The fastest way to remove your vehicle’s Planned Non-Operation (PNO) status is by using California’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) online portal. 

You can visit the official website, navigate to the vehicle registration section and select the option to change or update your current registration status. You must provide necessary information, such as your license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN). Once you’ve verified your details, you can pay the applicable registration fees and any associated penalties online. 

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How soon can I drive my vehicle after removing the PNO status?

In California, you can start driving your vehicle right after removing the PNO (Planned Non-Operation) status, provided you have completed the vehicle registration process and secured the required insurance. You’re good to drive once the PNO status is officially lifted from your registration record.

How much does it cost to remove a PNO status?

There is no additional fee specifically for removing PNO; you simply pay the standard vehicle registration fees when you choose to re-register. To begin, gather your vehicle information, ensure you have valid auto insurance and visit the California DMV online portal. 

You’ll have to enter your vehicle details, confirm that you want to reinstate the registration and pay the registration fees. Once the transaction is processed, the system automatically removes the PNO status.

Final thoughts

You can easily remove a Planned Non-Operation (PNO) status in California by completing the process online through the DMV portal. Ensure your vehicle is registered and insured, and you’ll be able to get your car back on the road quickly. Simply pay the standard registration fees and the system will remove the PNO status. 

Learn more about selling a PNO car in California

Resource & Methodology

Sources

  1. California Department of Motor Vehicles. “Planned Nonoperation Filing.” Accessed February 2025. 

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Shivani Gite is a personal finance and insurance writer with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She is passionate about making insurance topics easy to understand for people and helping them make better financial decisions. When not writing, you can find her reading a book or watching anime.
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