: I am getting ready to buy a new car. Is there any way to find out how much my registration will cost before my purchase?
A: Yes! The DMV's Web site, www.DMV.ca.gov, has a vehicle registration fee calculator feature that can give you that information, as well as other information such as sales tax and vehicle license fees. This is also a great place to identify how much of your registration fees you can write off for tax purposes! Just go to www.DMV.ca.gov, click on the Online Services link and then the Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator. It will prompt you to answer a few questions and give you information based on your answers.
Q: My grandmother recently fell ill and can no longer transport herself around town. I will be her main source of transportation but was wondering if it would be possible to obtain a disabled persons placard for my car?
A: Unfortunately, only people issued disabled placards can use them legally.. Although the disabled person does not necessarily have to own or drive the vehicle to use the placard, they must be present when the placard is displayed. If you'd like to have your grandmother apply for a disabled placard, go to www.DMV.ca.gov, click on Forms and Most Commonly Used Forms. Once you are there, you will find an Application for Disabled Person Parking Placard or Plates under Plates, Placards, and Stickers. Click to download the form, print it out and mail to the appropriate location listed on the document_ The DMV Web site has a variety of downloadable forms that you can always access, securely and conveniently, 24/7.
Q: I was involved in a car crash where there was property damage for more than $800. Do I need to report it to the DMV?
A: Yes. When you're involved in a collision,, report it to DMV using the Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California form located at www.DMV.ca.gov under Forms. You or your insurance agent, broker, or legal representative must complete the form and send it to the DMV within 10 days if someone is killed or injured (no matter how minor the injury) or if the property damage is over $750.
Q: My teenage son is getting ready to start driving and will be taking the driver's training course this summer. Does the DMV provide any material for parents regarding teen driving?
A: Yes! Parents can now go to www.DMV.ca.gov and click on the Publications link to find a "Parent-Teen Training Guide" to use as resource for current traffic laws and other related teen driving information. The DMV also has a teen-specific site designed to provide useful information to teenagers who are gearing up to take their driver's test – both written and behind the wheel. While there, teens can take a sample test, get test tips and even simple ways to save gas. Your son can visit the DMV teen site at www.DMV.ca.gov/teenweb.
The DMV is a department under the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, which is under the direction of Secretary Dale E. Bonner. The DMV licenses drivers, maintains driving records, registers and tracks official ownership of vehicles and vessels, investigates auto and identity-related fraud, and licenses car dealers, driving schools, and traffic violator schools. For more information about the DMV, visit www.dmv.ca.gov.