The United States is the third most populous country in the world. It has one of the highest numbers of automobiles. As the U.S. population has steadily increased, so has the numbers of drivers and automobiles. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there were 309 million people living in the U.S. in the year 2010 with 210 million drivers and 242 million automobiles.

There is no central authority in the United States governing vehicle registration therefore it is up to the states to make laws regulating vehicle registration, its renewal, safety, testing, etc. This is necessary given the large number of automobiles in the country. State laws regarding vehicle registration may be similar to each other; however a resident of the state of California for example who has recently moved to New York should not take it for granted that the two states have the same set of vehicle registration laws. It is better to stop by at the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office for accurate and specific information.

DMV vehicle registration renewal in California
Automobiles registered in the state of California can now have their registration renewed online. The owner of the car may decide to have the registration renewed by following 4 easy steps, which do not require a special computer with extra fast internet connection, etc. All the owner requires is to:

• Enter his/her automobile’s information
• Confirm record information and select or enter payment option
• If required, read and accept the E-Checking payment terms
• Receive confirmation of the transaction

Before the owner of the automobile decides to follow the abovementioned 4 easy steps, he/she must have the following set of information:

• Last 5 digits of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• If required, filed smog certification with the local DMV
• Renewal notice with current address

DMV vehicle registration renewal in New York
Eligible automobiles (passenger vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, light duty trailers and small commercial vehicles) can also have their registration renewed online in the state of New York. Other vehicles which are not eligible for online renewal will need to have their registration renewed either at the DMV office or by mail.

Those who intend to have their automobile’s registration renewed online must have the following:

• Web browser which permits cookies
• Credit cards accepted by DMV
• Vehicle plate number

At the end of the successful transaction, the user will be allowed to print the page which would serve as temporary certificate of registration. It is valid for 10 days and cannot be transferred.

DMV vehicle registration renewal in Pennsylvania
Like other states, vehicle registration in the state of Pennsylvania can also be renewed online, by visiting the local DMV office or by mail. Those who intend to renew their automobile’s registration online will need the following:

• A valid credit card
• Insurance information
• Title number
• Plate number

At the end of the successful transaction, the user will have the option of printing the page which will essentially serve as temporary certificate of registration. The permanent registration card along with sticker usually arrives in the mail in 7 to 10 business days.

As mentioned earlier, state laws regulating vehicle registration and vehicle registration renewal may be similar. However, it is prudent that the owner of a vehicle which needs registration renewal checks with his/her local DMV office by either visiting the office or visiting the web site. DMV vehicle registration renewal is possible online in most of the cases but the service may not be available to those who are living in state A with vehicle registered in state B.