What you need to do when you bring a car into California

When you move to California with a vehicle registered in another state, you must register it with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 20 days of establishing residency. "Establishing residency" means the day you move into a home where you intend to live — not the day you arrive for a visit. California will not let you keep an out-of-state registration once you live here, even if your old registration is still valid.

The process involves getting a new title in California's name, paying registration fees, and passing a smog check in most cases. You cannot legally drive on California roads with only your old registration after the 20-day window closes, though the DMV does not actively hunt for violations — the problem surfaces if you are stopped by law enforcement or get into an accident.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 20 days from the date you move into a California home to register your vehicle with the DMV, or you risk driving illegally.
  • Most vehicles require a smog check before registration, which costs $30 to $70 and must be done at a licensed station before you submit your DMV paperwork.
  • You will need your out-of-state title, proof of California residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and a completed process for Title or Registration form.
  • Registration fees vary by vehicle weight and age; a typical passenger car costs $200 to $400 for the first year, plus any local taxes your county charges.
  • If your out-of-state title has a lien (the car is financed), the lienholder must sign off, which usually happens automatically if you contact your lender before visiting the DMV.

Gather your documents before you visit the DMV

Start by collecting your out-of-state title — the physical document showing you own the car. If the title is held by a lender because you still owe money on the vehicle, contact that lender now and ask them to send you a copy or tell you what paperwork they need from you. Some lenders can email a release form; others require you to visit a branch. Do not wait until you are at the DMV to sort this out.

Next, get proof that you live in California. The DMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowner's insurance policy — any document dated within the last 90 days showing your name and California address. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count. If you just moved and have not received a utility bill yet, a signed lease with your move-in date works.

You will also need your driver's license or state ID. If you have not yet gotten a California license, bring your out-of-state license; you can handle the license change at the same DMV visit or do it separately. Bring your vehicle identification number (VIN) — you can find it on your dashboard at the base of the windshield on the driver's side, or on your current registration.

Get a smog check unless your car is exempt

California requires a smog check for most vehicles before you can register them. The main exceptions are vehicles that are model year 1975 or older, vehicles that are brand new (current model year), and some electric or hybrid vehicles. If you are unsure whether your car needs one, call a smog station and give them your vehicle's year, make, and model — they can tell you in 30 seconds.

Find a smog station near you by searching "smog check near me" or visiting the Bureau of Automotive Repair website, which lists licensed stations. The test costs $30 to $70 depending on your vehicle type and the station. The station will give you a certificate (usually printed on the spot) that you bring to the DMV. The certificate is valid for 30 days, so do not get the smog check too early.

If your car fails the smog check, you have options: some stations offer repairs, or you can take the car to a mechanic and return to the same station for a retest. A failed smog check does not prevent you from registering — it just means you cannot register until you pass. Plan for this possibility if your car is older or has not been serviced recently.

Complete the DMV process form

read or pick up the process for Title or Registration (Form REG 343) from the California DMV website or any DMV office. Fill in your name, California address, vehicle information (VIN, year, make, model), and your out-of-state title number. You do not need to fill in every blank — focus on the sections marked as required.

If someone else is on the title with you, both of you must sign the form. If the title is held by a lender, you will need their written consent, which usually comes as a separate form they provide. Some lenders include this automatically when you ask for a copy of the title; others require you to request it separately.

Bring the completed form, your out-of-state title, your smog certificate (if required), and your proof of residency to the DMV. You do not need to make an appointment at most DMV offices, but checking the local office's website first can save you a trip — some locations are by appointment only, and wait times vary widely.

Pay registration fees at the DMV

Registration fees depend on your vehicle's weight and age. The DMV calculates this based on your vehicle's specifications, not on what you paid for it. A typical passenger car registered for the first time in California costs between $200 and $400 for the first year. Trucks and SUVs cost more; older vehicles sometimes cost less. Your county may also add a local vehicle registration fee, which varies by location — some counties add $10 to $50 annually.

The DMV will tell you the exact amount when you submit your paperwork. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most offices. If you are mailing your documents instead of visiting in person, include a check with your process.

After you pay, the DMV will issue you temporary registration paperwork (usually valid for 30 days) and mail your permanent registration and new California title to your address within two to three weeks. Keep the temporary paperwork in your car until the permanent registration arrives.

Handle title transfers if you have a lien

If your car is financed and the lender holds the title, the lender must release or transfer their lien to California. Contact your lender's customer service department and tell them you are moving to California and need to register the vehicle there. Ask specifically what form they need you to complete or sign.

Some lenders can email you a lien release form that you bring to the DMV along with your other documents. Others require you to visit a branch or mail documents back and forth. This process usually takes a few days to a week, so start it as soon as you know you are moving. Do not wait until day 19 of your 20-day window.

If the lender is slow to respond, bring whatever documentation you have to the DMV and explain the situation. The DMV can sometimes hold your process while you wait for the lender's paperwork, rather than rejecting it outright. The key is not to let the 20-day important date pass without at least starting the process.

What happens after you submit your process

The DMV processes most applications within two to three weeks. You will receive your new California title and permanent registration by mail at the address you provided. Until then, keep the temporary registration paperwork the DMV gave you in your vehicle at all times — it is your proof that you have registered legally.

If the DMV needs more information, they will mail you a notice. Check your mailbox regularly during the processing period. If you do not hear from them within a month, you can call the DMV or check your process status online using your driver's license number and date of birth.

Once your permanent registration arrives, you are done. Your vehicle is now registered in California and you can renew it by mail or online each year on the anniversary of your registration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I move to California but my car is still registered in another state?

You have 20 days from moving into a California home to register the vehicle with the California DMV. After that window closes, driving with only an out-of-state registration is illegal, though enforcement typically happens only if you are stopped by police or involved in an accident. Start the registration process as soon as you have your proof of residency.

Can I register my car by mail instead of going to the DMV office?

Yes. Mail your completed process for Title or Registration form, your out-of-state title, your smog certificate, proof of residency, and a check for the registration fee to your local DMV office. Include a cover letter with your name and phone number. Processing takes longer by mail — typically four to six weeks instead of two to three — so plan accordingly if you need your registration quickly.

Do I need to get a California driver's license before I register my car?

No. You can register your car and get your driver's license at separate times. However, you must get a California driver's license within 10 days of establishing residency, so you will need to visit the DMV twice or handle both on the same visit. Doing both at once saves time.

What if my out-of-state title is lost or damaged?

Contact the DMV in the state where the car is currently registered and request a duplicate title. This usually takes one to two weeks. You can register your car in California once you receive the duplicate, even if it arrives after your 20-day window — the key is that you must have started the process within 20 days. Bring documentation showing you requested the title to the California DMV if needed.

Will I owe sales tax when I register my car in California?

California does not charge sales tax on vehicle registration itself, but you may owe use tax if you purchased the vehicle in a state with lower sales tax and are now registering it in California. The DMV will calculate this based on your purchase price and the tax rate in your previous state. This typically applies only if you bought the car recently; if you owned it for several years before moving, use tax is usually not owed.