Register your out-of-state vehicle within 20 days of moving to California

When you move to California with a vehicle registered in another state, you have 20 days from the date you establish residency to register it with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). After that window closes, you risk a fine and cannot legally drive the vehicle. The process requires your current out-of-state registration, proof of California residency, a smog check (in most cases), and payment of California registration fees.

The registration fee varies based on your vehicle's value, age, and type. You will pay this fee to the DMV, not to your previous state. California also charges an additional vehicle license fee based on the vehicle's market value. Once registered, your out-of-state plates become invalid and you must replace them with California plates.

Key Takeaways

  • You must register your vehicle within 20 days of establishing California residency, or face fines and loss of legal driving status.
  • A smog check is required for most vehicles, and you must pass it before the DMV will process your registration.
  • Bring your out-of-state registration, proof of California residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of insurance to the DMV.
  • California registration fees are based on your vehicle's value and age, and you will also pay a vehicle license fee that varies by market value.
  • You can start the registration process online through the DMV website, but you must visit a DMV office in person to complete it.

Get a smog check before you visit the DMV

Most vehicles registered in California must pass a smog inspection before registration is complete. The smog check tests your vehicle's emissions to may support it meets California air quality standards. You cannot register your vehicle without a passing smog check certificate, with rare exceptions for vehicles older than 1975 or newer than the current model year minus four years (the exact cutoff changes yearly).

Find a smog station by searching "smog check near me" or visiting the Bureau of Automotive Repair website. The inspection costs between $30 and $80 depending on the station and your vehicle type. Bring your keys and be prepared to wait 30 minutes to an hour. The smog station will give you a certificate with a reference number if you pass. If you fail, you will need to repair the vehicle and retest at another station.

Some vehicles are exempt from smog checks: electric vehicles, vehicles registered as classic cars, and vehicles that have been registered in California for less than four model years. If you believe your vehicle is exempt, bring documentation to the DMV and they will confirm before charging you the smog check fee.

Gather your documents before visiting the DMV

The DMV requires specific documents to register your out-of-state vehicle. Bring your current out-of-state registration certificate, your vehicle's title (or a bill of sale if you do not have the title yet), and your smog check certificate. You will also need proof of California residency and proof of insurance.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill with your name and California address. A government-issued ID showing your California address also works. If you just moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, bring a lease or purchase agreement dated within the last 60 days.

For proof of insurance, bring your current insurance card or a declaration page from your insurance company. Your insurance must meet California's minimum liability requirements: $15,000 for injury to one person, $30,000 for injury to multiple people, and $5,000 for property damage. If your out-of-state insurance does not meet these minimums, you must increase your coverage before the DMV will register the vehicle.

Start your registration online, then complete it at a DMV office

Visit the California DMV website and select "Register a Vehicle" to begin the process online. You will enter your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration information, and personal details. The online system will calculate your registration fees and allow you to pay by credit card or debit card. You will receive a confirmation number.

After completing the online portion, you must visit a DMV office in person to submit your documents and receive your new registration and plates. Bring your confirmation number, all original documents listed above, and a valid government-issued ID. The DMV office will verify your documents, take your payment if you have not paid online, and issue your temporary registration permit on the spot.

Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter waits than afternoons or weekends. Some DMV offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can significantly reduce your wait time. Check your local office's website to see if appointments are available.

Understand California registration fees and what they cover

California registration fees consist of two main charges: the registration fee and the vehicle license fee. The registration fee is a flat amount that covers the cost of processing your registration and issuing your plates. The vehicle license fee is based on your vehicle's market value and decreases each year as the vehicle ages.

For a vehicle worth $20,000, you might pay $250 to $350 in registration fees plus a vehicle license fee of $200 to $400 in the first year, depending on the exact value and your vehicle type. A vehicle worth $5,000 would cost less. The DMV website has a fee calculator where you can enter your vehicle's details and see the exact amount you will owe.

You will also pay for your new California license plates if you do not transfer them from another vehicle. Standard plates cost around $50 to $70. Specialty plates (such as environmental or personalized plates) cost more. These fees are separate from registration and are collected at the time of registration.

Replace your out-of-state plates with California plates

Once your registration is complete, your out-of-state plates are no longer valid. The DMV will issue you California plates at the time of registration. You can choose to keep your current plates as a souvenir, but you must remove them from your vehicle before driving away from the DMV office.

If you ordered personalized plates or specialty plates online, your standard California plates will be issued when ready and your custom plates will arrive by mail within two to four weeks. You can drive with your temporary registration permit and standard plates until your custom plates arrive. Do not install the custom plates until they arrive in the mail.

If you need replacement plates after registration (because plates are lost, stolen, or damaged), you can order them online through the DMV website or visit a DMV office. Replacement plates cost around $20 to $30.

Handle title transfer if you recently purchased the vehicle

If you purchased your vehicle out of state and are moving to California, you need to transfer the title into your name before registering it. If the title is already in your name from the previous owner, you can proceed directly to registration. If the title is still in the seller's name, contact the DMV for instructions on how to transfer it.

Some states issue titles electronically, which means the previous owner's state DMV holds the title and you cannot physically possess it. In this case, bring a bill of sale signed by the previous owner and a copy of the electronic title from the previous state. The California DMV will contact the other state to verify the sale and issue you a California title.

If you cannot locate the title or the previous owner refuses to sign it, you may be able to obtain a duplicate title from the state where the vehicle was registered. This process varies by state and can take several weeks. Contact the DMV in the vehicle's previous state for instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I do not register my vehicle within 20 days?

You will receive a citation and fine, typically $250 to $500 depending on how long you have been driving unregistered. Your vehicle may also be impounded. Register as soon as possible to avoid additional penalties. The 20-day clock starts from the date you establish California residency, not the date you purchase the vehicle.

Can I register my vehicle if I do not have a California driver's license yet?

Yes. You need proof of California residency (such as a utility bill or lease) and a valid government-issued ID from any state. You do not need a California driver's license to register your vehicle, though you will need one to legally drive it. You can obtain both at the same DMV visit if you wish.

Do I need to cancel my out-of-state registration?

You should contact your previous state's DMV and request cancellation of your registration to avoid receiving renewal notices or bills. This is not required by California, but it prevents confusion and potential identity issues. Most states allow you to cancel online or by mail.

What if my vehicle fails the smog check?

You must repair the vehicle and retest at a smog station. Common failures include issues with the oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, or fuel system. Repairs can cost $100 to $1,000 depending on the problem. Once you pass, bring your new smog certificate to the DMV to complete registration.

Can I register a vehicle with a lien on the title?

Yes. If a lender holds the title because you financed the vehicle, bring proof of the lien (such as a loan agreement or letter from the lender) to the DMV. The lender's name will appear on your California registration. You can still register and drive the vehicle normally.