California Driver Handbook - Vehicle Registration Requirements
The following is a brief summary of California’s vehicle registration requirements. Please visit the DMV's website to obtain detailed information at www.dmv.ca.gov.
California Vehicles
When you purchase a new or used vehicle from a licensed California dealer, the dealer collects use tax and fees to register and title the vehicle.
The dealer submits these fees and documents to the DMV and gives you temporary operating authority. Usually within six-eight weeks after the purchase date, you will receive a registration card, license plates, stickers, and a Certificate of Title, if appropriate.
If the dealer participates in the Business Partner Automation (BPA) program, the dealer or their registration service will process the DMV documents and issue the registration card, license plates, and stickers to the customer.
If you obtain or purchase a vehicle from a private party, you must transfer the ownership within 10 days. Submit the following to the DMV:
- A properly endorsed and completed Certificate of Title or Application for Duplicate Title (REG 227).
- Smog certification provided by the seller, if required.
- Use tax payment, if required.
- Odometer Mileage Disclosure Statement, if applicable.
- Appropriate DMV fees.
When you sell or transfer a vehicle, report it to the DMV within 5 days. You can complete the Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (REG 138) form online, download and mail the completed form, or call the DMV at 1-800-777- 0133 to request the form be mailed.
Out-of-State Vehicles
Vehicles registered in another state or foreign country must be registered in California within 20 days after you become a resident or get a job (refer here for information regarding residency).
NOTE: If you are a California resident and acquire a new car, truck, or motorcycle (this includes certain diesel powered vehicles) from another state, ensure that it meets California smog laws; otherwise, it cannot be registered here. The DMV cannot accept an application to register a vehicle in California when the vehicle does not qualify for registration (Health and Safety [H & S] Codes §§43150–43156).
Nonresident military personnel and their spouses may operate their vehicles in California with their valid home state license plates or until the plates issued from the state of their last assigned duty station expire. They may renew the registration in their home state before it expires or register the vehicle in California.
The items needed to register any out-of-state vehicle are:
- Completed and signed Application for Title or Registration (REG 343).
- Verification of the vehicle completed by the DMV, law enforcement agent, or an auto club employee.
- Out-of-state title and/or last issued out-of-state registration card, if the title is not submitted.
- Smog certification (1976 and newer motor vehicles only).
- Weight certificate for commercial vehicles only.
- Appropriate DMV fees and use tax, if applicable.
- Completed Odometer Mileage Disclosure statement, if applicable.
