See an ad for cheaper car registration fees? Here’s what DMV recommends doing
Have you recently seen a social media post offering cheaper car registration fees?
The California Department of Motor Vehicles is warning residents to steer clear of those ads offering discounted vehicle registration fees.
“The DMV does not offer discounts on vehicle registration renewals and will never ask for payment or personal information through unofficial channels,” the DMV said in a news release on Tuesday, June 4.
To avoid becoming victims of a widespread scam, here’s what to look out for:
What do fake cheaper car registration ads look like?
According to the DMV, scammers are using fake ads on social media to offer 50% off vehicle registration renewal fees.
The posts ask for online payments through cash apps and request personal information, such as your full name and license plate number.
The DMV said it does not offer discounts on vehicle registration renewals and will never ask for payment or personal information through unofficial channels.
How to protect yourself from online scams
The DMV said customers should conduct business online at the official DMV website or through the authorized businesses listed in its official Business Partner Automation program for vehicle registration and title services.”
The DMV said to take these steps to reduce the chances of falling victim to a scam:
- Ignore offers for discounted DMV services.
- Don’t respond to suspicious messages.
- Double-check the source by contacting the DMV directly at 800-777-0133.
How to report fraud
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, you should report any fraudulent activity or scams.
To report a fake social media post, fraudulent text or scam, first report the specific post or profile on the social media platform itself, the center said.
Then file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
This story was originally published June 5, 2025 at 12:32 PM with the headline "See an ad for cheaper car registration fees? Here’s what DMV recommends doing."
