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If you've recently purchased a vehicle or moved to California, one of the first things you'll need to do is register your car with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The process may seem complicated, but this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get your vehicle registered quickly and avoid unnecessary delays.
Step 1: Gather the Required Documents
To register your vehicle in California, you'll need the following:
Vehicle Title or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (if a new car)
Bill of Sale (if purchased from a private seller)
Smog Certification (required unless the vehicle is exempt)
VIN Verification (required for out-of-state vehicles)
Odometer Disclosure Statement (for vehicles less than 10 years old)
Valid California Driver’s License or ID
Proof of Insurance (meeting California’s minimum coverage requirements)
Step 2: Complete the Necessary Forms for Registering a Car in California
When registering your vehicle, you must fill out:
Application for Title or Registration (REG 343)
Statement of Facts (REG 256) (if applicable, such as for exemptions)
Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) (for out-of-state vehicles, completed by a licensed verifier)
Step 3: Get a Smog Check (If Required)
Most gasoline-powered vehicles older than four years require a smog check unless they are exempt (e.g., hybrids, electric vehicles, or diesel-powered vehicles under 14,000 lbs. from model years 1997 or older). You can find a local smog check station at www.bar.ca.gov.
Step 4: Pay the Registration Fees
The California DMV charges various fees based on factors like vehicle type, location, and value. These may include:
Registration Fee ($60–$80 on average)
Title Transfer Fee ($15)
Smog Abatement Fee (if applicable, $25)
California Highway Patrol (CHP) Fee ($29)
County/District Fees (varies by location)
Use Tax (based on purchase price and county rate)
Step 5: Submit Your Paperwork to the DMV
Once you have all required documents and have paid the fees, you can visit a local DMV office or use a third-party registration service (coming soon through Rollin VIN Verifier!) to avoid the long lines.
Step 6: Receive Your Registration & Plates
Once processed, you’ll receive your registration card, license plates, and stickers. Keep these documents in your vehicle at all times after you register your car in California.
Fees Due for Out-of-State Vehicle Purchases
If you bought a vehicle outside of California and are bringing it into the state, fees are due based on whichever of the following occurs first:
The date you establish residency in California. This includes getting a California driver’s license, registering to vote, or securing employment in the state.
The date your out-of-state registration expires. If you’ve been driving the vehicle with another state’s registration, you must register in California as soon as that registration lapses.
The date of entry into California if you are already a resident. If you are a California resident and purchase a vehicle in another state, you must immediately register it upon bringing it into California.
Exception for Commercial Vehicles:
For commercial vehicles, fees are due on the date of entry into California unless the vehicle was previously registered as an automobile in its former state.
Need Help with Vehicle Registration?
With over 12 years of experience in VIN verifications and DMV paperwork, I’m working on launching a vehicle registration service to make this process easier for you! Stay tuned for updates on how you can skip the DMV and get your registration done hassle-free.
💬 Would you use a mobile registration service? Let me know in the comments!
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