Before you can legally drive a car in California, you have to register it with the state and pay all the necessary fees.You have to register your out-of-state car in California within 20 days of establishing residency if you are moving from out of state.If you transfer ownership of a used car from California to another state, the registration process is the same as if you register a new car at a dealership.You have to renew your registration every year that you own the car.
Step 1: Obtain ownership documents.
To register your car, you'll need documents that prove you own it.If you financed the car and the title is being held by the finance company, you will need to bring your title or bill of sale.If you bought your car from a dealership, they will take care of the registration for you.Until the official registration is sent, you'll get a temporary registration certificate.Ask the dealer if they issue tags.
Step 2: You have to calculate your registration fees.
You can use the fee calculator on the California Department of Motor Vehicles website to figure out what the registration fees will be for your new car.Fees are usually added to the purchase price of a car from a dealer.Click on the link for "new vehicles" to use the calculator.Even if you bought your car from a dealer, it is worth your time to double-check the amount of your registration fees to make sure the dealer charged you the correct amount.
Step 3: You need to apply for title or registration.
If the dealer is taking care of registration for you, they may require you to sign an application before you take possession of the car.The form can be downloaded online.Information about you and the seller is required by the application.How much you paid for the car must be provided.
Step 4: You can visit your local store.
If the initial registration of your new car wasn't taken care of by your dealer, you'll need to go to a field office.The clerk at the Department of Motor Vehicles will register your car when you submit your application and fees.To find the nearest field office, go to the website of the Department of Motor Vehicles.There is a list of towns and cities in California.You can see a list of field office locations by clicking on your city.You should make an appointment to cut down on your wait time.You can schedule your appointment online or by calling.
Step 5: You have to submit your application and fees.
A clerk at the Department of Motor Vehicles will process your application.The clerk should see your driver's license and proof of insurance.The clerk will assess your fees after your application is processed.Cash, a personal check, or a credit or debit card can be used to pay your fees.New tags will be given to you by the clerk after you receive your official registration document.If you requested a specialty or custom plate, you will be issued temporary plates until your order is fulfilled and your plates are mailed to you.
Step 6: Required ownership documents need to be gathered.
You may need to register a car that was given to you.You have to show that you are the rightful owner of the car.The title can be provided to the car or a copy of the bill of sale.The odometer disclosure section should be completed by you and the seller if you have the title for the car.To submit an odometer disclosure for the car, you'll need to get a REG 262 Form from the Department of Motor Vehicles.If the car is more than 10 years old, this isn't required.
Step 7: A smog certification is required.
If you buy a car from a private owner, they have to take care of the smog certification.Unless they renewed the registration less than 90 days before they sold you the car, they must present you with a valid smog certificate.If you don't register your car in your name before the certificate expires, you'll have to get another one.You can find smog stations near you.Since prices aren't regulated, you may want to check several.If family members transfer ownership of a car, you don't have to get a smog certification.The transfer is exempt if you submit a "Statement of Facts".This exemption only applies to transfers between parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, spouses or domestic partners, or siblings.
Step 8: You have to calculate your registration fees.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles has a website where you can find out what your registration fees will be.The fee calculator will tell you how much you'll have to pay in fees and taxes when you register your car.There is a fee calculator for used vehicles.If the vehicle was registered in another state, you can use the calculator.
Step 9: You can make an appointment at the store.
If you don't want to wait in line at the field office when you register your car, you can make an appointment on the website.If you don't know where the nearest field office is, you can find it on the website of the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Step 10: The application and fees need to be submitted.
If you want to apply for a title or registration at the field office, you can either download the application online or fill it out in person.The application requires you to provide information about yourself, including your full legal name, address, and driver's license number.If you paid for the car, you'll have to provide the amount and estimated value of it.If you received a car from a family member, you should bring a statement of facts to prove the relationship.The form can be downloaded from the website at www.dmv.ca.gov.
Step 11: You must show proof of insurance and your driver's license.
Before you can register with the Department of Motor Vehicles, you must be able to show that you have car insurance that complies with state requirements.California requires liability coverage of $15,000 for a single person's injury or death, $30,000 for multiple people, and $5,000 for property damage.
Step 12: You should check your renewal notice.
60 days before your car's registration expires, you should receive a renewal notice in the mail.You are still responsible for renewing your registration even if you don't receive a notice.There isn't a grace period for renewal registration fees.Your registration expires on a specific date even though your tag only shows a month and year.Your renewal notice has that date listed.You will be assessed a penalty if you don't pay your fees on time.If it's close to the month shown on your tag, you can call to find out how much your renewal fees are and when they're due.To make sure you have your correct address, check the records of the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Step 13: If you have to, get a smog certificate.
Depending on where you live, you may be required to get a biennial smog check.If you live in a ZIP code that requires these checks, you will have to get a smog certificate every other year.If you haven't been able to get your smog certificate yet, or you need to have repairs made to your car before you can pass the inspection, you have the option to pay your taxes and fees before the deadline.You won't get a sticker until you get your smog certificate.
Step 14: Information about your vehicle can be gathered.
To renew your car's registration online, you'll need your license plate number and last 5 digits of your vehicle identification number.Before you start the online renewal process, you should get this information together.You can find the information you need on the renewal notice.You need to have your smog certification filed with the Department of Motor Vehicles.The staff at the smog check can do this for you.
Step 15: You can renew your registration online at the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
You don't have to go to a field office to renew your registration with the California Department of Motor Vehicles website.If you want to, you can still get your registration renewed in person at the field office, but the California Department of Motor Vehicles recommends renewing online.You can begin the renewal process by going to the website.Follow the prompts if you click on the "Start" button.
Step 16: You can confirm the record for your car.
You need to make sure the information about your car is correct after you pull up your information.You have the chance to correct it if you don't.If you never received a renewal notice, you should check your personal information.If you've moved recently, make sure you have a new address at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Step 17: Receive new stickers.
The clerk at the field office will give you your stickers if you renew your registration in person.You will have to wait to get your stickers in the mail if you renew online.It's a good idea to get your renewal done before the deadline so you can have your new stickers before they're gone.You can expect to receive your stickers within a few days.