting you know if you're eligible to renew your registration online or by phone, as well as your renewal fees. Because state doesn't require emissions inspections for renewal, you won't find that information on your notice. Visit Smog & Emission Checks to learn more.

Top3) Calculate Your Fees

Renewal fees vary depending on the type of vehicle, as well its value. This is similar to how insurance rates vary depending on the location and age of the driver, as well as the type of vehicle.

Avoid Late Fees and Penalties

If you don't renew your registration by the expiration date, you must pay a late fee that varies according to the vehicle. An OMV branch agent will inform you of your late fees.

Top4) Renew Online, In Person, By Mail or By Phone

Renew Online

1. Find the renewal number on your renewal notice, and have ready your vehicle's model year.
2. Have a valid Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, or American Express credit or debit card to pay your renewal and convenience fees.
3. Go to the state's online renewal site and follow the remaining instructions.

Renew In Person

1. Locate your current registration or your renewal card.
2. Be ready to pay your renewal fees with cash, or a personal check, money order, or cashier's check made payable to the Department of Public Safety.
3. Go to your local OMV branch.

By Mail

1. Find the renewal card.
2. Follow the instructions provided on the card.
3. Make your personal check, money order, or cashier's check for your renewal fee payable to the Department of Public Safety.
4. Send everything to the address listed on the renewal card.

By Phone

1. Have your renewal card handy.
2. Be ready to pay your renewal and convenience fees with a valid MasterCard, Visa, Discover Card, or American Express credit or debit card.
3. Call the automated renewal system at (888) 956-5111 and follow the instructions provided.

Top5) Affix Your Stickers

To place your decals in the appropriate location on your plates, follow the instructions provided.

Top6) Get a Tax Deduction

Because your renewal fee is based on the value of your vehicle, you may deduct this fee on your federal taxes. Please see our Registration FAQs page for more information on this issue, or talk to a tax attorney.

Top7) Do Your Part to Keep Our Roadways Safe

Renewing your registration is a requirement to legally drive in the state, but there are other steps you can take to help ensure your driving experience will be a safe one. Keeping your vehicle in top operating condition is one such measure.

It's fairly easy to do this. Start with regular oil changes, tire rotations, and tune-ups. A qualified mechanic will easily be able to do these tasks for you, as well as spot potential trouble areas before they become dangerous. When your tires need to be replaced, do so promptly.

Also, investing in an after-market warranty may seem expensive at first, but these types of policies allow you to handle otherwise costly repair bills, and can extend the life of your car.

Of course, no matter how much effort you put into maintaining your car, emergencies are likely to happen. Having a roadside assistance program is a smart way to help safely deal with these situations.

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