Is your registration NOT expired?
Yes, my registration hasn't expired yet.
In that case, you must surrender your plates. A driver license becomes suspended when the lapse is 91 days or more or if the time period of the lapse has not yet been determined.
But what if I'm suspended?
In that case you have a choice.
I don't want want to surrender my plates, so what other option is there?
You can pay the optional civil penalty for the entire length of the lapse.
What if the suspension of my registration takes more than 90 days?
Then you must surrender your vehicle registration and plates. The DMV will also suspend your driver license. Your driver license will be suspended for the same number of days as your registration suspension.
I see. And how long does a suspension usually last?