You must have California-compliant auto insurance before you can register the car. Most insurers allow a grace period for new purchases, but you should notify your agent immediately.
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. buying a used car out of state california
If you already paid sales tax to the state where you bought the car, California usually grants a credit for that amount. You only pay the difference if California’s rate is higher. You must have California-compliant auto insurance before you
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. If you already paid sales tax to the
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
