DMV Payments & Fees:
Your Guide to Refunds, Dishonored Payments, and Reissue Fees

Payments Payment Options & Refunds at the DMV

The DMV offers various payment methods to accommodate your needs, including online, phone, kiosk, mail, and in-person at a DMV office. The options available depend on your application type and eligibility.

You may be eligible for a refund from the DMV. This guide will help you understand refund eligibility requirements and the process for requesting a refund for fees related to vehicle registration, driver licenses, ID cards, insurance, and other DMV fees and penalties. You can download the Application for Refund (ADM 399) (PDF) form on the DMV website.

Eligibility When You Might Be Eligible for a Refund

Refunds are issued in cases where you paid the wrong fee or were charged a fee unnecessarily. You might qualify for a refund under several circumstances:

• The renewal fees were paid after the vehicle was sold.

• The vehicle was wrecked, junked, salvaged, or stolen before the registration period began.

• You are nonresident military personnel or a nonresident spouse who paid the vehicle license fee in error.

• The vehicle left California before the registration period began.

• You filed for Planned Nonoperation (PNO) before the registration period began. The PNO fee will be deducted from your refund.

To request a refund, complete and mail an Application for Refund (ADM 399) (PDF) form along with any necessary documentation to the address listed on the form. You'll need your vehicle identification number (VIN), driver's license number (if applicable), or vehicle license plate number, along with payment information.

VLF Refunds Refund of Vehicle License Fee (VLF) on Total Loss Vehicles

California law allows for a prorated refund of the VLF portion of registration fees if your vehicle meets specific total loss criteria:

• Unrecovered Total Loss: The vehicle was stolen and not recovered within 60 days after the police report date.

• Constructive Total Loss: The vehicle was wrecked or damaged to the point where repair is uneconomical.

• Nonrepairable: The vehicle has no value except for parts or scrap, or was found stripped after theft or was completely burned.

The owner of the salvage vehicle may request a refund of the prorated VLF. Consult your insurance provider regarding the VLF refund in your settlement.

Dishonored Payments What to Do If Your Payment is Dishonored

If you receive a 'Demand for Payment' letter due to a dishonored check, you have three ways to resolve the issue:

• Pay Online: Make a payment for the dishonored check (DC).

• Pay By Mail: Send a cashier’s check or money order payable to DMV to the address on the letter. Include your account number and a copy of the 'Demand for Payment' letter. Do not send personal checks or credit card payment information.

• Pay in Person: Visit a DMV office and pay with cash, ATM/debit card, credit card, or a cashier’s check/money order. Remember to bring your 'Demand for Payment' letter.

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DMV is committed to providing clear guidance on payment and fee-related matters.

DMV

Reissue Fees Understanding for Driver's Licenses

Reissue fees are charged to reinstate a driving privilege suspended or revoked. Common reissue fees include:

• $15 to add a court restriction.

• $20 to remove a driver’s license restriction.

• $24 for drug suspension.

• $55 reissue fee (most common).

• $100 for preliminary alcohol screening (PAS).

• $100 Admin Per Se (APS).

• $85 or $45 for partial APS payment.

FAQs Frequently Asked Questions about Driver's License Suspensions

Q: Will the DMV suspend my license for failure to pay a ticket?

A: No, the DMV will not suspend or withhold your driver's license for failure to pay ticket fines or court fees since June 27, 2017. They have also removed previous FTP notations from driver records.

Q: How can I check if my license has other suspensions?

A: Request a copy of your driver’s record online, by mail, or at a DMV field office to verify your driving privileges.