California Car Registration: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Car registration in California can be a complex process due to the state’s specific requirements and regulations. This guide for California drivers will walk you through the necessary documents, fee calculators, and steps involved in vehicle registrations and California title transfers. You will find the latest information on your initial registration, registration fees, renewing expired license plates, registration cards, VIN inspection, transferring out-of-state registration, and handling special circumstances such as smog checks and late fees with the California DMV.
Who Needs to Register a Car in California?
California car registration is a must if you are planning on driving, parking, or storing a car in the Golden State. While a car dealer will typically help you manage vehicle title registration, if you recently purchased a vehicle from a private party, you have 10 days post-purchase to transfer ownership. If you are planning on moving to California in the near future, you will be required to update your state vehicle registration within 20 days.
Required Documents for Car Registration
If your vehicle is new, you will need to complete an Application for Title or Registration to register your car in California. Here are the other documents that you will need for car registration in California:
- The vehicle's title
- Proof of insurance
- Your California driver's license
- Smog certification
- Your vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Proof of address
How to Register a New or Used Car
New car registration in California and used car registration in California can vary. Here are the steps for California DMV car registration for both situations.
To register a new car:
- Complete the Application for Title or Registration.
- Get signatures on the title.
- Complete a smog certification.
- Visit a DMV office in person or mail your application to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, PO Box 942869, Sacramento, CA 94269-0001.
To register a used car:
- Obtain the vehicle title and your California bill of sale.
- Record the odometer mileage if the car is less than 10 years old.
- Complete a smog certification.
- Visit a DMV office in person or mail your registration to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, PO Box 942869, Sacramento, CA 94269-0001.
Transferring an Out-of-State Registration
If you are moving to California from another state, follow these steps to transfer your out-of-state vehicle registration:
- Complete the Application for Title or Registration, including signatures.
- Get a copy of the title from your previous state of residence to surrender to the DMV, as well as a registration certificate or renewal notice.
- Have a DMV employee, officer of the law, or licensed in-state vehicle verifier complete the Verification of Vehicle form.
- Get a smog certification if your car runs on gas and is model year 1976 or newer, runs on diesel and is model year 1998 or newer, or runs on natural gas or propane and has a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 pounds or less.
You can use the DMV's vehicle registration fee calculator to determine fees, which must be paid within 20 days. You will also need a California license plate.
Renewing Your Car Registration
Renewing your car registration in California is relatively simple and can be done online if you choose.
You will need the following for California car registration renewal:
- Your license plate number
- The last five digits of your VIN
- Payment
Simply click "Renew Now" on the California DMV site and enter your information for online renewal. If you prefer, you can also renew your California car registration in person at a DMV location, by phone at 800-921-1117, or by mailing your renewal to DMV Renewal, PO Box 942897, Sacramento, CA 94269-0001.
Understanding Fees and Smog Check Requirements
The California DMV offers several online vehicle registration and licensing fee calculators to help you estimate payment amounts. Fees can vary based on your type of vehicle, purchase price/value, date of purchase, where you live, special license plates, and other factors. The state also charges a series of fees for highway use. The basic California Highway Patrol fee starts at $32.
Smog checks are typically required for both your vehicle registration and the renewal process.
Exceptions to the rule include:
- Gas vehicles that are model year 1975 or older, or those that are less than eight model years old
- Diesel vehicles that are model year 1997 or older, or those that have a gross weight of more than 14,000 pounds
- Vehicles powered by natural gas that weigh more than 14,000 pounds
- Electric vehicles
Make Sure You Have the Right Car Insurance
California car insurance is required for drivers throughout the state. The right car insurance will protect you and others and can save you money. EverQuote offers free custom quotes for car insurance that make it easy to compare auto insurance rates, features, and offers. Visit EverQuote today to find the right car insurance for your California driving needs.