You may be in a fix regarding your vehicle registration renewal in California. Well, if you have recently purchased a car in California or recently moved here from another state, you would require to register your vehicle with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to lawfully operate your vehicle. This page will let you know why vehicle registration is important, what documents you have to bring to the DMV to complete the registration process and what fees you can expect to pay.
Vehicle Registration in California
If you purchased your car at a dealership, they will ideally take care of the complete registration process for you. You will be provided with a temporary registration to apply until your permanent registration card and stickers come in the mail from the DMV. Check with the dealership before buying to be sure that they register vehicles. If they don't, then you will need to follow the process described below. Purchasing a car from a private party makes the registration process a bit more complicated. You will get a window of 10 days after you buy the vehicle to register it with the DMV. Else you may face late fees. Your initial registration can only be done in person at the DMV, so make an appointment and submit the following documentation:
Form REG 343 which will be a complete application for title or registration.
The vehicle's title with Odometer Mileage in case the vehicle is under 10 years old.
A valid smog certificate, in case the vehicle is more than 4 years old.
Payment for fees (according to "Fees" below).
While you are at the DMV, an employee will finish a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection. Once done, you will get your registration card, stickers, and your plates.
Registration for a New California Resident
Once you formally establish residency in California you will get 20 days to register your vehicle with the DMV to avoid late fees. To register, go to the DMV and submit the following:
Form REG 343 which will be a complete application for title or registration.
The vehicle's out-of-state title.
The vehicle's out-of-state registration.
proof of insurance.
A valid smog certificate
Payment for fees (according to "Fees" below).
Once a DMV employee completes your vehicle's VIN inspection, you will be provided with your registration card, stickers, and plates.
Vehicle Registration Fees
Many different fees may be charged during registration. Each case is different. These fees will be charged when you buy your car if you purchase from a dealer. You must pay the DMV directly if you bought your vehicle from a private party. The fees that are needed from ALL vehicles include:
Registration Fee: $46
California Highway Patrol Fee: $23
The DMV offers a Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator that lets present and new residents of California evaluate their registration fees. It is crucial to observe that late fees will be applicable if you do not register your vehicle within 10 days of buying it from a private party. A late fee will also be applicable if you do not register your vehicle with the DMV within 20 days of establishing residency in California.
Registration Renewal
Every auto repair and service in California will tell you that you will be needed to renew your vehicle registration every year. The DMV will send you a renewal notice before your registration expiration. This notice will list your renewal options which ideally include renewal in person, by mail, by phone, or online. You may also opt to renew your registration with CarRegistration. Registration is formally approved by the DMV and offers quick and easy DMV transactions online. For more detail on how to renew your registration, visit the "Renew California Vehicle Registration" page.
Penalty
If you don't register your vehicle within thirty days of purchase, interest will be charged on late vehicle property tax payments and registration renewal fees. You may also receive a ticket for driving without registered plates, and the DMV may also charge fees associated with late registration.
The primary objective of motor vehicle registration is to identify the link between a vehicle and the owner or user of the vehicle. This link may come in handy during taxation or crime detection purposes. No smog test centers in California will entertain you with an unregistered vehicle.
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