California DMV expands digital services: How to get registration renewal notifications

The California Department of Motor Vehicles is now going virtual for some of its services, meaning residents can avoid long lines and waiting for the mail.

According to DMV director Steve Gordon in a news release Monday, customers can now get renewal notices via email, instead of in the mail. Then, they can immediately renew their vehicle registration online.

The move to electronic services is a part of the agency’s digital expansion to reduce its carbon footprint.

The DMV had previously offered online driver’s license renewal notices last summer. People can sign up for this paperless option by signing in or creating an account at dmv.ca.gov.

Renewal notifications are sent out at least 60 days before registration expires, according to the news release. Those that sign up for digital services in January will get renewal notices for vehicle registrations with expiration dates in May.

If you need to register a new vehicle, you’ll still have to go to a field office in person.