How To Register A Vehicle 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 vehicle in california. 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. But within 20 days you need to register your vehicle or face a hefty fine. If you re new to the state of california welcome. If your car doesn t conform to california state regulations it s considered a 49 state car california law provides a few exemptions that will allow you to register a 49 state car. Evaluate exemptions if your car isn t california certified.

Late vehicle registration fees. The california law states that in order to drive legally you need to have your vehicle registered and that registration needs to be current read. In california there is a different process for registering your vehicle which depends on whether you bought it from a dealer or a private seller. When to register your vehicle in california. If you need to register a vehicle for use on california roadways waterways or trailways you ve come to the right place.

You will need the following items to apply for california vehicle registration so you can. A california certificate of title is an official document that identifies the legal owner of a vehicle and contains important vehicle identification information. Find out what dealers are responsible for and what you need to do. If you bought from a licensed dealer certain registration tasks may be taken care of for you. If you purchase a vehicle from a dealer they will normally take care of the registration paperwork for you.

Vehicles included in this category include sedans hatchbacks suv s convertibles school buses and motorhomes. You will need to show the dmv proof that your car falls into one of these exemptions. The california dmv basically classifies any vehicle that does not have the capacity to carry a load and automobile. California has some specific requirements in order to be able to register an imported vehicle that was never epa certified. 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.