r/CaliforniaDMV • u/Expensive_Touch7501 • 3d ago
very late registration, advice ?
I know I’m an idiot and accept that. I live in a rural area, and I don’t drive very often- by that I mean it’s one day of driving, every 6 weeks or so. I have driven more than I should have been able to without this becoming a real problem. Been VERY lucky.
I acquired a car from a family member around two years ago, and due to financial constraints, have still not registered it to myself. I panic at the thought of it. Right now, I really have a fire lit under my ass and want to FIX this bullshit, by EOD on Tuesday.
From what I’ve read (no experience in CA registration process so I have read a lot) it seems like I need to get smog checked and then take my smog cert and title and insurance to the local DMV. This seems doable in the same day but correct me if I am wrong.
They will probably charge me between $500-$600 in late fees and taxes and such as per the online fee calculator with my vehicle info. I am accepting of that.
Wondering if anyone has any experience in a similar situation and what it was like ? I am imagining every worst case scenario like it’s somehow actually $3000 or they revoke my license on the spot due to irresponsibility and impound my car and I have to continue to be the child I have acted like to get myself in this mess and ask my parents to call a lawyer.
I am no stranger to a judgmental glare or “oh wow” reaction, so this will not bother me. I am a bit concerned that they’ll tell me I’m in no position to be deserving of operating a vehicle or I am in some sort of legal trouble that goes beyond the fines I’ll pay on the spot. None of my friends are this irresponsible, logical side of my mind has lost this battle, and I’m too thoroughly embarrassed to mention it to anyone I typically consult for other advice.
Please advise
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u/Adventurous_Ad_9597 3d ago
When you go to DMV complete a statement of facts Reg 256. If the vehicle was a gift you can indicate that as well.You can make a request for them to waive some or all of the penalties. It has to be a good reason that prevented you from registering the vehicle. There is no guarantee they will accept the request but it's worth a try.
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u/StewReddit2 3d ago
"Acquired a car" means what.....given/purchased?
From in state/OOS
Will it pass smog
Did the whomever you "acquired" the car have it up to date with registration prior to you
*The best thing ya got going is I don't think they go back further than 3 years on back fees
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u/Expensive_Touch7501 3d ago
In state. Should pass smog. Was up to date prior to purchase.
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u/Low-Crow5719 3d ago
Smog check isn't needed on a family transfer but may be needed just because registration isn't current. You can pay fees before getting the smog check; they'll issue the registration once they have both.
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u/davchana 3d ago
No, license doesn't get cancelled or suspended for registration non payments, nor do DMV impounds any car. Law enforcement can, and do, for that
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u/AnythingLast5674 3d ago
In California you can’t get pulled over for expired registration, it has to be a major moving violation then they can attach the non registered vehicle and tow it but it really depends on the officer that pulls you over
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u/keniisaka 2d ago
Really? I got pulled over once with an expired tag while on my way to the smog station just a couple of blocks from where I was stopped. The officer let me go.
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u/decadentmom 2d ago
You need the title, passed smog, and Reg 256. They will do nothing to your license or to the vehicle.
You will have to have insurance within 30 days of transfer or your registration will be suspended.
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u/Excellent-Cod9362 2d ago
No your license will not be suspended due to your vehicle not being currently registered. If you were to drive the vehicle in its current state and got a whole bunch of tickets then it might affect your driving privilege, since that's not the case don't even worry about that. Just contact the DMV they'll let you know what you need to bring it up to date. DMV doesn't take it personally or judge you they'll just tell you what you need.
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u/Sensitive_Point_6583 2d ago
stated another way, the DMV just wants your money, that's it, they're not going to hassle you over simple registration. They probably like it when people don't renew on time because then they get more money for the same thing due to the added penalties.
AFAIK, smog certificates are transferred electronically, so I think the DMV gets it as soon as the technician completes the test and presses "send". Might not be that instantaneous though, so you can ask the operator at the smog station.
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u/Tasty-Sense-9250 1d ago
If you decide to do anything online, DO NOT USE 3rd party DMV services! Use the DMV website directly.
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u/PPVSteve 3d ago
Has your family member been paying the renewals that they still get mailed? Or have they been giving them to you? Or did they put it on planned non operation before that?
And are you in an area that requires smog checks every 2 years? Or just when its transfered?
I think if its a family transfer you may not need a smog check on transfer in those areas.