CA DMV Registration

• New vehicles purchased from a dealer get: registration, plates, stickers, title application incldued in purchase.
• Vehicles purchased from a private party in CA must have transfer of ownership within 10 day - submit:
  • Properly endorsed and completed Certificate of Title or Application for Duplicate Title (REG 227)
  • Smog certification provided by seller, if required
  • Use tax payment, if required
  • Odometer Mileage Disclosure statement, if required
  • Appropriate DMV fees
• When you sell of transfer a vehicle, report it to DMV within 5 days on Notice of Tranfer and Release of Liability form (REG 138).
• Vehicle brought into the state (due to move or job) must be registered within 20 days.
• Vehicles registered in another state must be registered within 20 days after you become a resident or get a job. Nonresident military personal and spouses may operate their vehicle in CA with valid home state places until they expire. They can renew in home state or CA after that. Submit:
  • Completed and signed Application for Title or Registration (REG 343)
  • Verification of the vehicle completed by DMV or autoclub employee
  • Other state title and/or registration card (if no title)
  • Smog certification (1976 and newer vehicles only)
  • Weight certification for commercial vehicles only
  • Appropriate DMV fees
  • Completed Odometer Mileage Disclosure statement, if applicable