Expired Vehicle Registration
A CVC 4000(a) citation means your vehicle registration has expired. California law allows you to resolve this by renewing your registration and submitting proof of correction to the court before the deadline on your ticket.
Correction Window
The deadline is printed on your citation. It is typically between 30 and 90 days from the date of the stop. Check the date on your specific ticket.
Fine After Correction
The base fine is $25 after proof of correction is submitted. Without correction, the base fine is around $100 to $200 and can exceed $500 after court surcharges.
Who Can Certify
Registration violations can be certified corrected at any DMV office or by any law enforcement officer. Call ahead to confirm the location accepts walk-in certifications.
Missing the correction deadline converts this fix-it ticket into a standard infraction. The fine increases significantly and may affect your driving record. Act before the date shown on your citation.
Step by Step
How to Correct This Violation
- 1
Locate the deadline printed on the front of your citation.
- 2
Renew your registration online at dmv.ca.gov, in person at a DMV office, or by mail.
- 3
Obtain your new registration card and updated sticker as proof of renewal.
- 4
Bring your citation and proof of renewal to any DMV office or law enforcement agency for certification.
- 5
Have the back of your citation signed in the Certificate of Correction section.
- 6
Mail or deliver the signed citation to the court listed on your ticket before the deadline. A $25 processing fee applies.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I still have to pay after I fix the violation?
- Yes. Most courts require a $25 administrative processing fee per corrected violation even after correction. The citation must be submitted with the signed certificate.
- Can I mail the signed citation instead of going to court?
- Yes. Mail the signed citation to the court address on the front of your ticket before the deadline. Certified mail with a tracking number is recommended so you have proof of delivery.
- Will this ticket appear on my driving record?
- Not if resolved through the correction process. Properly corrected and dismissed fix-it tickets do not add points to your driving record and typically do not affect insurance rates.
This guide covers passenger vehicle violations. Drivers operating under a commercial license should consult their employer or a licensed attorney.
This guide provides general procedural information only. It is not legal advice. For questions specific to your citation, contact the court listed on your ticket.
Also have a moving violation on your ticket?
Speeding and moving violations follow a different process. TicketClear prepares your written declaration.
See how TicketClear works