How To Register A Vehicle In California

California has some specific requirements in order to be able to register an imported vehicle that was never epa certified.

How to register a vehicle in california. Evaluate exemptions if your car isn t california certified. But within 20 days you need to register your vehicle or face a hefty fine. Vehicles included in this category include sedans hatchbacks suv s convertibles school buses and motorhomes. If you bought from a licensed dealer certain registration tasks may be taken care of for you. Late vehicle registration fees.

If you purchase a vehicle from a dealer they will normally take care of the registration paperwork for you. Vehicles must be registered in california within 20 days after you establish residency or you will be subject to late fees determined by the duration of delinquency. A california certificate of title is an official document that identifies the legal owner of a vehicle and contains important vehicle identification information. If your car doesn t conform to california state regulations it s considered a 49 state car california law provides a few exemptions that will allow you to register a 49 state car. If you re new to the state of california welcome.

You have 10 days to register a vehicle in california after you purchase it from a private party or you must pay late fees. So even if you buy a 25 year old vehicle from another state california requires the vehicle meet epa requirements for the year of the vehicle and a smog test prior to registration. If you need to register a vehicle for use on california roadways waterways or trailways you ve come to the right place. The registration process is somewhat different if you re registering a new vehicle that you bought at a dealership than if you re transferring ownership of a used car that was already registered in california. The california law states that in order to drive legally you need to have your vehicle registered and that registration needs to be current read.

You will need to show the dmv proof that your car falls into one of these exemptions. Once registered you re responsible for renewing your registration every year that you own the car. When to register your vehicle in california. In california there is a different process for registering your vehicle which depends on whether you bought it from a dealer or a private seller. The california dmv basically classifies any vehicle that does not have the capacity to carry a load and automobile.