How to Register an Out-of-State Car in California

Bringing a vehicle across state lines can be confusing. Whether you're relocating, buying a car in another state, or selling to a California buyer, you need to understand how to register an Out-of-State Car in California. This guide explains timelines, required documents, emissions rules, fees, and practical steps for buyers, sellers, and small dealers.

Why this process matters

California has strict emissions and title requirements. Missing a step can delay plates, add penalties, or even make a vehicle ineligible to register. A little preparation prevents costly surprises and protects you from title or lien issues.

Who needs to register and when

New residents: If you move to California and bring your vehicle, you generally must register it within 20 days of establishing residency. Residency can be shown by employment, voter registration, home purchase/lease, or dependent children attending school.

California buyers: If you bought a used vehicle out of state and plan to use it in California, you must register it before operating it on public roads here.

Dealers: Independent dealers who purchase vehicles from auctions or private parties out of state must prepare the car to meet California standards before retailing it.

Driving with out-of-state plates beyond the deadline can lead to fines and back fees.

Key terms to know

VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): A unique 17-character code that identifies a specific vehicle. It is used to verify identity, history, and title records.

Title brand: A label on a vehicle’s title, such as Salvage, Rebuilt, Flood, Lemon Law Buyback, or Odometer Not Actual. Brands affect value, insurability, and inspection requirements.

Lien: A lender’s legal claim to the vehicle until a loan is paid. If a lien exists, the lienholder usually holds the title and must release it or permit registration in California.

Vehicle history report: A report that compiles data from DMVs, insurers, auctions, and service records, including title brands, odometer readings, prior damage, and recall notices.

The California emissions rules you must know

California’s emissions standards are stricter than many states. Two rules matter most:

1) Smog inspection: Most gasoline vehicles model year 1976 and newer require a California smog inspection for initial registration. Most diesel vehicles 1998 and newer with a gross vehicle weight rating under 14,000 pounds also require it. Electric vehicles are exempt. Some newer vehicles may qualify for a smog abatement fee in lieu of inspection, but expect to complete a smog check for many out-of-state registrations.

2) The 7,500-mile rule: A vehicle with fewer than 7,500 miles is considered “new” for emissions purposes. It must be California emissions compliant, typically indicated by an under-hood label stating it meets California emissions standards. If it is not California-certified and has under 7,500 miles, you generally cannot register it in California.

Before you buy or ship a car, verify the emissions label under the hood and check the odometer. This is especially important for late-model imports and performance vehicles.

Required documents: Your registration checklist

Bring originals where possible and keep copies for your records.

Out-of-state title (or out-of-state registration if the title is held by a lienholder). If there’s a lien, bring lienholder contact information and proof of loan account.

Bill of sale showing purchase price and date, if not already assigned on the title.

Odometer disclosure for federally required model years. This is often handled on a secure form (such as REG 262) or within the title if space is provided.

Completed Application for Title or Registration (REG 343).

Vehicle/VIN verification (REG 31). The VIN must be physically verified by DMV, CHP, or a licensed verifier when the vehicle is from out of state.

Smog certificate (if required), issued by a California-licensed smog station.

Proof of California insurance in your name. Insurers typically report coverage electronically to DMV.

Proof of identity and California address (driver license/ID and residency documents).

Weight certificate for certain commercial pickups and trucks.

If documents are missing, DMV may issue a temporary operating permit while you complete the remaining steps.

Step-by-step: How to register an out-of-state vehicle

1) Get insured in California. Have your policy active before your DMV visit. The system often verifies coverage electronically.

2) Smog inspection. If required, complete the smog check at a California station and bring the certificate (the station also transmits results electronically to DMV).

3) VIN verification (REG 31). Bring the car to DMV, CHP, or a licensed verifier. They will confirm the VIN, emissions label, and other identifiers. This step helps catch odometer rollbacks and stolen or cloned VINs.

4) Complete forms. Fill out REG 343 (application) and any odometer disclosure forms. Have the title or registration from the other state ready, and the bill of sale if needed.

5) Pay fees and use tax. Fees typically include a registration fee, vehicle license fee (value-based), California Highway Patrol fee, county/district fees, smog fees, and use tax based on the purchase price and your address. DMV will calculate these at the counter.

6) Get plates and stickers. If everything is in order, you’ll receive California plates, a registration card, and a month/year sticker. If something is pending (like a lienholder title release), you may receive temporary documents.

Fees, taxes, and penalties at a glance

Registration and title fees: Standard statewide charges for processing ownership and plates.

Vehicle License Fee (VLF): A value-based annual fee.

California Highway Patrol (CHP) fee: Supports CHP operations.

County and district fees: Air quality and local assessments vary by location.

Smog-related fees: Inspection fee and possibly a certificate or abatement fee.

Use tax: Based on purchase price and your county’s rate, collected by DMV.

Late penalties: If you miss the 20-day window after establishing residency or bringing the vehicle into the state, penalties escalate over time.

Bring documentation that clearly shows the purchase price and date to ensure accurate tax calculation.

Special situations and how to handle them

Vehicles with a lien or lease

If a lien exists, the lender often holds the physical title. Bring your loan documents and lienholder contact information. DMV may register the vehicle and request the title from the lienholder. For leases, bring a power of attorney or letter of authorization from the lessor.

Salvage, rebuilt, or flood vehicles

Title-branded vehicles often need extra steps. Expect a more detailed inspection (sometimes by CHP), and for salvage rebuilds, brake and lamp certifications may be required. Review the brand in advance; a history report can alert you to prior total loss or flood events that impact insurability and safety.

Commercial pickups and work vehicles

You may need a weight certificate and to declare a gross weight. Additional fees may apply. If the truck has modifications (e.g., aftermarket diesel equipment), verify emissions compliance before your smog check.

Missing title or incomplete records

If you cannot obtain the title, talk with DMV about bonded title or out-of-state duplicate title options. Avoid purchasing vehicles with unresolved liens or unclear ownership unless you’re prepared for extra time and cost.

Practical research workflow before you commit

Thorough research reduces risk and saves time. Here is a straightforward process using VinCheckPro-style tools:

1) Collect and verify the VIN. Ask the seller for the 17-character VIN and compare it with the VIN plates on the dashboard, driver door jamb, and any labels under the hood. Ensuring the VIN matches prevents registration issues and helps uncover tampering.

2) Run a VIN check. Use a free VIN check tool on VinCheckPro.com to pull essential records. Look for title brands (salvage/rebuilt/flood), odometer readings, prior accidents, theft records, and open recalls. This early scan flags vehicles that may fail inspections or require costly repairs.

3) Perform a license plate lookup (if available). Running a license plate lookup can reveal recent registration state, renewal status, and any red flags tied to the plate. It helps confirm that the car was actually registered in the seller’s state and not recently switched.

4) Review title records and the vehicle history report. Study title status, brand history, lien records, odometer consistency, prior damage, and previous states of registration. Confirm whether the car meets California emissions certification and note the odometer to assess the 7,500-mile rule. This step reduces the risk of buying a car you cannot register in California.

By following these steps, buyers, sellers, and dealers can identify problems before money changes hands and plan for DMV requirements with confidence.

Common pitfalls—and how to avoid them

Ignoring the 7,500-mile rule: Verify the emissions label and mileage before purchasing. If the car lacks California emissions certification and has under 7,500 miles, look for a different vehicle.

Skipping VIN verification readiness: Clear the windshield VIN, open the driver door, and locate the under-hood emissions sticker so the verifier can inspect quickly.

Assuming the title is clean: Use a history report to check for title brands and liens. A hidden lien can prevent registration and transfer of ownership.

Delaying insurance: Acquire California insurance before visiting DMV; it prevents processing delays.

Waiting past the deadline: Register within 20 days of establishing residency or bringing the vehicle into the state to avoid penalties.

What dealers should know

Prep inventory for California: Confirm emissions certification on late-model vehicles and address recalls or check-engine lights before smog.

Keep forms ready: Have REG 343, REG 31, and odometer disclosures prepared for faster turnarounds. For lien or lease vehicles, secure authorization in advance.

Disclose history: Provide buyers with a vehicle history report and explain any title brands or major repairs. Transparent documentation reduces chargebacks and complaints.

Tips for a smooth DMV visit

Make an appointment and bring the vehicle for VIN verification.

Bring all documents, including out-of-state plates; you may need to surrender them.

If you’re missing a document, ask about a temporary operating permit.

Keep receipts for smog, weight certificate, and any inspection fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to register after moving to California?

Generally, you have 20 days after establishing residency to register your vehicle. If you exceed this period, late penalties can apply and increase over time.

Do I need a smog check for an out-of-state car?

Most gasoline vehicles 1976 and newer and most diesel vehicles 1998 and newer (under 14,000 GVWR) need a California smog inspection for initial registration. Some newer vehicles may pay a smog abatement fee instead of inspection, but plan for a smog check unless you know your vehicle is exempt.

Can I register a car with fewer than 7,500 miles from another state?

Only if it is California emissions certified. If the vehicle is not California-certified and has under 7,500 miles, it generally cannot be registered in California.

What if I don’t have the physical title because there’s a lien?

Bring proof of your loan and lienholder contact information. DMV can often complete registration while requesting the title from the lienholder, but expect extra processing time.

How much will it cost to register?

Costs vary by vehicle value, location, and situation. Expect to pay registration fees, vehicle license fee, CHP fee, local district fees, smog-related fees, and use tax based on your purchase price and county tax rate. DMV will calculate your total at the counter.

The bottom line

Registering an Out-of-State Car in California is manageable when you understand the rules and prepare your documents. Buyers, sellers, and small dealers can avoid delays by verifying emissions compliance, completing VIN verification, and budgeting for fees and taxes. Before you line up at DMV, run a VIN check and license plate lookup, review title and lien history, and confirm smog readiness. Follow the workflow in this guide, and apply it to your current or next vehicle to make registering an Out-of-State Car in California straightforward and stress-free.