The California DMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Which of those payment methods you can actually use depends on how you’re paying: in person, online, by phone, at a self-service kiosk, or by mail. Card and digital wallet transactions carry a service fee of 1.95% or 2.1%; cash, paper checks, money orders, and electronic checks do not.1California DMV. Licensing Fees
In Person at a Field Office
A DMV field office gives you every payment option. Cash is accepted for any transaction. Personal checks drawn on a checking account work, as do money orders. On the card side, the DMV takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit cards, plus debit cards carrying a Visa or Mastercard logo. Apple Pay and Google Pay are also accepted at the counter. Every card and digital wallet payment at a field office adds a 2.1% service fee.1California DMV. Licensing Fees
Online
Through the DMV website and mobile app, you can pay with the same credit and debit cards accepted in person, or with an electronic check drawn directly from your checking account. Cash and money orders don’t apply here. Card transactions carry a 1.95% service fee, slightly less than at the counter. Electronic checks have no service fee, which makes them the cheapest online option.1California DMV. Licensing Fees
By Phone
The DMV accepts credit and debit card payments by phone for certain transactions, including registration renewals. The service fee matches the online rate at 1.95%. Not every transaction qualifies for phone payment, so check your renewal notice or the DMV website before calling.2California DMV. Payments and Refunds
At a DMV Now Kiosk
DMV Now kiosks sit inside DMV offices and at select retail locations like grocery stores. Credit and debit cards work at every kiosk. Cash is accepted at the kiosks inside DMV offices and at some retail locations, but not all retail kiosks have cash acceptors. You cannot split a balance across two payment methods; each transaction takes one. Card payments at kiosks carry the 1.95% service fee.3California DMV. DMV Kiosks FAQS
By Mail
Mailed payments are limited to checks and money orders. Cash, credit cards, and debit cards are not accepted through the mail.1California DMV. Licensing Fees Send the check or money order with your renewal notice or other required paperwork. If you’re clearing a dishonored check, the DMV won’t accept another personal check; you’ll need a cashier’s check or money order instead.2California DMV. Payments and Refunds
Service Fees by Channel
Every credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay transaction with the DMV carries a non-refundable service fee that varies by where you pay:
- In person at a field office: 2.1%
- Online: 1.95%
- By phone: 1.95%
- At a kiosk: 1.95%
On a $300 registration renewal, that’s an extra $6.30 at the counter or $5.85 online. To avoid the fee entirely, pay with cash at a field office or kiosk, an electronic check online, or a check or money order by mail.1California DMV. Licensing Fees
How to Write a Check or Money Order to the DMV
Making your payment payable correctly keeps it from being rejected or misapplied. Write it out to “DMV.” Put your account number on the front of the payment so the funds can be matched to your record if the check is separated from your paperwork. For vehicle transactions, use your license plate number; for driver’s license or ID card transactions, use your driver’s license or ID card number.4California DMV. Dishonored Check Payment Confirm that the written and numerical dollar amounts match.
If a check bounces, you’ll owe the original amount plus a penalty, and your payment options for clearing that debt narrow to cash, a cashier’s check, a money order, or a card paid in person. Another personal check won’t be accepted.2California DMV. Payments and Refunds