Register your car in California within 20 days of moving, or face late fees

California requires you to register any vehicle you own within 20 days of establishing residency in the state. If you already have a valid registration from another state, you do not need to register twice — but you must transfer that registration to California before the 20-day window closes. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles this process, and you can start it online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

The 20-day rule applies whether you are moving permanently or have just become a California resident for tax purposes. Waiting longer than 20 days triggers a late registration fee on top of your normal registration cost. The exact fee depends on your vehicle's value and age, but it is substantial enough that handling this quickly saves money.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 20 days from the date you become a California resident to register your vehicle with the DMV, or you will owe a late fee.
  • You will need your current out-of-state registration, proof of California residency, a smog check certificate (for most vehicles), and proof of ownership such as a title or bill of sale.
  • The DMV allows you to start the registration process online through its website, then complete it by mail or at an office, which is often faster than doing everything in person.
  • Your vehicle must pass a smog inspection before the DMV will issue a California registration, unless it is brand new, a classic car, or an electric vehicle.
  • If you are financing the vehicle, your lender's name on the title may delay processing, so contact them before you submit paperwork to confirm they will accept a California lien holder change.

Documents you need before you start

Gather these items before you visit the DMV or submit anything by mail. Missing even one document will delay your registration by weeks.

You will need your current out-of-state vehicle registration and your vehicle's title or ownership document. If the title is held by a lender, you will need written permission from them to register the vehicle in California under a new lien holder arrangement — some lenders require a specific form, so call them first. You will also need proof that you now live in California: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government-issued ID with your California address all work. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

Most vehicles also require a smog check certificate before registration. You must obtain this from a Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) certified smog station — the DMV does not perform smog tests. Bring your vehicle to the station with your out-of-state registration and proof of ownership. The test costs between $30 and $70 depending on the station and your vehicle's age. Vehicles manufactured in the current year or the two years prior, electric vehicles, and vehicles registered as classic cars are exempt from the smog requirement.

Finally, you will need proof of ownership. This is usually your title, but if you recently purchased the vehicle and the title has not arrived yet, a bill of sale signed by the previous owner works temporarily. If you are buying the vehicle from a private party in California, you can register it before the title transfers — bring the bill of sale and the seller's current registration.

How to register online and by mail

The fastest route for most people is to start online through the DMV website, then mail in your documents. Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Register a Vehicle," and choose "Out-of-State Registration." You will answer questions about your vehicle, residency, and ownership. The system will tell you the registration fee and any late fees that explore based on when you became a resident.

After you complete the online form, print the confirmation page. Mail it along with your documents — title or bill of sale, proof of residency, smog check certificate, and current out-of-state registration — to the DMV address shown on the confirmation. Include a check or money order for the registration fee. Do not mail cash. The DMV processes mail applications in the order received, typically within two to three weeks if all documents are correct.

Keep a copy of everything you mail and the confirmation page. If the DMV needs more information, they will contact you by mail or phone. If you do not hear back within four weeks, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to check the status of your process.

Registering in person at a DMV office

If you prefer to handle everything face-to-face, you can visit a DMV office with all your documents. Bring your out-of-state registration, title or bill of sale, proof of residency, smog check certificate, and a valid ID. The staff will review everything on the spot and tell you when ready if anything is missing.

Wait times at DMV offices vary widely by location and time of day. Offices in smaller towns and rural areas typically have shorter waits than those in cities. You can check the current wait time for your nearest office on the DMV website before you go. Many offices now allow you to make an appointment online, which reserves a time slot and cuts your wait significantly. If your office offers appointments, book one rather than walking in.

Bring more than one form of proof of residency if possible. If the staff questions whether one document is recent enough or legitimate, a second one usually resolves the issue on the spot. Bring your checkbook or a debit card — most offices accept both, though some smaller locations may only take checks.

What happens if you miss the 20-day important date

If you register after 20 days, the DMV will charge a late registration fee in addition to your normal registration cost. The late fee is typically $50 to $100 depending on your vehicle's value, but it can be higher. You still must complete the registration — driving with an out-of-state registration after you have become a California resident is illegal and can result in a traffic citation.

If you can show the DMV that you did not know you were required to register within 20 days, or that circumstances beyond your control prevented you from registering on time, you can request a waiver of the late fee. This is not may provide, but the DMV does grant waivers in some cases. Call 1-800-777-0133 and explain your situation, or ask about the waiver process when you visit an office in person.

Transferring a lien holder when you register

If your vehicle is financed and your lender's name appears on the title, the DMV will issue a new California registration with your lender listed as the lienholder. This is automatic and does not require extra steps on your part, but it does require your lender's permission.

Before you submit your registration paperwork, contact your lender and tell them you are registering the vehicle in California. Ask whether they need to file any paperwork or sign any forms to authorize the change. Some lenders require you to submit a specific form; others straightforward need written notice. If your lender does not respond or refuses to authorize the transfer, your registration will be delayed or rejected. Handling this before you explore saves weeks of back-and-forth.

Once your California registration is issued, your lender will receive notice of the change. Your loan terms and monthly payment do not change — only the state where the vehicle is registered.

Renewing your California registration after the first year

After your first California registration expires, renewal is simpler. The DMV will mail you a renewal notice 60 days before your registration expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person. Most people renew online at dmv.ca.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person. You will need your registration number and the last four digits of your vehicle identification number (VIN).

If you renew online, the DMV will mail your new registration card within two weeks. You do not need a new smog check every year — California requires smog checks every two years for most vehicles, and the DMV will tell you when your next one is due.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my car with an out-of-state registration while I wait for my California registration?

No, not after 20 days. During the first 20 days after you become a resident, your out-of-state registration is valid. After that, you must have a California registration or you risk a traffic citation. If you are waiting for your registration to be processed, carry a copy of your DMV confirmation page or receipt as proof that you have applied.

What if my vehicle fails the smog check?

You cannot register the vehicle until it passes. You will need to have the vehicle repaired and then take it back to the smog station for a retest. The retest fee is usually lower than the initial test. Once it passes, you can submit the new smog certificate to the DMV and complete your registration.

Do I need to get new license plates when I register in California?

Yes. California will issue you new license plates as part of your registration. You can choose between standard plates, personalized plates, or specialty plates that support specific causes. Personalized and specialty plates cost extra. Your old out-of-state plates are no longer valid once your California registration is issued.

What if I bought my car from a private seller and the title has not transferred yet?

You can register the vehicle in California using a bill of sale signed by the seller. Bring the bill of sale, the seller's current registration, proof of your California residency, and a smog check certificate. The DMV will issue a temporary registration while the title transfer is processed. Once the title arrives in your name, you can update your registration.

How much does California registration cost for an out-of-state vehicle?

Registration fees vary based on your vehicle's value, age, and type. The DMV calculates the exact fee when you start your online registration or when you visit an office. You can get an estimate on the DMV website by entering your vehicle's year, make, and model. Expect to pay between $200 and $400 for most standard vehicles, plus any applicable late fees if you register after 20 days.