Register your car with the California DMV by submitting an process for Title or Registration (Form REG 343), proof of ownership, proof of California residency, and the vehicle's smog certification — either in person at a DMV office, by mail, or through an authorized third-party service.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all vehicle registration in the state. You will need to complete the correct form, gather supporting documents, and pay the registration fee, which varies based on the vehicle's value and type. Most people register in person at a local DMV office, but you can also mail documents or use a private registration service if you prefer not to visit an office.

Registration is required before you can legally drive on California roads. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in California — whether it is new, used, or transferred from another state — the process is the same, though the documents you bring will differ slightly depending on your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete Form REG 343 (process for Title or Registration) and bring it along with proof of ownership, proof of California residency, and a smog certification to register a vehicle.
  • Registration fees are based on the vehicle's market value, not the price you paid, and are calculated using the DMV's reference guide.
  • You can register at a DMV office in person, by mail using the DMV's address, or through an authorized third-party service like AAA or a local auto club.
  • New vehicles require a smog certification from the manufacturer; used vehicles require a smog test from a certified station unless they are exempt by age or type.
  • Processing takes about two weeks by mail or at the office, and you will receive your registration card and license plates or stickers by mail.

What documents you need to bring

The exact documents depend on whether you are registering a new vehicle, a used vehicle from another state, or a used vehicle already in California. In all cases, you will need the completed Form REG 343, proof of ownership (the title or bill of sale), and proof that you live in California.

Proof of California residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government-issued ID with a California address. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved to California, bring your out-of-state driver's license or ID plus a residency document; the DMV will accept this combination.

For a used vehicle, you will also need a smog certification. If the vehicle is model year 1975 or newer, it must pass a smog test at a Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) certified station. Vehicles model year 1974 or older are exempt. New vehicles come with a manufacturer's smog certification and do not need a separate test. The smog certificate is valid for 90 days, so time your test accordingly.

How to calculate and pay the registration fee

California registration fees are not flat — they are based on the vehicle's market value according to the DMV's reference guide, not what you paid for it. The DMV publishes a list of vehicle values by make, model, and year. You can look up your vehicle's value on the DMV website or ask the staff at the DMV office to calculate it for you.

The base registration fee is roughly 1.15% of the vehicle's market value, plus a $35 registration process fee. Vehicles registered for the first time in California may also owe use tax if the vehicle was purchased out of state. Use tax is calculated on the purchase price and is typically 7.25% to 8.625% depending on your county. If you already paid sales tax in another state, you may receive a credit against California's use tax.

You pay the registration fee when you submit your documents. If you register in person, you can pay by cash, check, or card. If you mail your documents, include a check or money order. Third-party services typically accept card payments and may charge an additional service fee.

Registering in person at a DMV office

Visit your local DMV office with all required documents and the completed Form REG 343. Bring your identification and proof of residency. You will need to wait for your number to be called, then hand your documents to a clerk, who will verify everything and collect your fee.

Processing at the office is when ready — you will walk out with a temporary registration document that is valid for 90 days. Your permanent registration card and license plates or renewal stickers will arrive by mail within two weeks. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in California, you will receive new license plates; if you are renewing, you will receive stickers to update your existing plates.

DMV offices are typically busiest mid-morning and mid-week. You can check wait times on the DMV website before you go. Some offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can significantly reduce your wait time.

Registering by mail

You can mail your completed Form REG 343, proof of ownership, proof of residency, smog certification, and payment to the DMV's Sacramento office. Include a check or money order for the registration fee. Do not send cash.

Mail your documents to: California Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 942869, Sacramento, CA 94269-0001. Processing by mail takes about two weeks. Your registration card and plates or stickers will be mailed to your address on file. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

Mailing is slower than visiting an office in person, but it avoids the wait. If you are not in a hurry, this is a reasonable option. However, if the DMV needs to contact you about missing documents or questions, the process will take longer.

Using a third-party registration service

Authorized third-party services — including AAA, some auto clubs, and independent registration services — can submit your registration documents to the DMV on your behalf. You bring your documents and payment to the service, and they handle the paperwork and submission. This is convenient if you do not want to visit a DMV office or mail documents yourself.

Third-party services charge a fee on top of the DMV registration fee, typically $15 to $50 depending on the service and location. Processing time is the same as mailing — about two weeks — and you will receive your registration card and plates by mail. Not all services are available in all areas, so check what is available near you.

The advantage of a third-party service is convenience and the ability to ask questions in person. The disadvantage is the extra cost. If you are comfortable with the DMV office or mail, you can save money by going directly to the DMV.

Special situations: transfers from other states and new vehicles

If you are registering a vehicle you brought to California from another state, you will need the out-of-state title or registration, proof of ownership, and a smog test (unless the vehicle is exempt). You do not need to surrender your out-of-state plates — California will issue new plates. The DMV will handle the title transfer and issue a California title in your name.

If you are registering a new vehicle you just purchased in California, bring the manufacturer's certificate of origin or the dealer's paperwork, proof of residency, and your identification. New vehicles come with a manufacturer's smog certification, so you do not need a separate smog test. The dealer may handle some of the registration paperwork for you, but you are responsible for completing the registration and paying the fee.

If you are registering a vehicle in someone else's name — for example, a family member or business — the registered owner must sign the Form REG 343. Both the owner and the person submitting the documents should bring identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my registration card and plates?

You will receive a temporary registration document when ready if you register in person at a DMV office. Your permanent registration card and license plates or renewal stickers will arrive by mail within two weeks. If you register by mail or through a third-party service, the entire process takes about two weeks from submission.

What if I do not have a smog certification?

You cannot complete registration without a smog certification for a used vehicle model year 1975 or newer. Schedule a smog test at a certified station before you register. The test takes about 30 minutes and costs $30 to $50. Once you pass, you will receive a certificate valid for 90 days. If your vehicle fails, you will need to repair it and retest.

Can I register a vehicle if I do not have a California driver's license yet?

Yes. You need proof of California residency, not a California driver's license. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days is sufficient. If you have an out-of-state license, bring that along with your residency document.

What if I move after I register?

You must update your address with the DMV within 10 days of moving. You can do this online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. There is no fee for an address change. Your registration card will remain valid; you only need to update your address on file.

Do I need to register a vehicle if I am only keeping it in California temporarily?

If you plan to drive the vehicle on California roads, you must register it in California, even if you are only staying temporarily. If you are not driving it, you do not need to register it. If you are a visitor with an out-of-state registration, you can drive for up to 20 days on your out-of-state plates before you must register in California.