How To Register A Used Out Of State Vehicle In California

A vin verification can be obtained at a california dmv office california highway patrol station or certified vin verification facility with appointment.

How to register a used out of state vehicle in california. Especially when you register out of state cars in california. You must register your vehicle from out of state with the california dmv within 20 days after you brought it into the state and remain as the owner of the vehicle or within 20 days after purchasing an out of state or non resident vehicle in california to avoid penalties. If you own a sailboat over 8 feet long or a boat vessel with a motor no matter the size you must register it with dmv in order to legally use it on california waterways. Present proof of ownership and a smog certificate. How to register your vehicle in california visit a local ca dmv office.

Certain dmvs could keep you waiting eight hours in line just to communicate with a passive aggressive attendant and even more time if you forgot to bring your bill of sale california form. Purchased to replace your california registered vehicle that was stolen while you were using the vehicle out of state. Out of state vehicle title and registration. To title and register your out of state vehicle you must have these items. Next drive the car to your nearest smog station to make sure it passes california s emission regulations.

As a california resident you may be able to register a 49 state vehicle if it was. There are a few exemptions to the law. If the vehicle has less than 7 500 miles click here. Obtained as part of a divorce inheritance or legal separation settlement. New vehicles can not be registered in california unless they are 50 state emissions certified.

Skip the line and renew your. She will also be required to surrender the current out of state title and submit a california application for title or registration form reg 343. An emissions compliance form phoenix and tucson areas only a level i vehicle inspection if out of state title and or registration is missing. Any type of smog station can inspect and certify your out of state vehicle smog check repair center smog test only center or any star certified smog station so long as it s a used vehicle with at least 7 500 miles. State of california state of california department of motor vehicles.

A completed signed title and registration application. Provide proof of your id and car insurance. Learn about new vehicle registrations renew your registration. To register your out of state car in california start by locating your current title or registration and bill of sale to prove that you own your car.