If you are living in California and need register your car at the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles), but you don’t know how, here we will explain the documents and the process you must follow for them. Please note that this is an important step to legally drive your vehicle on the streets of California and avoid fines associated with non-compliance. If you want to know how to do it, stay until the end.
What do I need to register my car in California?
To register your new vehicle with the California DMV you will need:
- A proof of ownership (Certificate of Title or Manufacturer/MCO Certificate of Origin).
- A proof of your current California auto insurance policy.
- Application for Vehicle Registration in California.
- A valid driver’s license and license number.
- Proof of your California residency.
For used vehicles, you may also need to submit:
- The California Certificate of Title signed and completed by the previous owner of the vehicle.
- A bill of sale.
- Previous car registration documents.
- An odometer disclosure statement.
- Plates, in the case of wanting to transfer old plates to the new vehicle.
On the other hand, if you wish to register vehicles from another state in California, you must also have:
- Out-of-state Certificate of Title and/or registration documentation.
- A VIN Verification/VIN Inspection by a California licensed inspector.
How to register a car in California?
To register your vehicle in California, you must first be clear about its condition, in order to follow the specific process. This varies slightly depending on whether it is:
- Register a vehicle if you are a new California resident.
- Cars purchased from a dealer.
- Cars purchased in a private sale.
Steps to register your vehicle if you are a new California resident
If you have just moved to California, you will have a 20 day period to transfer your vehicle registration from another state. To do this, you will need to make an appointment at your local DMV with the following:
- A Complete Application for Title or Registration (REG Form 343).
- Proof of ownership (Certificate of Title, Registration Documents, Bill of Sale, MCO, etc.).
- California car insurance proof.
- A valid smog certificate, if applicable.
- After a DMV employee completes the VIN inspection of your vehicle (REG 31), you will be issued your registration card, decals and license plates.
Remember that you must pay the fees for this service.
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Register your vehicle if you bought it from a dealer
On the other hand, if you recently purchased a vehicle from a dealer, you won’t have to do much. Typically, the dealer will send and process your California registration and title documentation on your behalf. After a few weeks, your permanent plates and registration papers should arrive in the mail.
Register your vehicle if you bought it in a private sale (used car)
Finally, if you purchased your vehicle from a private seller, you must transfer ownership and register it within 10 days of the sale. To do this, you will need to make an appointment and visit a local DMV office, where you will present:
- California Certificate of Title signed by the previous owner.
- A completed Application for Title/Registration (REG Form 343).
- The Odometer Disclosure section (if applicable).
- A valid smog certificate from the seller (will be valid for up to 90 days from the inspection date).
Remember that you must pay the fees for this service.
What happens if I do not have all the requirements for my procedure?
According to California DMVto avoid penalties, you must submit your registration application and fees on time, even if you do not have all the requirements (title, smog, etc.) needed to register the vehicle with the state.
Vehicle registration fees
The amount of fees you will need to pay depends on a variety of factors. To get an estimate of the amount, you can use the Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator from the California DMV. Please note that an exact amount can only be calculated when you submit your registration application to the DMV. To find out the registration fees, you can also consult the brochure Registration related fees (FFVR 34).
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