Registering Your Vehicle

The following is required to register a nonresident vehicle:

* An Application for Title or Registration (REG 343) signed by all registered owners, showing the name and address of the lienholder (legal owner), if any.
* Last issued out-of-state title, unless held by the lienholder/legal owner.
* Last issued registration certificate, if the applicant is the same as the registered owner shown on the out-of-state title and the vehicle entered California with valid out-of-state registration, or if the title has been lost.
* A Bill of Sale, Vehicle/ Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (REG 262), if you purchased the vehicle from someone other than the registered owner shown on the title.
* Odometer disclosure statement on the REG 262, signed by the seller and buyer, if the vehicle is less than ten model years old.
* A vehicle verification. The vehicle must be inspected by an authorized DMV employee, law enforcement officer, or a licensed vehicle verifier employed by a registration service or dealership. These inspections require no additional fee and are most easily obtained by bringing the vehicle to the nearest DMV.
* Smog Certification, if applicable.
* Surrender the valid out-of-state license plates if they do not have to be returned to the home state.
* Weight Certificate, if a commercial vehicle. The weight certificate issued by a California certified public weighmaster is required for most trucks and pickups. You may obtain this certificate from many moving and storage companies for a nominal fee. A weight certificate is not required for:
o Commercial vehicles with empty or unladen weight of 6,000 pounds or less where the weight is marked as unladen or empty on the out-of-state title or registration.
o Trailers.

* Appropriate fees and any use tax due.


When are fees due? Commercial vehicles and any vehicle owned by a California resident must be registered immediately upon entry into California unless a special permit was obtained. Residents of other states may operate their vehicles with current registration in their names from their residence state for up to six months or until they:

* Accept gainful employment in California or become a California resident.
* Claim a homeowner's exemption in California.
* Rent or lease a residence in California.
* Enroll in an institution of higher learning as a California resident or enroll their dependents in school (K-12).
* Intend to live or be located here on a permanent basis (e.g., acquire a California driver license, acquire other licenses not ordinarily extended to a nonresident, registered to vote, etc.).

Fees must be paid within 20 days of entry or residency to avoid penalties.