Car Registration Requirements for New California Residents

New residents moving to California with an existing vehicle must complete registration through the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Timeline for New California Residents

Individuals who become California residents or get employment in California must register their vehicle within 20 days of the triggering event. Registration fees become due on the earlier of the first operation in California or the date following expiration of out-of-state registration.

Late registration penalties consist of three components: a percentage of the vehicle license fee, a fixed registration late fee, and a California Highway Patrol late fee.

• 1–10 days late: 10% of the vehicle license fee, $10 registration fee, and $10 CHP fee
• 11–30 days late: 20% of the vehicle license fee, $15 registration fee, and $15 CHP fee
• 31 days to one year late: 60% of the vehicle license fee, $30 registration fee, and $30 CHP fee

Establishing California Residency

California law defines residency for vehicle registration purposes under Vehicle Code Section 516. A resident is any person who manifests an intent to live or be located in California on more than a temporary or transient basis. Residency requires both physical presence in California and objective evidence demonstrating intent to remain. Evidence includes accepting employment, enrolling dependents in public schools, registering to vote, purchasing or leasing residential property, or filing for California resident tax status.

Required Documentation for Car Registration in California

New residents must submit specific documents to complete vehicle registration.

Application for Title or Registration
Submit a completed Application for Title or Registration (Form REG 343) signed by all registered owners. The form is available through the DMV forms portal and must be signed as shown on the out-of-state title or registration.

Out-of-State Title or Registration
Provide the original out-of-state certificate of title properly assigned to the applicant. If a lienholder holds the title, submit the current out-of-state registration and evidence of ownership such as a bill of sale. Documentation must demonstrate no outstanding lien or include lien release documentation.

Vehicle Verification
Obtain a verification of vehicle completed by a peace officer or authorized DMV employee. This VIN inspection is required for all vehicles previously registered outside California.

California Liability Insurance
Provide proof of California automobile liability insurance meeting minimum coverage requirements of $30,000 per person for bodily injury or death, $60,000 per accident for two or more persons, and $15,000 per accident for property damage.

Smog Certification
If the vehicle is subject to emissions testing requirements, submit a valid smog inspection certificate from a licensed Smog Check station.

Application Submission Methods

New residents may submit registration applications using the following methods:

• In-Person — Visit any California DMV field office with all required documents and payment. Registration documents and license plates are mailed within approximately two weeks of processing.
• By Mail — Submit to: Vehicle Registration Operations
  Department of Motor Vehicles
  P.O. Box 942869
  Sacramento, CA 94269-0001

Online registration submission for out-of-state vehicles is not available for new residents.

California Vehicle Inspection Requirements

California requires Smog Check inspections for most vehicles upon registration. The Bureau of Automotive Repair administers the statewide Smog Check program.

Smog Check inspections are required in the following counties: Alameda, Butte, Colusa, Contra Costa, Fresno, Glenn, Kern (partial), Kings, Los Angeles (partial), Madera, Marin, Merced, Napa, Orange, Placer, Riverside (partial), Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino (partial), San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Barbara (partial), Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tulare, Ventura (partial), Yolo, and Yuba.

Vehicles Exempt from Smog Certification:

• Gasoline-powered vehicles model year 1975 and older
• Diesel-powered vehicles model year 1997 and older with a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 pounds or less
• Diesel-powered vehicles model year 1998 and newer exceeding 14,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating
• Hybrid vehicles
• Electric vehicles
• Natural gas-powered vehicles over 14,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating
• Motorcycles
• Trailers
• Vehicles eight model years and newer (no biennial Smog Check; smog abatement fee required)
• Vehicles four model years and newer (exempt upon change of ownership)

Smog Check Requirements:

• Most gasoline-powered vehicles 1976 or newer require biennial certification
• Most diesel-powered vehicles 1998 or newer require biennial certification
• Inspections must be completed at licensed Smog Check stations
• Inspection costs typically range from $30 to $90

Registration Fees and Costs in California

California vehicle registration fees vary based on vehicle type, value, weight, and county of residence. The exact amount depends on multiple factors specific to each vehicle.

Registration fees for new residents transferring out-of-state vehicles typically include:

• Vehicle License Fee (0.65% of vehicle value)
• Registration fees
• California Highway Patrol fees
• Transportation Improvement Fee (based on vehicle value)
• County and city fees (vary by location)
• Title and transfer fees
• Use tax (if vehicle was purchased out of state)
• Smog certification fees (if applicable)

The exact cost varies by vehicle and location. New residents can calculate estimated fees using the official DMV calculator, which requires vehicle information, including type, year, make, model, purchase price, and county of residence.

Contact Information

California Department of Motor Vehicles
2415 First Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone: (800) 777-0133
TTY: (800) 368-4327
California Department of Motor Vehicles

Bureau of Automotive Repair
10949 North Mather Boulevard
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Phone: (800) 952-5210
Bureau of Automotive Repair