A+ for not having to step foot into the DMV. A+ for customer service, Esperanza, was on it every step of the way and VERY responsive. Fix a spelling error immediately! B- for the cost of service but I... See more
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Review summary
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Based on these reviews
The experience had pros and cons. The process was quick and easy to deal with. An outline of the exact fees would be helpful. June was quick to respond with email which I appreciate. It wasn't cheap b... See more
In my first instance involving another vehicle, I missed signing all the required signatures in the title. The representative assisted me and was extremely helpful in resolving the issue. I reciev... See more
The process was straight forward. All you need is what files you got! And depending on when you submitted/filled out title transfer, you gotta mail in the pink slip to DMV and then the process is fina... See more
Company details
Written by the company
NeedTags is a highly reputable and reliable online platform that specializes in providing vehicle registration services for California vehicle owners. With a strong track record of customer satisfaction, NeedTags has established itself as a trusted source for individuals and businesses seeking efficient and hassle-free vehicle registration solutions.
Contact info
United States
- needtags.com
3.6
Average
270 reviews
Replied to 96% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 24 hours
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California Car Title Transfer...
After I got all the forms filled out and mailed in, the DMV processed it in one day! I used the online part to pay the fee.
August 29, 2025
Unprompted review
The process was easier than I expected
The process was easier than I expected. The representatives are great and very helpful.
August 28, 2025
Unprompted review
Terrible instructions and assistance…
Terrible instructions and assistance charged multiple times
August 27, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from NeedTags
Thank you for sharing your feedback. Providing excellent service is a top priority for us, and we regret that we fell short in this instance. Although we cannot give specific details in this public response, our fees are disclosed and explained in detail prior to checkout, along side a full explanation of the process.
Please contact our customer care department so we can be of further assistance.
Was fast and easy
Was fast and easy. Just costs to much but that’s how it goes.
August 20, 2025
Unprompted review
Stay away from this scam website!
Stay away from this scam website!! I am an elderly senior and, so I have my son pay my bills online for me. My registration was due so I told my son to pay it which he has done for me year after year. This time he typed in the google search bar DMV renewal and the very FIRST WEBSITE to pop up is this DMV SCAM. The website looks exactly like an official DMV website.My son paid my registration thinking it was the official site. My car is 11 years old and I only had to pay 172.00 to renew. I later checked my bank account and found out I was charged 244.00 because this scam 3rd party website charged fees on top of what I had to pay for my tags which should have been included in the bill. This should be illegal this is senior abuse! Check out ABC7 on your side and see how they scam people. What legit co. threatens you when you explain what happened and you would like a refund they THREATEN YOU! Why would I pay them to pay my bills? This is clearly fraud and ELDERY ABUSE!!!! Thanks to this scam I can not buy groceries this month. I hope this company gets rich on robbing everybody.
August 13, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from NeedTags
Thank you for your review Sophia. We appreciate your time. NeedTags strives to provide full transparency. We are not the DMV and make absolutely no claims to that effect. NeedTags is in fact a delegated provider for the California Department of Motor Vehicles. On the header of every page of our website we display the following text, as per California Business Partner Automation requirements, “NOTICE: NeedTags has been officially licensed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles to provide DMV services on their behalf. NeedTags is not owned or operated by any government agency and charges fees for value-add DMV services pursuant to CVC Section 1685. Standard service may be obtained from the DMV at no cost.” The reversal of the cardholder’s registration transaction is not subject to NeedTags’ discretion, but is instead governed by policies established by the California Department of Motor Vehicles pursuant to the Business Partner Automation (BPA) program. As for the benefits of utilizing our service, although the registration renewal interface (portal) for our users is online, the real work is done behind-the-scenes, by our awesome employees, and we're doing our very best to keep our offices staffed and continue offering our valued customers the expedited DMV services they've come to expect from us, including our super speedy next-day shipping, instant download of your renewed registration card, and our above par customer support. Please contact our customer care department if we can be of any further assistance.
Very fast very responsive
Very fast very responsive, no beat around the bush bull crap. You can reply to the e mails and they respond . I was not to sure at first , now I am . Good deal
August 10, 2025
Unprompted review
Don't do business with them
This company could improve by closing it's doors, it is as crooked as a dogs hind leg. Read the DMV's disclosure, and the channel 7 on your side report regarding NeedTags and their unscrupulous business practices against senior citizens in particular
Just spoke with a NeedTags rep again and provided the following; The DMV does not condone misleading or aggressive marketing strategies that might cause customers to believe they are interacting with the DMV itself. Furthermore, we do not support any aggressive behavior or threats made by these third-party services. We consistently emphasize the importance of transparent communication regarding fees and services to all our registration service partners. I explained I was misled as I believed I was on the CADMV web site. I also went on to explain I found this NeedTags disclosure to be very threatening, "1.4 Chargebacks: Any improper Chargebacks will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and You may be liable for attorney's fees and statutory damages. Any improper chargebacks may subject You to criminal, and/or civil penalties." They stated they could not cancel the DMV transaction (which is true), but then acknowledged the additional $71.92 cent fee(s) they assessed were not a part of the DMV transaction and could be refunded, which NeedTags would not return as per company policy. Lousy company employing a corrupt business model.
August 5, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from NeedTags
Thank you for your review Don. We appreciate your time. The NeedTags' website displays to all customers, before they are asked for any payment information, all fees due, including DMV fees, our service fees, and a detailed explanation of the processes required for order completion. It is impossible to bypass these requirements. The reversal of the cardholder’s registration transaction is not subject to NeedTags’ discretion, but is instead governed by policies established by the California Department of Motor Vehicles pursuant to the Business Partner Automation (BPA) program.
You'll be glad to know that this time around you've renewed your vehicle's DMV registration through California highest rated online registration service provider! Although the registration renewal interface (portal) for our users is online, the real work is done behind-the-scenes, by our awesome employees, and we're doing our very best to keep our offices staffed and continue offering our valued customers the expedited DMV services they've come to expect from us, including our super speedy next-day shipping, instant download of your renewed registration card, and our above par customer support. Please contact our customer care department if we can be of any further assistance.
I was dreading the process change (from DMV to NeedTags) and had braced for a battle; I was so wrong!
Having just completed a title transfer on a different vehicle 6 months ago (before the process changed to utilize NeedTags) I was FLOORED how quickly this transfer was completed! The transfer completed previously took about a month and a half. NeedTags took about 4 DAYS, two of those were weekend days, and in that time I had to mail my paperwork down nearly the full length of the state of California! I am incredibly impressed! I highly recommend NeedTags and the amazing service I received from Jane! Thank you so much!
August 4, 2025
Unprompted review
Ordered Duplicate Title But Received Car Registration
I submitted a request to obtain a duplicate car title but instead received a copy of the car registration. Throughout the process, communication was inconsistent and confusing.
Initially, I received an email stating that I only needed to confirm that a smog check had been completed—no documentation was required. Shortly after, I received another email requesting a copy of the smog check. Then, I was asked to pay the car registration fee, even though it isn’t due until the end of September.
After fulfilling all the requirements, I was sent a copy of the car registration, which was not what I ordered or paid for. I attempted to contact customer service, but was unable to speak with a representative. The phone system only provided a recorded message directing me to check my order status online.
This experience was frustrating and inefficient, and I did not receive the correct document despite following all instructions.
July 31, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from NeedTags
Thank you for your review Celina. NeedTags strives to provide transparency throughout the customer journey. With regards to Duplicate Transfer services, we state on our website and in our correspondence, that all CA Certificate of Titles are issued, printed, and mailed through the DMV headquarters in Sacramento, CA. This important information is disclosed and explained in detail prior to checkout, alongside a full explanation of the process. Replacement registration is always issued alongside your duplicate title order. Because registration cards are processed and printed in-house (at NeedTags), this document is sent to you in advance and much quicker than the actual duplicate title, printed at DMV headquarters. As such, upon the completion of your vehicle's expedited duplicate title processing, you first receive a replacement registration card, and soon after, the duplicate title... much faster than using the DMV website, which has been known to take months. Thank you once again for your feedback. We appreciate your time.
WASTED A MONTH WITH NEED TAGS
WASTED A MONTH WITH NEED TAGS. MOVED OUT OF CALIF. AND NEEDED TO OBTAIN COPY OF LOST OWNERSHIP DOCUMENTS. DESPITE CARS CALIF . REGISTRATION STILL BEING CURRENT, INSISTED NEED NEW REGISTER AND SMOG TEST. REFUSED TO FILE DOCUMENT TO EXCUSE SMOG TEST AS CARS IN STATE OF WASHINGTON AND DRIVER NOW HAD WASHINGTON DRIVER'S LICENSE. SAID "WE DON'T DO THAT" EVEN THOUGH DMV HAS DOCUMENT TO ALLOW AND TELLING ME ONLY WAY TO GET CALIF. DOCUMENTS WAS I WOULD HAVE TO DRIVE CAR 800 MILES TO CALIF. TO GET SMOG TEST. THEN ABANDONED ME AS MY CASE NOT EASY MONEY FOR THEM. 07/31/
July 31, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from NeedTags
Thank you for your review John. Smog check inspections can not be bypassed (exempted) for vehicles that are PERMANENTLY located out of state. NeedTags does in fact provide expedited registration renewals, title transfers, and duplicate titles with smog check exemptions (REG 5103), however we are only able to do so when a vehicle is TEMPORARILY out of state, and its owner intends to eventually return to California; and fulfill their vehicle's smog check inspection requirement at that time. When you order vehicle registration through NeedTags, and you email us your REG 5103, we'll process your vehicle's registration without a smog check and mail your new registration card and sticker to your out of state address on the same business day on which we receive your REG 5103. We appreciate your taking the time to leave us your review.
This business is predatory and the…
This business is predatory and the website is misleading with “DMV” in bold letters all over the site.
The second you realize your mistake of not going through the DMV and ask for the order to be cancelled, they are no where to be found. They don’t have working telephones as advertised. They say sales are final in tiny print and make excuse after excuse. They can’t even answer simple questions about what their $49 fee includes, what the BPA fee is for, why they charge credit card fees and shipping fees. They know exactly what they are doing, which is ripping people off. DMV suggests that any person experiencing this terrible service from NeedTags or any other private 3rd party impersonating the DMV, needs to call DMV Investigations Office to report it so we can stop these terrible businesses. If this was a legitimate business that actually offered customer service, then they would refund people who made the mistake of thinking they were going through the DMV and are asking to be refunded.
My recommendation for NeedTags would be to make a pop up window to enter the site that says in Large, Bold print “This is NOT the DMV website. This is a 3rd party that charges extra fees. To continue with our services, click here” Of course they won’t do that, because no one in their right mind would pay an extra $70+ for registration and for nothing.
July 25, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from NeedTags
Thank you for your review Melissa. We appreciate your time. NeedTags strives to provide full transparency. We are not the DMV and make absolutely no claims to that effect. NeedTags is in fact a delegated provider for the California Department of Motor Vehicles. On the header of every page of our website we display the following text, as per California Business Partner Automation requirements, “NOTICE: NeedTags has been officially licensed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles to provide DMV services on their behalf. NeedTags is not owned or operated by any government agency and charges fees for value-add DMV services pursuant to CVC Section 1685. Standard service may be obtained from the DMV at no cost.” As for the benefits of utilizing our service, although the registration renewal interface (portal) for our users is online, the real work is done behind-the-scenes, by our awesome employees, and we're doing our very best to keep our offices staffed and continue offering our valued customers the expedited DMV services they've come to expect from us, including our super speedy next-day shipping, instant download of your renewed registration card, and our above par customer support. The reversal of the cardholder’s registration transaction is not subject to NeedTags’ discretion, but is instead governed by policies established by the California Department of Motor Vehicles pursuant to the Business Partner Automation (BPA) program.
I Expect a 3rd Party Would Charge a Fee
I entered my vehicle info on the Needtags website and it correctly displayed the same amount due according to California DMV website.
DMV already had my insurance and recent smog on file when I looked it up using my DMV login account. So I only owed the reg fee.
Then I read on the back of of DMV's envelope they give you to mail in your reg renewal and payment.
The envelope states: "California law allows operation of vehicle UPON THE DATE of mailing your registration renewal."
What a relief! The Post Office gave me proof-of-mailing so I am home free.
Just get your smog and buy insurance, then verify online at DMV that they have your smog & insurance.
(California smog shops electronically transmit smog status to DMV, and insurance companies also electronically transmit insurance status to the DMV.)
Next, just mail your reg payment to DMV, even if it's late. I sent my late reg payment overnight to DMV
and I had my new reg and tags a week later.
While I waited I drove around for a week with a printout from the DMV website that showed my smog was on file, insurance was on file, AND they had received the payment.
I don't think CHP or cops would tow your car with all that info presented to the them; that's different then driving around raw with expired everything in which case, yeah, they might tow your car.
If you're using Needtags to renew your registration I would expect to pay extra for the service, but why gum up the process using a middleman?
July 27, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from NeedTags
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We’d like to clarify a few important points for anyone considering the differences between mailing a payment to the DMV versus using NeedTags.
While it’s true that DMV will eventually process a mailed-in payment, everything you described doing manually - verifying smog and insurance, mailing your check, obtaining proof of mailing, waiting for processing, and monitoring for confirmation - NeedTags does for you automatically. With NeedTags, your transaction is processed instantly, the DMV is paid immediately, and your registration is updated in real time.
This matters because when you mail in a payment, there’s always a lag between when you send it and when the DMV confirms and posts it. During that period, drivers risk citations or confusion if law enforcement pulls them over and the DMV database has not yet updated. By contrast, with NeedTags there’s no waiting or uncertainty - your vehicle record is updated instantly, saving you the time and hassle of tracking your payment or carrying around paperwork as proof.
Yes, DMV renewals can be done by mail, but NeedTags exists to make the process faster, more reliable, and more convenient - without the delays and risks that come with mailing a check.
Efficient and Secure Car Title Transfer Service
I had an excellent experience with NeedTags when transferring my car title online. Jane assisted me and was very kind and professional throughout the process. The service was great—efficient, fast, easy, and secure. I truly appreciate their help and the kindness shown. Highly recommended!
July 24, 2025
Unprompted review
Quickly expedited
The experience had pros and cons. The process was quick and easy to deal with. An outline of the exact fees would be helpful. June was quick to respond with email which I appreciate. It wasn't cheap but it was efficient.
July 18, 2025
Unprompted review
Requirements are a moving target (and wrong)
First you asked that I mail the required form and my DL. Then you asked that I email my registration (why not ask for that upfront).
Then you asked for a smog cert for a car that is registered as PNO and does not require a smog cert. Huh? If you are "DMV Experts" you should know the DMV's rules and requirements.
July 21, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from NeedTags
Thank you for your review Matt. We understand your concern. You can only imagine the problems that can arise should a vehicle's title get into the wrong hands. Yes, identification and registration is required in order to complete the Title Transfer/Duplicate process. Through NeedTags the process is infinitely expedited. The process/requirements are outlined prior to checkout. As testament of our dedication to our customers, please see our 60,000+ Shopper Approved reviews and 4.8 STAR rating. Please contact our customer care department if we can be of any further assistance.
NO TRIP TO THE DMV!!
A+ for not having to step foot into the DMV. A+ for customer service, Esperanza, was on it every step of the way and VERY responsive. Fix a spelling error immediately! B- for the cost of service but I'd do it again if it means I don't need to go the the DMV.
July 21, 2025
Unprompted review
Criminals
Criminals. Almost tricked me into believing they were the DMV. They pay extra for SEO that puts them ahead of the actual DMV in the search results. AVOID
July 13, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from NeedTags
Thank you for your review. We appreciate your time. NeedTags strives to provide full transparency. We are not the DMV and make absolutely no claims to that effect. NeedTags is in fact a delegated provider for the California Department of Motor Vehicles. On the header of every page of our website we display the following text, as per California Business Partner Automation requirements, “NOTICE: NeedTags has been officially licensed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles to provide DMV services on their behalf. NeedTags is not owned or operated by any government agency and charges fees for value-add DMV services pursuant to CVC Section 1685. Standard service may be obtained from the DMV at no cost.” The reversal of the cardholder’s registration transaction is not subject to NeedTags’ discretion, but is instead governed by policies established by the California Department of Motor Vehicles pursuant to the Business Partner Automation (BPA) program. As for the benefits of utilizing our service, although the registration renewal interface (portal) for our users is online, the real work is done behind-the-scenes, by our awesome employees, and we're doing our very best to keep our offices staffed and continue offering our valued customers the expedited DMV services they've come to expect from us, including our super speedy next-day shipping, instant download of your renewed registration card, and our above par customer support. . Please contact our customer care department if we can be of any further assistance.
Incredibly responsive team
Incredibly responsive team. Got everything done quickly, and effectively. Highly recommended.
July 9, 2025
Unprompted review
If I could give them a negative star I…
If I could give them a negative star I would, has taken over 45 days and it still is not done. They lost my paperwork twice or it sat on someone's desk. When I asked them about it they said they had not received anything. When I told them I certified mailed it they found it the next day. At which time they said that I needed to get my smog done, I told them when I purchased the vehicle I didnt need it as it had been done inside the 90 days that DMV allows. I told them I started the process with them but since they failed to process my paperwork in a timely manner DMV required me get it done. I realize it this was my vault because I didnt not to my research on this company as I did not realize it was a third-party company. I thought it was a division of DMV. When I told them that I would just handle it myself with my local DMV they said that I would not refund my money. They are crooks, this type of business should not be allowed to exist.
July 3, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from NeedTags
Thank you for your review Matt. We appreciate your time. NeedTags strives to provide full transparency. We are not the DMV and make absolutely no claims to that effect. NeedTags is in fact a delegated provider for the California Department of Motor Vehicles. On the header of every page of our website we display the following text, as per California Business Partner Automation requirements, “NOTICE: NeedTags has been officially licensed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles to provide DMV services on their behalf. NeedTags is not owned or operated by any government agency and charges fees for value-add DMV services pursuant to CVC Section 1685. Standard service may be obtained from the DMV at no cost.” Although we cannot give specific details in this public response, there are situations which require customers to fulfill certain DMV requirements, which if not done in a timely manner may delay receipt of renewed registration. Please contact our customer care department so we can further assist.
RIP OFF- User Beware!
Want to pay more exorbitant fees for DMV renewal?! This company has a website that pops up first when you do a search on DMV renewal. To older and/or non-tech users, they believe they are on the official DMV website. My husband PAID $80.85 MORE THAN THE DMV RENEWAL FEE. This website in no easier or more convenient than the real DMV website. DECEPTIVE. When I called the agent said "we are a legitimate company, and it states we are a service" & hung up. BUYER BEWARE- the real DMV website is every bit as easy to use & you pay on the renewal fee.
June 30, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from NeedTags
Thank you for your review Catrina. We appreciate your time. NeedTags strives to provide full transparency. We are not the DMV and make absolutely no claims to that effect. NeedTags is in fact a delegated provider for the California Department of Motor Vehicles. On the header of every page of our website we display the following text, as per California Business Partner Automation requirements, “NOTICE: NeedTags has been officially licensed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles to provide DMV services on their behalf. NeedTags is not owned or operated by any government agency and charges fees for value-add DMV services pursuant to CVC Section 1685. Standard service may be obtained from the DMV at no cost.” As for the benefits of utilizing our service, although the registration renewal interface (portal) for our users is online, the real work is done behind-the-scenes, by our awesome employees, and we're doing our very best to keep our offices staffed and continue offering our valued customers the expedited DMV services they've come to expect from us, including our super speedy next-day shipping, instant download of your renewed registration card, and our above par customer support. The reversal of the cardholder’s registration transaction is not subject to NeedTags’ discretion, but is instead governed by policies established by the California Department of Motor Vehicles pursuant to the Business Partner Automation (BPA) program. Please contact our customer care department if we can be of any further assistance.
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