buying out of state, CA smog laws

[Kid Zelda]

The following information explains what you need to obtain California registration on a vehicle previously registered in another state or country.

What is a nonresident vehicle?

A nonresident vehicle is one that was last registered outside the state of California (in another state, country, province, territory, etc.). Anyone who brings a vehicle into California or purchases a nonresident vehicle while in California should be aware of the registration requirements.


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NOTE: California law prohibits importing and/or registering a new vehicle (one with less than 7,500 miles at the time of purchase) unless it meets or is exempt from California Emission standards. If you acquire a 49 state vehicle (vehicle manufactured for all states except California) from another state or country and do not qualify for one of the exemptions, you cannot register your vehicle and must immediately remove it from this state. You may purchase a One-Trip Permit to do so.

Reference: Health & Safety Code Section 43151(A)


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Registering your vehicle

The following is required to register a nonresident vehicle:

An Application for Title or Registration (REG 343) signed by all registered owners, showing the name and address of the lienholder (legal owner), if any.
Last issued out-of-state title, unless held by the lienholder/legal owner.
Last issued registration certificate, if the applicant is the same as the registered owner shown on the out-of-state title and the vehicle entered California with valid out-of-state registration, or if the title has been lost.
A Bill of Sale, Vehicle/ Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (REG 262), if you purchased the vehicle from someone other than the registered owner shown on the title.
A vehicle verification. The vehicle must be inspected by an authorized DMV employee, law enforcement officer, or a licensed vehicle verifier employed by a registration service or dealership. These inspections require no additional fee and are most easily obtained by bringing the vehicle to the nearest DMV.

Smog Certification, if applicable.
Weight Certificate, if a commercial vehicle. A weight certificate is not required for:
Commercial vehicles with empty or unladen weight of 6,000 pounds or less where the weight is marked on the out-of-state title or registration.
Trailers with empty or unladen weight clearly under 1,500 pounds. The estimated weight must be indicated on the vehicle verification.
Vehicles previously registered in California with no changes made to the vehicle.
Trailer coaches and camp trailers. Trailer coaches must be registered at all time regarless of use.

Appropriate fees and any use tax due.
Forms you will need:

Application for Title or Registration (REG 343)
Vehicle /Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (REG 262)
Change of ownership

If you are not the owner shown on the out-of-state title/registration, the title must be signed by the seller(s) and the lienholder, if any named on the title. The vehicle's odometer reading must also be disclosed by the seller and acknowledged by the buyer.

Lienholder Has the Title

If the title is not available because you are making payments to a bank, finance company, or other lienholder who does not wish to surrender the title:

Indicate the name and address of the lienholder on the application for registration.
AND
Show your name exactly as it appears on the out-of-state registration card (Exception: The address may be changed.).
A nontransferable (no California title issued) registration card will be issued.

Requesting a duplicate out-of-state title

If the title is not available because it has been lost, stolen, or destroyed, you should submit an application for California registration while awaiting a duplicate title from your home state (out-of-state DMV addresses are available at your local DMV office or from DMV telephone service centers.)

You will need to submit your last issued out-of-state registration certificate to DMV with your application for registration.

When are fees due? Commercial vehicles and any vehicle owned by a California resident must be registered immediately upon entry into California unless a special permit was obtained. Residents of other states may operate their vehicles with current registration in their names from their residence state for up to six months or until they:

Accept gainful employment in California or become a California resident.
Claim a homeowner's exemption in California.
Rent or lease a residence in California.
Enroll in an institution of higher learning as a California resident.
Dependents attend a school (K-12). Or,
Intention to live or be located here on a permanent basis (e.g., acquire a California driver license, other licenses not ordinarily extended to a nonresident, registered to vote, etc.).
Fees must be paid within 20 days of entry or residency to avoid penalties.

How much will I have to pay?

The fees due depend on a variety of factors and are determined by your application. In addition to the usual registration fees, you may have to pay the following:

Vehicle License Fee-This fee is assessed based on the value of your vehicle and is collected in lieu of personal property tax.

Weight Fee-Assessed on most trucks, pickups, and trailers weighing over 1,999 lbs.

Use Tax-This tax is similar to sales tax. It is collected at the same rate as your county of residence. It is due on all vehicles purchased in California and on those brought into this state within 90 days of purchase. Any sales taxes paid out-of-state will be considered when computing the use tax due this state. This fee is due for ownership transfer of recently purchased vehicles.

County Fees-County fees range from $1 to $8. The fees support various progams such as air quality, auto theft deterrance, emergency call box, and abandoned vehicles.

Penalties-When fees due the state of California for a nonresident vehicle are not paid within 20 days of the date they became due, they are subject to a 40% penalty.

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