{"id":24000,"date":"2024-06-06T16:08:59","date_gmt":"2024-06-06T16:08:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.etags.com\/blog\/?p=24000"},"modified":"2024-06-06T16:08:59","modified_gmt":"2024-06-06T16:08:59","slug":"moving-to-california-registering-an-out-of-state-vehicle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.etags.com\/blog\/moving-to-california-registering-an-out-of-state-vehicle\/","title":{"rendered":"Moving to California: Registering an Out of State Vehicle"},"content":{"rendered":"

Congratulations! You\u2019ve decided to take the leap, make the jump, explore new territory, boldly go where no man has gone before\u2026. Well, maybe not that last one, since the State of California is quite popular and draws thousands (if not millions) of residents to its fair shores and deserts and mountains.\u00a0 But say you\u2019ve decided to move to Golden State, yes? And say you\u2019ve got a car\/truck\/SUV you want to bring with you, yes? We\u2019re sure there are a lot <\/em>of details, moving parts, (get it, moving?!)<\/em> cogs in the machine of becoming a resident in another state.<\/p>\n

And we\u2019d like to think that registering your vehicle should be the least of your worries.<\/h2>\n

So, in order to make this transition smoother for you, we\u2019ve decided to put together a helpful list of steps to assist you in the process of registering your out-of-state\/non-resident vehicle in California. Because we know that everyone looooves a good Q & A, right?\u00a0 Here goes:<\/p>\n

Q: Can I register any non-resident vehicle in California?<\/p>\n

A: It depends.\u00a0 In general, yes.\u00a0 But there is a set of exceptions, which can be found here.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Driving<\/p>\n

It is important to note that unless the vehicle was originally manufactured to emission standards mandated in CA or the owner or vehicle qualifies for an exemption, California law does not allow California residents or businesses to import or register a motor vehicle which is less than 2 years old and\u00a0has less than 7,500 miles\u00a0on the odometer at the time of purchase, trade, or acquisition.<\/p>\n

Q: If my non-resident vehicle does qualify for registration in CA, what is the first step?<\/p>\n

A: The first thing to do is acquire an Application for Title or Registration (Reg 343) form,<\/a> which must be completed and signed by any and all people listed on the out-of-state registration or title. For vehicles that are leased, the lessor must sign this form.<\/p>\n

Q: My Form Reg 343 is complete. Now what?<\/p>\n

A: Make sure to have your out-of-state title on hand.\u00a0 If you do not hand over your title, your California registration card will be marked \u201cnon-transferable\u201d and you will not receive a California Certificate of Title.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve lost your title, it\u2019s a good idea to reach out to your last state of residence and request a duplicate\/replacement title. This way you can ensure that you are given a new California title along with your new registration.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Q: Do I need to present my out-of-state registration?<\/p>\n

A: Yes. You will need to supply the current registration certificate or current year renewal notice from the last jurisdiction in which the vehicle was registered. This document must reflect the current vehicle owner(s) name(s) as well as the current registration expiration date.<\/p>\n

\"Venice<\/p>\n

Q: Do I need to complete a VIN check or something similar?<\/p>\n

A: Yes, indeed. You will need to provide the Verification of a Vehicle form.<\/a>\u00a0 This form must be filled out by an authorized DMV employee, law enforcement officer, or a California-license vehicle verifier.<\/p>\n

Q: What about an emissions test? Is this required?<\/h2>\n

A: Absolutely. CA has very strict laws regarding emissions testing, and your vehicle must undergo and pass a Smog Check in order for it to be registered.\u00a0 The following vehicles are included in this requirement:<\/p>\n