Buying A Used Car Out Of State California May 2026

These include the registration fee, license fee (based on value), and potential weight or air quality fees. Logistics of the Purchase

Required only if you are registering a truck or pickup. Taxes and Fees

This form confirms the VIN and engine numbers. While some peace officers can sign this, it is usually easiest to have a DMV employee or a licensed vehicle verifier do it in person. buying a used car out of state california

You must have the original title signed over to you. A bill of sale is not enough to prove ownership for registration.

The physical or electronic record from a CA smog station. These include the registration fee, license fee (based

If you drive the car back, you may need a temporary operating permit from the state of purchase. If you ship it, keep the bill of lading as proof of the date the car entered California. If you'd like to get started on the logistics or budgeting: Vehicle year and mileage (to check smog/new car rules) The state where the car is currently located Your California zip code (for tax calculation)

California considers any vehicle with fewer than 7,500 miles on the odometer to be "new." You generally cannot bring a "new" out-of-state vehicle into California unless it is certified for California emissions. While some peace officers can sign this, it

California law requires you to register an out-of-state vehicle within 20 days of its arrival in the state. The "entry date" is when the car physically crosses the border, not when you purchased it. Missing this window leads to late fees that scale based on the vehicle's value. Emissions and the "50-State" Requirement