How To Out of state cars can be registered in California.
You might have moved to California from another state.You might already live in California, but you bought a car in another state.California requires that you register an out-of-state car.To register an out-of-state car that doesn't apply to cars bought in the state of California, there are a few additional steps.
Step 1: Check the car's emissions label.
There is an emissions label on the hood of your car.A statement that it complies with California state regulations will be included if it's certified in California.You may not be able to register the car in California if it doesn't include that statement.You might want to check this before you buy a car if you're a California resident.You may not be able to get your money back if you can't register your car in California.If your car was built before 1976, you don't need to worry about California's emissions laws.
Step 2: If your car isn't California certified, evaluate exemptions.
Your car is considered a "49-state car" if it doesn't conform to California state regulations.There are a few exemptions that will allow you to register a 49-state car.You will need to show the Department of Motor Vehicles proof that your car is exempt.You can register the car if you got it as part of a divorce, inheritance, or legal settlement.If your car was stolen or wrecked out of state and you bought a 49-state car to replace it, you can register it.California gives exemptions for emergency vehicles and cars you purchased while on active military duty.Cars built before 1976 are exempt.
Step 3: You can get the last issued out-of-state title.
To prove that you own the vehicle, you need the title or registration from the state the car came from.Unless the car is financed, you need to get the title.You can find a list of out-of-state offices where you can request a copy of the title or registration on the California Department of Motor Vehicles website.If the out-of-state title has been lost, stolen, or destroyed, you will need to request a duplicate from the state that issued the title before you can register your car and get a California title.
Step 4: The odometer disclosure needs to be completed.
The odometer disclosure section on your title must be completed by the seller and acknowledged by you as the buyer of the car.If the car is more than 10 years old or a brand new car, this disclosure isn't required.If you're planning on using the car as a commercial vehicle, you won't need to complete the odometer disclosure.If you don't have the title, you need to fill out a REG 262 form.The form is printed on security paper so you can't download it online.You can get a form mailed to you by calling the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Step 5: You can make a copy of the bill.
If you recently purchased a car from out of state and want to register it in California as a new owner, you will need a copy of the bill of sale.You can use a finance agreement or other purchase agreement if you didn't get the "Bill of Sale" document.
Step 6: You should calculate your registration fees.
You can use the fee calculator on the California Department of Motor Vehicles website to figure out how much you'll have to pay to register your car in another state.Click on the "nonresident vehicles" link at the bottom of the page.Information about the type of vehicle and model year will be required.The date you first drove the vehicle in California will also be entered.If you paid use or sales tax in another state, enter it here.You'll get a tax credit for it.
Step 7: Go to a California smog station to have your car verified.
Before cars can be registered in California, they have to have a smog certification.Diesel-powered cars of model year 1998 or newer don't require smog certification.Go to www.smogcheck.ca.gov and click the "Find a Station" button to find the nearest smog station.Smog check prices aren't regulated, so you may want to shop around at several stations to find the best price.
Step 8: If you register the car as a commercial vehicle, you need to verify its weight.
You don't need a weighmaster's certificate if your car is for personal use.If you plan to register the car as a commercial vehicle, you will need one.You can find public scales on the website of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
Step 9: Go to your local California office.
If you want to register your out-of-state car in California for the first time, you'll have to drive the car to the nearest field office and submit an application along with all the required documents.You can find a field office on the website of the Department of Motor Vehicles.You can shorten your wait time by making an appointment online or by calling.Field offices are closed on weekends and holidays.
Step 10: You need to apply for title or registration.
Information about you and the car you want to register in California is required for the title or registration application.You have to give information about the purchase of the car.The application can be downloaded from the California Department of Motor Vehicles website.While you wait, you can get a copy of the application and fill it out.
Step 11: You can get your car verified at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
To verify the car's vehicle identification number, you must take your out-of-state car to the local Department of Motor Vehicles.This must be done by an authorized employee of the Department of Motor Vehicles.You should make an appointment so you don't have to wait long.You can register your car at the same time you get the verification if you take all of the required paperwork.
Step 12: You must submit your application with certifications and proof of ownership.
You need to give the title or registration from the other state, your bill of sale, smog certification, and any other required documents when you finish filling out your application.The originals of your documents will be given to you by the clerk.
Step 13: You must show proof of insurance and your driver's license.
If you have car insurance that meets the minimum requirements, you will be able to register with the Department of Motor Vehicles.If you own a private passenger vehicle, you must have at least $15,000 in coverage for the injury or death of one person, $30,000 for injuries to more than one people, and $5,000 for damage to property.
Step 14: You have to pay the required fees.
The amount of fees you owe to register the car will be calculated once the clerk has processed your application.You will have an idea of how much this will cost if you have already calculated your fees online.If your calculation differs from the clerk's calculation, you'll have to pay.Cash, personal checks, and credit or debit cards are accepted at the field offices.Some of the fees may be deductible.For more information, contact a California tax advisor.
Step 15: If required, turn over your out-of-state license plates.
If you want to get new California plates, you'll have to give the out-of-state license plates to the Department of Motor Vehicles.If the plates are expired, there are exemptions.If the other state requires you to send the plates back to them, the California Department of Motor Vehicles won't do this for you.
Step 16: Put your new plates on your car.
The clerk will give you new plates to put on your car once your registration is complete.You'll get a temporary plate until you get your plates in the mail, if you ordered specialty or custom plates.