Ask the DMV: Renew boat registration every odd year, and make tags visible

Q: When do I have to renew my boat registration?A: You must renew your boat registration by December 31 of every odd-numbered year (i.e., 2003, 2005, etc.) regardless of use. The California Department of Motor Vehicles mails a renewal notice approximately 60 days prior to the expiration date.The department issues a Certificate of Number (registration certificate) and registration stickers to identify a boat as currently registered. These stickers must be securely affixed to each side of the boat three inches after and directly in line with the registration numbers and must be clearly visible at all times. Do not place any numbers, letters, or devices in the proximity of the registration sticker. For a visual guide on how to affix the stickers to your boat, visit www.dmv.ca.gov.Q: Is everyone eligible to get special interest license plates?A: Anyone who has a currently registered California auto, truck, trailer, or motorcycle may order these license plates. Special Interest License Plates have a special graphic design depicting an image relative to the organization's interest, and require extra fees that are used to support programs pertinent to each organization's interest. They are available with configurations of numbers, letters, or both, which have been personally chosen by the applicant (personalized) or are standard issue configurations (sequential). Motorcycle plates are not yet available for all special interest plate programs. Environmental License Plates are the standard California plates, which do not have graphics, and are only available with personalized configurations. The fees are used to support environmental programs. To view the various options for special interest license plates, visit www.dmv.ca.gov, click on More Online Services and then the tab labeled Order Special Interest and Personalized Plates. Q: What fees are included in my registration payment?A: Your annual vehicle registration payment consists of various fees that apply to your vehicle. Your annual renewal notice and registration card itemize these fees.The following is a list of the various fees that may be included in your annual vehicle registration payment:Registration Fee Vehicle License Fee (This is the fee that may be an income tax deduction) Weight Fee Smog Abatement Fee (This fee is charged to vehicles exempt from biennial smog inspections) Special Interest/Environmental Plate Fees County/District Fees Motorcycle Safety Fee (charged to motorcycles only) Owner Responsibility Fee Q: I am interested in preparing to qualify for a Commercial Drivers License. Is there a driver handbook I can review? A: Yes. You can log on to the DMV Web site to get an online version at www.dmv.ca.gov , or just click on www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/comlhdbk/comlhdbk.pdf. You will learn about driving safety for commercial drivers, transporting cargo safely, air brakes, transporting passengers and much, much more. Q: I know you have the California Driver Handbook available in English and Spanish. Are there any other languages available? I need an Armenian version.A: Absolutely. You can go onto the DMV's Web site www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/pubs.htm to find PDF versions of each handbook. Other languages available are Armenian, Chinese, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Tagalog and Vietnamese. You may also obtain the handbooks at any of the department's field offices or by calling the department's telephone service center at (800) 777-0133.George Valverde is the director of the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Do you have questions about general driving related requirements like registration or insurance? Are you unclear about laws and restrictions related to driving? The California DMV has answers at www.dmv.ca.gov. And now, you can submit any DMV-related questions at askdmv@dmv.ca.gov.