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.
You will need a specific stack of documents to complete the transfer at the DMV:
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)
The biggest hurdle is the Smog Check. Even if a car passed an emissions test in another state, it must pass a California-specific Smog Check at a licensed station before it can be registered.
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.
You will need a specific stack of documents to complete the transfer at the DMV: buying a used car out of state california
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) You must have California-compliant auto insurance before you
The biggest hurdle is the Smog Check. Even if a car passed an emissions test in another state, it must pass a California-specific Smog Check at a licensed station before it can be registered. If you ship it, keep the bill of
