Register Your Out-of-State Vehicle in California
What you need to send
The same checklist our staff works from, taken from the DMV requirements for this transaction. Clear phone photos are enough; originals are needed only where noted.
- REG 343 (Application for Title or Registration)Signed by all registered owners as they appear on the out-of-state title/registration.
- Out-of-state title and/or current registration cardThe title is always required when changing ownership or requesting a California title. Registration card alone (retained in owner’s name) creates a non-transferable "goldenrod".
- VIN verification — REG 31Done in person by DMV, law enforcement, or a licensed verifier. We can guide you.
- Smog certificateRequired for non-resident vehicles (the 6-year and family exemptions do NOT apply). Not required only if the vehicle is electric.
- Proof of insuranceNot required to submit, but insurance must be reported to DMV within 30 days or the registration is cancelled.
- REG 262 (Bill of Sale / Odometer / POA)If you’re buying from someone who isn’t the registered owner, or to carry the odometer.
- REG 166 (Lien Satisfied)If a lien on the title needs to be shown as released.
- Proof of tax paid + REG 256If sales tax was paid in the other state (within the last 365 days), to credit against California use tax.
- Weight certificate / REG 4008For commercial vehicles and pickups (unladen weight 10,000 lbs or less).
Who this is for
- New California residents with a vehicle titled in another state
- People who bought a car out of state and brought it home to California
- Military and students sorting out which state they should be registered in
- Owners whose out-of-state title is held by a lender
Key facts
How it works
No line, no appointment, no second trip because one form was wrong.
- 1Today
Send photos of the out-of-state title (or registration if a lender holds the title), your CA address, and ID.
- 2This week
Get the VIN verification and smog check. We tell you exactly where and what to bring.
- 3Within 1 business day of your documents
We prepare the REG 343, calculate fees + use tax, and invoice.
- 4After payment
We file the registration. Plates and sticker are issued and delivered by tracked mail or pickup.
How your documents get back to you
Common questions
Straight answers. If yours is not here, ask us.
How long do I have to register my car after moving to California?
20 days after establishing residency. Residency markers include taking a job, renting or buying a home, or getting a California driver license. Penalties apply after the 20 days.
Does my out-of-state car need a smog check to register in California?
Yes for gasoline and most diesel vehicles, regardless of age; the exemptions that apply to renewals do not apply to out-of-state vehicles. Electric vehicles are exempt.
What is a VIN verification and where do I get one?
An in-person inspection confirming the vehicle and its VIN match the paperwork, recorded on a REG 31. The DMV, CHP, or a licensed private verifier can do it. We point you to the fastest option near you.
The bank in my old state has my title. Can I still register here?
Yes. California can register the vehicle from your current registration card while the title stays with the lienholder; the record is issued non-transferable until the title is surrendered. We prepare the right forms.
Do I pay California sales tax on a car I already paid tax on?
If you bought it within the last 12 months you may owe use tax, but California credits sales tax paid to the other state. Bring proof of the tax you paid and we apply the credit.
Can I drive my out-of-state car in California before it is registered?
Within the 20-day window, yes, on your valid out-of-state registration. After that you need California registration to drive legally.
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