In response to COVID-19, many states have offered grace periods on license plate renewal. This doesn’t mean you can keep driving a car around with expired plates indefinitely, though!

If it’s time for you to get a new license plate sticker, be sure to head to your local Department of Motor Vehicles and act sooner rather than later. Online DMV services can make this process easier and help you get your plates up to date as soon as possible. Follow these steps to renew your registration online today.

Visit Your Local DMV Services Website

Start by heading to the website for your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. You might also be able to renew your registration through a third-party site like this one here.

Most websites will have a button you can click to begin the renewal process. Click that button to kick things off.

Gather Necessary Documents

In most cases, when you’re renewing your registration, you’ll need to have certain documents ready to go. This includes your previous registration, as well as proof of safety or emissions inspections (if your state requires them). You’ll also need a copy of your driver’s license and your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Check to see which documents are needed in your state and take a moment to gather them all. It’ll save you time and make the whole process more efficient.

Complete Forms and Pay Fees

Once you have all your documents ready, go ahead and fill out the necessary information the website requires. This might include things like your driver’s license, your car’s VIN, and your license plate number.

Once you finish filling out all of the online forms, all you have to do is pay your state’s renewal fee with a valid credit card.

Once you’ve done this, new license plate stickers will be sent to you and you’ll be all set to drive legally! You’ll also be able to print out your new registration forms verifying your renewal.

When Can’t You Renew Online?

In certain situations, the online renewal option might not be available to you. For example, if your state requires safety or emissions tests and you haven’t had those completed, you’ll need to pay a visit to a local mechanic first.

Going to the mechanic can be a pain. Luckily, though, most mechanics are very efficient, and they also offer on-the-spot renewal in most cases.

Once the inspection has taken place and any potential issues have been addressed (such as the Check Engine Light being on), they can renew your registration. They can also give you your new stickers right there.

Take Care of Your Online License Plate Renewal Today

As you can see, online license plate renewal is easier than you might have thought. Follow the steps outlined above and you’ll be able to get your license plate registry up to date in no time!

Need more help keeping your car legal and safe to drive? Check out the Cars section of our blog today to stay up to date.

Paul Petersen