How To Register Old Car In California

The registration process is somewhat different if you re registering a new vehicle that you bought at a dealership than if you re transferring ownership of a used car that was already registered in california.

How to register old car in california. More than 2 years. California highway patrol fee penalties for an original registration. If the vehicle has less than 7 500 miles click here. California vehicle registration penalties. Renew your registration.

Skip the line and renew your vehicle registration online. 1 to 2 years. Bring the vehicle title which must have the odometer mileage on it if it is less than ten years old if you can t find the title an application for a duplicate or paperless title must be completed. Registering a custom or antique vehicle in california takes a few additional steps in comparison to registering a regular car or truck in the state of california. And looking cool in this state comes at a price.

Learn about new vehicle registrations renew your registration. If you bought from a licensed dealer certain registration tasks may be taken care of for you. If you need to register a vehicle for use on california roadways waterways or trailways you ve come to the right place to find out all you need to know. If you re a californian you probably have a flashy car. If you don t know where your nearest smog station is you can locate it at smogcheck ca gov.

You must register your vehicle from out of state with the california dmv within 20 days after you brought it into the state and remain as the owner of the vehicle or within 20 days after purchasing an out of state or non resident vehicle in california to avoid penalties. How to register a custom or antique vehicle in california. To register your out of state car in california start by locating your current title or registration and bill of sale to prove that you own your car. If you need to register a vehicle for use on california roadways waterways or trailways you ve come to the right place. Once registered you re responsible for renewing your registration every year that you own the car.

The classic car registration procedure for either type of vehicle must be completed through the california department of motor vehicles dmv. Next drive the car to your nearest smog station to make sure it passes california s emission regulations. Frankly we didn t even check whether california requires a title from other states when registering a classic car because the hassle of registering a post 1975 car from another state isn t worthwhile. Motorists who are registering custom car projects are mandated to satisfy the registration requirements prepare the necessary documentation and submit it at a local dmv office. You have 10 days to register a vehicle in california after you purchase it from a private party or you must pay late fees.