How To Register A Jdm Car In California
You have 10 days to register a vehicle in california after you purchase it from a private party or you must pay late fees.
How to register a jdm car in california. Contact your local california dmv office and make an appointment. Since california has the unique opportunity to set its own emissions controls and regulations california compliance for japanese domestic market or grey market cars is much more difficult than the rest of the 49 states. The registration for a vehicle with the jdm engine is the same as that for any other vehicle after you have received the bar sticker. In today s video i will cover in detail how to register your japanese car in the usa and make it completely legal to dr. We understand what all it takes to legally import jdm cars to the us and title register them in california.
Find out what dealers are responsible for and what you need to do. Late vehicle registration fees. How to register a jdm car in the usa. Vehicles must be registered in california within 20 days after you establish residency or you will be subject to late fees determined by the duration of delinquency. Next drive the car to your nearest smog station to make sure it passes california s emission regulations.
Buying a car in a foreign country is hard transporting the car can be a challenge. Residency may be established with two separate utility or rent bills showing a residential address within the state. You must show your original social security card and state issued driver s license as well as proof of residency. Provide proof that you are eligible to register the car in your respective state. This cost can be anywhere from 4000 to 10000 for most jdm market vehicles.
So even if you buy a 25 year old vehicle from another state california requires the vehicle meet epa requirements for the year of the vehicle and a smog test prior to registration. Releasing it from the port is a long task and registering it with the dmv is no picnic.