What to bring
- The out-of-state title, or the current out-of-state registration if a lender holds the title
- A California smog certificate for most gasoline vehicles (out-of-state smog tests aren't accepted)
- The vehicle itself, for the VIN verification (REG 31), or book our mobile verifier
- Proof of California insurance, your driver's license, and the odometer reading if the vehicle is under 10 years old
- A weight certificate for pickups and commercial vehicles, and payment for the DMV fees and our $150 service fee
What it costs
- Out-of-state (non-resident) vehicleVehicles coming from another state
- $150
All service fees are in addition to the DMV’s own fees, which are the same everywhere and are passed through at cost.
Posted prices are cash prices. Paying by credit card adds a 3.79% convenience fee on the total.
All sales are final. There are no refunds on service fees once processing has begun; DMV and state fees, penalties and third-party charges are non-refundable.
How long do I have to register my car after moving to California?
Twenty days. The California Driver's Handbook puts it plainly: you have 20 days to register your vehicle after you become a resident or get a job in California. Residency is established by things like taking a job, renting or buying a home, or enrolling kids in school, so the clock usually starts earlier than people expect. Register late and penalties are added to the fees.
What does an out-of-state transfer involve?
Four pieces: the application for title or registration, a California smog certificate for most vehicles, a physical vehicle verification, and the fees. The verification is the part that surprises people, because the DMV's own checklist says it requires an in-person visit so the vehicle can be inspected. That's where we save you the trip: our licensed vehicle verifier completes the REG 31 here or at your location, and we submit everything together as a DMV business partner.
A customer who'd never registered a car in California wrote that the DMV was overwhelming, long lines and red tape, and that we did it all for him. That's the job.
Will I owe use tax on a car I brought from another state?
Possibly. If you bought the vehicle out of state shortly before bringing it to California, use tax may be due on the purchase price at your local rate, with credit for sales tax you already paid to another state. If you've owned it for a while, generally no. Bring your purchase paperwork and we'll tell you what the DMV system calculates before you commit to anything.
Does my car need a California smog check first?
Most gasoline vehicles do, and out-of-state smog results don't count. The exemptions are the same as for renewals: gasoline vehicles from 1975 and older, diesels from 1997 and older or over 14,000 pounds GVW, natural gas vehicles over 14,000 pounds, and electric vehicles. Newer gasoline cars that would be exempt from a renewal smog still need one on first registration in California. Get it done before your visit so the result is on file.
Out-of-state transfer: common questions
Can I register an out-of-state car without going to the DMV?
Yes, at Ramos Auto Registration Services in Bakersfield. The DMV checklist calls for an in-person vehicle inspection; our licensed vehicle verifier performs the REG 31 verification at our office or at your location, and we process the registration and issue plates as a DMV business partner. The DMV offers the same service without a service fee.
What documents do I need to register an out-of-state vehicle in California?
The out-of-state title (or registration if a lender holds the title), a California smog certificate for most vehicles, the vehicle verification (REG 31), proof of California insurance, your ID, the odometer reading if under 10 years old, a weight certificate for pickups and commercial vehicles, and payment for the fees.
What happens if I'm past the 20 days?
Register as soon as you can. The DMV adds late penalties to the registration fees based on how late you are, and they increase at 10 days, 30 days and one year. The transfer itself works the same way; it just costs more the longer you wait.