if paying with a check do we write it to AAA or DMV CA

If its insurance u pay AAA..if its vehicle registration u pay DMV

You pay AAA

DMV

That depends if the check was to pay Insurance Premium(s) or to pay the Dept of Motor Vehicles for, say, registration of your vehicle

Write to the DMV CA.

Are you paying it to the DMV in AAA or are you paying it to AAA. It makes a difference and therefore that's where you should pay it