California DMV to Offer Paperless Notices for Vehicle Registration Renewals

Published on 2022-02-01 in DMV

The California Department of Motor Vehicles is taking another step to reduce its carbon footprint, as well as making it more convenient and easy for Californians. The latest step is an announcement by the California DMV that California drivers can now opt to receive vehicle registration renewal notices by email instead of a paper notice sent through traditional mail.

Saving Paper and Time

In a press release, California DMV Director Steve Gordon said, "Customers can get an email renewal notice and immediately renew their vehicle registration from the comfort of their own home. Choosing the paperless option will save paper and save time, so it’s a win-win for the environment and our busy customers.”

Sign Up For Paperless Options

Back in July 2021, the DMV started offering driver's license renewal notices by email. To sign up for these paperless vehicle registration and driver's license renewal notices, customers will have to sign in or create a secure online account on the California DMV website and then opt in for the paperless option. The DMV does not share customer email addresses with private companies.

Paperless Option Starts Right Away

So, when will the paperless option begin for vehicle registration renewals? The DMV announced it will begin sending out these electronic renewal notices to eligible customers who opt in beginning this month for vehicle registrations expiring in May. Normally the DMV will send out renewal notices at least 60 days before a registration expires.

Commitment To Expand Digital Services

The California DMV has taken several steps to offer more of their services digitally. Most DMV tasks do not require an office visit. Because of that, the DMV is encouraging customers to use its online services and other service channels to complete transactions when possible, including eligible driver's license and vehicle registration renewals. They also recommend using the Service Advisor on the DMV website to help you learn your options to complete DMV tasks.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to start your driver's training journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.


About the Author

Nigel Tunnacliffe

Nigel Tunnacliffe is the co-Founder and CEO of Coastline Academy, the largest driving school in the country, on a mission to eradicate car crashes. An experienced founder and technology executive, Nigel and his team are shaking up the automotive industry by taking a technology-centric approach to learning and driver safety. Having served over 100,000 driving students across 500+ cities, Coastline was recently named the 6th fastest-growing education company in America by Inc. Magazine. Nigel is a frequent podcast guest and quoted driving education expert for major publications such as Yahoo!, GOBankingRates, and MSN.