How to register a vehicle in
California
as a non-US resident
State Overview and Advice
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.
The Registration Process
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.
Taxes and Fees
Sales Tax
State sales tax
Average local sales tax
Average combined sales tax
Registration fees
Light Vehicle
Fees: $138
Vehicle License Fee: 0.65% of vehicle value
Transportation Improvement Fee: $27 - $188
RV
Fees: $138
Vehicle License Fee: 0.65% of vehicle value
Transportation Improvement Fee: $27 - $188
Motorcycle
Fees: $138
Vehicle License Fee: 0.65% of vehicle value
Transportation Improvement Fee: $27 - $188
$15,000 car
$50,000 RV
$5,000 motorcycle
Total taxes and fees
Registration Requirements
Prior owner's title
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.
Identification
A current, government-issued photo ID is required to register a vehicle in California.
Bill of sale
A bill of sale is not required to register a vehicle in California, although signing one with the vehicle's seller is recommended.
Application
REG 343 - Application for Title or RegistrationInspection
Emissions (smog)
A biennial emissions (smog) inspection is required in many areas. A vehicle's smog inspection must be current to register it.
Safety
A safety inspection is not required to register a vehicle in California.
VIN
DMV personnel must verify the vehicle’s VIN if the vehicle was not previously registered in California.
Insurance
California's minimum liability insurance limits are 15/30/5. Proof of insurance is required to register a vehicle in California.
Residency
California does not require proof of residency to register a vehicle.
Local Address
Vehicles registered in California must be registered to a California address.
The Alternative
Company Formation
Vehicle Purchase
The seller will list your LLC and its address as the buyer on the vehicle's title, and visitor.us will arrange for it to be couriered to us for processing.
Insurance
Vehicle Registration
- MT sales tax: 0%
- Inspections not required in MT
