6 Simple and Practical Tips To Remember When Renewing Your Car's Registration

Getting a legal document that requires standing in line for an extended amount of time can be quite frustrating. This is why everyone dreads going to the DMV to get their car registration renewed. Not only do you have to stand in line with large crowds trying to get their registration documents approved, but you also have to deal with grumpy workers and endure the long waits, all to get a piece of paper that allows you to drive your car legally. Unfortunately, this is a task that you cannot put off for long, even if you dread it. Lucky for you, though, we have gathered six tips that you can use to make your car registration renewal more bearable.

1. Make Sure that Your Car Can Pass Inspection

Before even heading to the DMV to renew your car’s registration, you need to ensure that your vehicle will pass the inspection. If it has any issues, such as broken headlights, taillights, or bumper, or is deemed unsafe for driving, then there is a high chance that you will go home without completing your new registration papers. Usually, if the issues are simple and not noticeable, the vehicles may pass the inspection. But remember, it is better to be safe than sorry. After all, you do not want to take another day off from work to go to the DMV because your car did not pass the initial inspection.

2. Find out What Documents Are Needed

Another great tip is to have all your documents in order before you head for the DMV. It can be frustrating to realize that you are missing a basic form after you have waited for hours in line. You can avoid this by only doing your research online and finding all the necessary documents that you need before going to the DMV. Although DMVs nationwide will require similar records, it is still better to check which papers are specifically required in your state.

3. Take Enough Money with you.

You might be wondering why you would need extra money other than the registration fees. However, people go in expecting to pay a single fee only to end up paying for fines and penalties that they were not aware of. Having some cash on you will help you avoid the hassle of trying to look for an ATM and maybe losing your place in line as a result. Nowadays, people tend to use their cards to pay rather than cash. But there are times when the system could be down, so having that extra money can become handy.

4. Bring Something to Pass the Time

As mentioned above, getting your car’s registration renewed can be a lengthy process, so if you do not want to spend your time people-watching at your local DMV, you need to bring something that will keep you entertained. You can read a book or play a game on your phone until you get your registration papers and head out. Many companies now offer services that help fast-track the process and prepare all the documents necessary for car registration. The California-based experts at quickautotags.com/ state that you can get this errand done without any hassle by using such services. These services will also help you avoid penalties for missing the renewal deadline. If you do not mind paying a bit more money to avoid wasting hours at a DMV, you should consider using these services.

5. Be Patient

If you are going to register your car yourself, you need to be patient in dealing with all the processes since it’s easy to get frustrated while you’re at the DMV. Being patient will ensure that you do not lose your cool and get your blood pressure high due to the constant running around to get the papers properly filed, waiting for turns, and dealing with workers and applicants doing the same errands as you.

6. The earlier you Go, the Better

One of the best ways to avoid the crowd that’s always present at the DMV is to go there early. Go around 8 or 9 am to avoid the crowds that will come around lunchtime. This way, you can get better and faster services. However, do not go to the DMV right before or after the holidays. These are some of the worst times to run errands. With that said, the earlier you go, the faster you can get through the process, and thus, the quicker you can leave. 

Using these six helpful tips, you are sure to have an easier time, no matter what errand you are running at the DMV. Remember, there is a certain amount of time during which you can drive your car with expired registration. If that time runs out, you will likely be fined for it. The best way to avoid these unnecessary fees is to get your registration renewed as soon as possible. If you want to avoid the hassle of running these errands, you can look for companies that offer DMV services to help you out.