In order to register a vehicle in California, you need a California address. If you do not have a California address, we recommend using visitor.us' services to register a vehicle that you buy in California.
California vehicle registrations are handled by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
California dealers will often, but not always, provide a 90-day temporary registration and apply for title and registration on your behalf. It's best to confirm the process with any California dealer before purchase.
If you buy your vehicle from a private party and plan to register it in California, bring the required items (below) to a DMV office in the same county as your registration address to register your vehicle. If you plan to register your vehicle elsewhere, One Trip Permits are available from DMV offices.
Fees: $138
Vehicle License Fee: 0.65% of vehicle value
Transportation Improvement Fee: $27 - $188
Fees: $138
Vehicle License Fee: 0.65% of vehicle value
Transportation Improvement Fee: $27 - $188
Fees: $138
Vehicle License Fee: 0.65% of vehicle value
Transportation Improvement Fee: $27 - $188
The vehicle's title must be signed by the owner(s) printed on the title, its odometer reading recorded (if less than 10 years in age), and be free of all liens in order for the prior owner's interest to be released.
A current, government-issued photo ID is required to register a vehicle in California.
A bill of sale is not required to register a vehicle in California, although signing one with the vehicle's seller is recommended.
A biennial emissions (smog) inspection is required in many areas. A vehicle's smog inspection must be current to register it.
A safety inspection is not required to register a vehicle in California.
DMV personnel must verify the vehicle’s VIN if the vehicle was not previously registered in California.
California's minimum liability insurance limits are 15/30/5. Proof of insurance is required to register a vehicle in California.
California does not require proof of residency to register a vehicle.
Vehicles registered in California must be registered to a California address.