Moped / Scooter registration
Moped / Scooter registration in California: the agency, the required documents, and the exact steps, sourced from California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Who to contact
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Visit the official California pageStep by step
For a moped (motorized bicycle): submit the Motorized Bicycle application (REG 230)
Pay a one-time $23 registration fee
Receive special moped license plates and an identification card (no Certificate of Title is issued)
Motorized scooters: no registration required
What to bring
Fees & renewal
Fees
Moped: one-time $23 registration fee
Renewal
Renews none for mopeds (one-time registration, no annual renewal).
Good to know
A 'moped' (motorized bicycle) requires a ONE-TIME $23 registration with special plate + ID card and no renewal. A 'motorized scooter' does NOT require registration. Larger scooters over 149cc register as motorcycles.
More for California
General guidance
Whether a moped or scooter needs a plate at all usually comes down to engine size and top speed — states draw that line in different places, and some skip registration entirely below a certain threshold. Pick your state below for the sourced answer.
Most states define a "moped" by a maximum engine displacement or top speed, and anything above that line registers as a motorcycle instead. The threshold differs by state — the state guide below states it where the agency has published it.
Some states require a full plate and registration for any moped operated on a public road; others require only a decal, a lower-tier registration, or nothing at all below the engine-size threshold. Check the state guide below for the real requirement.
A number of states let a standard driver’s license cover a moped, while others require a motorcycle endorsement above a certain engine size. This guide covers registering the vehicle; confirm license requirements with your state’s driver-license division.
Common questions
Yes — California requires registration for this vehicle type. California Department of Motor Vehicles handles it; see the steps above.
California lists a none for mopeds (one-time registration, no annual renewal) renewal cadence for this vehicle type.
Not in every state — some states only require registration above a certain engine size or top speed, and treat smaller mopeds as exempt. Check the state guide below for the sourced threshold and requirement.
States typically draw the line by maximum engine displacement or top speed. If your scooter is above your state’s threshold, it usually registers under the motorcycle process instead — see the Motorcycle guide.