What is Vehicle Registration and How It Can Be Done in California?

An Introduction

Your vehicle must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in California if you’ve just purchased it or relocated here from another state. Learn the following steps to register a vehicle in California in this article!

What is Vehicle Registration?

States use vehicle registrations to identify the owner of a vehicle and gather the information that may be used to catch crimes or collect taxes. After paying a fee, a registration certificate and license plates are sent out. Therefore, you must always have your vehicle’s registration certificate with you while driving.

Why is it essential to register a vehicle in California?

To drive legally, you must have a driver’s license, car insurance, and vehicle registration. In addition, a police officer will typically request your driver’s license and vehicle registration when you are stopped. Therefore, vehicle registration is an absolute must to drive in California.

The registration of automobiles is governed by state legislation in several states. For example, you must register your car in California if you want to be in good standing on the road.

In the process of registering an automobile, you are attaching yourself to the exact vehicle and place. Therefore, a registration charge is to be paid when you register your car.

Registration of Vehicles in California

In most cases, if you purchased your vehicle from a dealership, they will handle the whole registration procedure. You will get a temporary registration card and stickers from the DMV while you await your permanent registration card and stickers. Before buying, verify if the dealership can register automobiles. If they don’t, you’ll need to follow the steps outlined below. A private party purchase complicates the procedure of registering a vehicle. When you buy a car, the DMV gives you ten days to register it (or face late fees). Therefore, making an appointment with the DMV and bringing the relevant papers are the only ways to complete your first registration.

• An Application for Title or Registration has been completed (Form REG 343).
• Title to the Automobile (with Odometer Mileage if a vehicle is under ten years old).
• A Current Smog Check Report (if the vehicle is over four years old).
• Invoices for Charges.

To get your vehicle’s VIN, you’ll need to visit the DMV. Thereafter, you will receive your registration card, stickers, and license plates after completing the registration process.

Vehicle Registration for those not living in California:

• A vehicle registration renewal that shows that the vehicle was registered in another state may also be used.
• If necessary, provide a weight certificate.
• If applicable, a smog/emissions certificate.
• All pending taxes and fees have been paid.

DMV field office workers will carry out the VIN and physical inspection of the vehicle. Then, with your CA title or registration certificate, as well as your license plate and car registration sticker, you’ll be on your way!

Converting a Non-Transferable Registration to Transferable

Non-transferable registration is issued to automobiles registered at the California field office that originate from outside the state without evidence of ownership. A California car title cannot be issued to such automobiles. To purchase an automobile with a non-transferable registration, you must first convert it to a transferable registration card.

You may accomplish this by going to your local DMV office and submitting:

• It is the current registration card that is non-transferable.
• The vehicle’s final nameplate name.
• In order to apply for a new or paperless title, if the Automobile was initially titled in California, you must submit Form REG 227 or contact the Department of Motor Vehicles DMV.
• Applicants seeking registration of a previously owned vehicle must submit a completed Form REG 343 application together with a Bill of Sale.
• The odometer will indicate zero if the vehicle is less than ten years old.
• If applicable, a current smog certificate.
• If the car registration is due for renewal in the next 30 days, you must pay the renewal amount.
• Payment of any outstanding transfer fees or citations.

Vehicle Registration Fees

You may be charged various costs when you register for a course. The circumstances of each instance are unique. If you buy a vehicle from a dealer, you’ll have to pay these costs. If you acquired your car from a private party, you must pay the DMV directly. The following fees must be paid by every vehicle:

• The fee to register is $46.
• Cost: $23 for California Highway Patrol.

It is possible for existing and potential California residents to get an idea of their registration costs by using the DMV’s Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator. For instance, if you purchase a car from a private party and do not register it in ten days, you will be subject to late costs. Likewise, failure to register your car with the DMV within 20 days of establishing residence in California will incur a late charge as well.

The Bottom Line

If you have purchased a vehicle in California or have just arrived, you must register it with the DMV. In order to be a safe and responsible driver in California, you’ll need to be sure you have correctly got your vehicle registered. Check out the website of 1 Stop Auto Registration for additional information!