If you’ve lost this paperwork, contact your old state’s DMV to get copies so you can register your car in California. The California DMV provides links to other state offices at https://www. dmv. ca. gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/how-tos/other-state-motor-vehicle-department-links/.
All owners currently listed on the title have to sign the application, even if the registration is only going to be in your name. For example, if you’re a college student moving to California and your parents are also listed on your car’s title, they have to sign the registration application. That’s why it’s a good idea to fill this out before you move.
California requires liability insurance with coverage of at least $15,000 for the injury or death of one person, $30,000 for the injury or death of more than one person, and $5,000 for damage to property.
Type of vehicle Model year Motive power (gas, hybrid, diesel, electric, or other) The month, day, and year the vehicle was first operated in California The month, day, and year you purchased the vehicle The market value of your vehicle when you bought it The amount of use or sales tax you paid in the other state The county and ZIP code where you currently live in California
A 1975 model-year or older gasoline-powered vehicle A 1997 model-year or older diesel-powered vehicle or weighs more than 14,000 pounds Powered by natural gas and weighs more than 14,000 pounds An electric vehicle A gasoline-powered vehicle less than 8 model-years old
To find your local DMV, use the directory at https://www. dmv. ca. gov/portal/locations/field-offices/. If you’d prefer to use a law enforcement office, find the closest one at https://post. ca. gov/le-agencies. Call ahead to the place where you want to get your VIN verified and ask if you can schedule an appointment to cut down on your wait time. If you’re getting your VIN verified at the DMV, you can usually go ahead and register your car at the same time—just make sure you bring your paperwork and get a smog check first!
If you’d prefer to schedule your appointment over the phone, call 1-800-777-0133 or TTY 1-800-368-4327. [10] X Research source
Your completed application Title or registration from your old state Smog certification form (unless your car is exempt) VIN verification form A valid driver’s license Proof of insurance
If you’re only living in California temporarily, you don’t have to get a California license as long as your home state license is valid. You only have to get a California license if you’re trying to establish residency, like if you want to vote in California elections. [13] X Research source
Check with your old state to find out if you have to send your old plates back to them. It’s your responsibility to send them back—the California DMV won’t do it for you.
Once your car is registered, you can renew your registration online each year.
If you’re looking at a new car in another state, check the emissions label under the hood. If it says it’s a 50-state car, you’re good to go. If the car says it’s a “49-state” car, that means it was manufactured to meet the federal emissions standards, but not the stricter California ones. If you buy the car new, you won’t be able to register or drive it in California.
To get an estimate of how much it’ll cost you to register your car, go to https://www. dmv. ca. gov/wasapp/FeeCalculatorWeb/newResidentForm. do and enter information about your car along with the county, city, and ZIP of your residence.
For example, if your child is going to school in California and taking a car that’s in your name, transfer the title from your name to theirs before they leave for school. Then, they can register the car once they get to California and you won’t have to be involved.
Go to https://www. dmv. ca. gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/how-tos/other-state-motor-vehicle-department-links/ if you need a link to your old state’s office so you can order a copy of your title.
Your registration fees are due within 20 days of the date you establish residency in California. To avoid penalties, go ahead and submit your application and pay the fees before that date—even if you don’t have all the inspections or paperwork you need. [23] X Research source
