Reinstating a suspended vehicle registration in California is crucial to operate or park your vehicle on public roads legally. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides several methods to facilitate this process.
Reasons for Registration Suspension
Your vehicle registration may be suspended due to:
- Lack of Insurance: Failing to maintain mandatory liability insurance.
- Insurance Cancellation: Your insurer cancels your policy, and no replacement is reported within 45 days.
- False Insurance Information: Providing incorrect insurance details to the DMV.
Driving a vehicle with suspended registration can result in traffic citations, towing, fines, and increased personal liability in the event of an accident.
Steps to Reinstate Registration in CA
Obtain Insurance: Secure a valid auto insurance policy from a provider authorized to operate in California. The policy must meet the state’s minimum liability coverage requirements.
Submit Proof of Insurance: Provide your insurance details to the DMV, including:
- Insurance company name
- Policy number
- NAIC number (found on your insurance card)
- Vehicle license plate number
- Last five characters of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
You can submit this information online, by email, or by mail. Make sure the details match exactly what your insurer reported to the DMV to avoid processing delays.
Pay Reinstatement Fee: A $14 fee is required to reinstate your registration. This fee must be paid in full before the suspension can be lifted.
Methods to Submit Documentation and Fee
You have multiple options for submitting your insurance information and reinstatement fee, depending on what’s most convenient. Each method has its own processing time, so choose based on how quickly you need your registration reinstated.
- Online: Use the DMV’s online portal to submit insurance information and pay the reinstatement fee.
- Email: Send scanned copies of your insurance proof to [email protected].
- Mail: If you have your notification letter, mail the stub along with your insurance proof and fee to:
PO Box 997405
Sacramento, CA 95899-7405
If you don’t have the notification letter, mail your documents to:
DMV – VRFRP Unit
PO Box 997408 M/S N305
Sacramento, CA 95899-7408
Phone: Call the automated system at 1-800-777-0133 to verify suspension status, submit insurance details, and pay the fee.
DMV Kiosks: Available at select locations for submitting documents and fees.
Note: DMV field offices and call centers cannot process reinstatement of suspended registrations.
Additional Considerations
Before reinstating your registration, consider whether your situation qualifies for an exemption or alternative status. These options help you avoid unnecessary fees or penalties if you are a new driver or your vehicle is unused.
- Affidavit of Non-Use (ANU): If your vehicle is not being operated or parked on public roads, you can file an ANU to avoid suspension.
- Planned Non-Operation (PNO): For extended periods of non-use, consider filing for PNO status to suspend registration legally.
- New Owners: If you purchase a vehicle with suspended registration, the reinstatement fee is waived, but you must provide proof of insurance within 30 days.
Resources and Contact Information
- Online Portal: DMV Vehicle Registration Suspensions and Insurance Program
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 1-800-777-0133 (Automated System)
By following these steps and utilizing the available resources, you can efficiently reinstate your vehicle registration in California.