You need a California title and registration within 20 days of moving to the state

When you move to California or buy a vehicle from out of state, you cannot keep your old registration. California law requires you to register your vehicle with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 20 days of establishing residency or purchasing the vehicle, whichever comes first. If you do not register within that window, you risk a fine and your vehicle cannot legally be driven on California roads.

The process involves getting a California title first, then registering the vehicle. If your out-of-state title is clear (no lien), the DMV can usually handle both in one visit. If there is a lien, your lienholder must release it before California will issue a new title. The whole process typically takes a few weeks once you submit your paperwork.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 20 days from moving to California or buying the vehicle to register it with the California DMV, or you face fines and cannot legally drive it.
  • You must obtain a California title before you can register; if your out-of-state title has a lien, the lienholder must release it first.
  • Bring your out-of-state title, proof of California residency, proof of ownership, and a smog check certificate (unless your vehicle is exempt) to the DMV.
  • You can start the process online through the DMV website to check requirements specific to your state of origin, but you must visit a DMV office in person to complete the title transfer.

Gather your out-of-state title and proof of residency

Before you go to the DMV, collect your original out-of-state title. This is the legal document showing you own the vehicle. If you cannot find it, contact the DMV in the state where you last registered the vehicle and request a duplicate. This can take several weeks, so start early.

You also need proof that you now live in California. The DMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government-issued ID with a California address. The document must show your name and current California address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill yet, a lease or rental agreement works.

If someone else's name is on the title with yours, that person must be present at the DMV or sign a power of attorney form. If the title is in only your name, you can handle the transfer alone.

Check for liens and get them released

Look at your out-of-state title to see if there is a lien listed. A lien means a bank, credit union, or other lender has a claim on the vehicle until the loan is paid off. If there is a lien, California will not issue a new title until the lienholder releases it.

Contact your lienholder and ask them to send a lien release letter or lien satisfaction document to you. This is a formal statement saying the loan is paid off and they no longer have a claim on the vehicle. Some lienholders send this automatically when you pay off the loan; others require you to request it. Ask for it in writing and keep a copy for your DMV visit.

If you still owe money on the vehicle, you have two options: pay off the loan before registering in California, or register the vehicle with the lien still active. If you register with an active lien, the lienholder's name will appear on your California title, and you cannot sell or transfer the vehicle without their permission. Most people pay off the loan first to avoid this complication.

Get a smog check unless your vehicle is exempt

California requires a smog check (also called an emissions test) for most vehicles before you can register them. You must take your vehicle to a Bureau of Automotive Repair-certified smog station and pay the test fee, which varies but is typically $30 to $50. The station will test your vehicle's emissions and issue a certificate if it passes.

Some vehicles are exempt: electric vehicles, vehicles less than four model years old, motorcycles, and some older vehicles depending on their year and type. Check the California DMV website or call your local DMV office to confirm whether your specific vehicle needs a smog check.

The smog certificate is valid for 30 days. Schedule your test close to when you plan to visit the DMV so the certificate does not expire before you submit it. If it does expire, you will need another test.

Visit the DMV with your documents

Bring these documents to your local California DMV office: your original out-of-state title, proof of California residency, your smog check certificate (if required), and a valid photo ID. If there was a lien, bring the lien release letter. If you are registering a vehicle purchased from a private party, bring the bill of sale showing the purchase price.

You do not need an appointment at most DMV offices, but you can make one online through the California DMV website to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Arrive early in the day or on a weekday if possible.

At the DMV, tell the clerk you are transferring an out-of-state title and registering the vehicle in California. The clerk will review your documents, calculate the registration fee based on your vehicle's value, and process the title transfer. You will fill out form REG 343 (process for Title or Registration) at the counter.

Pay the registration fee and receive your documents

The registration fee depends on your vehicle's value and is calculated using the DMV's fee schedule. There is no single flat fee; the amount varies. You will also pay a title transfer fee, which is currently $15, though this can change. The DMV clerk will tell you the total before you pay.

You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most DMV offices. Once you pay, the DMV will issue you a temporary registration document (a paper receipt) that is valid for 30 days while your official registration arrives by mail. Keep this receipt in your vehicle at all times; it is your proof of registration during this period.

Your permanent registration card and California title will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you do not receive them after four weeks, contact the DMV to check the status. Once they arrive, keep your registration card in your vehicle and store your title in a safe place at home.

What to do if your out-of-state title is missing or damaged

If you cannot locate your out-of-state title, contact the DMV in the state where you last registered the vehicle. You can usually request a duplicate by mail or online. Provide your vehicle identification number (VIN), which is on your vehicle's dashboard or in your insurance documents. The duplicate title typically arrives within two to four weeks, depending on the state.

If your title is damaged but readable, bring it to the California DMV anyway. The clerk can usually process the transfer. If it is too damaged to read, you may need to get a duplicate from your previous state first.

If you bought the vehicle from a private party and the seller never gave you the title, you have a problem. The seller must sign the title over to you before you can register it. If the seller refuses or cannot be reached, you may need to pursue a civil claim or contact law enforcement. Do not attempt to register a vehicle without the seller's signature on the title.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my vehicle on California roads with my out-of-state registration while I wait for the California registration?

No. Once you establish California residency, your out-of-state registration is no longer valid. You must register within 20 days. However, the temporary registration receipt the DMV gives you is valid for 30 days and counts as proof of registration, so you can drive legally during that period.

What if I bought the vehicle from a dealer in another state?

The dealer should have provided you with the title or a temporary registration document. If you have the title, follow the standard process. If you have only a temporary document, contact the dealer and ask them to send the title to you. You cannot register in California without it.

Do I need to pay sales tax on an out-of-state vehicle I already own?

California charges use tax on vehicles registered in the state, even if you bought them elsewhere. The DMV calculates this based on the vehicle's value. If you already paid sales tax in another state, you may receive a credit, but you will likely still owe California use tax. The DMV will explain this when you register.

How long does the entire process take from start to finish?

If your title is clear and you have all documents ready, the DMV visit itself takes 30 minutes to an hour. Your permanent registration and title arrive by mail in two to three weeks. If your title has a lien or is missing, add two to four weeks to get the lien release or duplicate title from your previous state.

What happens if I do not register within 20 days?

You can be cited for driving an unregistered vehicle, which carries a fine. Your vehicle may also be impounded. Even if you are not stopped, you cannot legally drive it on California roads. Register as soon as possible after moving or purchasing the vehicle to avoid penalties.