A Beginner’s Guide to Moving Your Car to California from Another State

Published on May 16, 2025

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A Beginner’s Guide to Moving Your Car to California from Another State


A Beginner’s Guide to Moving Your Car to California from Another State

Moving your car to California from another state is a big task that needs careful planning and following some rules. Knowing California’s vehicle laws is very important since not following them can cause fines or delays. But once your car is there, you get to enjoy driving on California’s beautiful roads and have more freedom to explore your new home. This guide will help you with everything you need to know to move your car smoothly.

Getting to Know California’s Vehicle Rules

Emissions and Environmental Standards

California has strict rules to reduce air pollution. Make sure your car follows these:

  • Check if your car is a “49-state” vehicle (only follows federal rules) or a “50-state” vehicle (meets California’s rules too). Only 50-state vehicles or those with a California Emissions Control Label are automatically allowed.
  • If your car doesn’t meet California’s rules, find out if it can be an exception, like if you’ve owned it for more than 12 months before moving.

Registration Needs

When you move to California, you have 20 days to register your car. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • A filled-out Application for Title or Registration (Form REG 343).
  • Proof that you own the car, like the title or loan document.
  • A valid smog certificate unless your car is exempt.
  • Proof of insurance that meets California’s rules.
  • Payment for any fees.

Getting Your Car Ready for the Move

Car Inspection

It’s a good idea to get your car checked before you move. Look at these important parts:

  • Brakes, tires, and fluid levels.
  • Lights and signals to make sure they’re safe.
  • The emissions system if your car needs to meet California’s rules.

Updating Your Car Insurance

California has special insurance rules:

  • Minimum coverage: $15,000 for injury, $30,000 total for injury or death per accident, and $5,000 for damage.
  • Call your insurance company to change your policy to match these rules before you move.

Moving Your Car

Picking a Car Transport Service

If you can’t drive your car, use a car transport service:

  • Look at prices and reviews from different companies to find the best one.
  • Choose a company that has insurance for your car during the move.

Driving Your Car to California

If you like road trips, you can drive your car:

  • Plan your route with rest stops and where you’ll stay overnight.
  • Be ready for different weather and road conditions as you travel through states.

Registering Your Car in California

The Registration Process

Registering in California might be different from other states:

  • Go to a DMV office with all your paperwork.
  • You might need to do an inspection at a California Highway Patrol (CHP) office.
  • Pay the fees and get your California license plates.

Papers You’ll Need

Make sure you have all your papers:

  • Valid registration from your old state.
  • Title or proof of owning the car and lienholder info if needed.
  • Current smog certificate and insurance proof that meets California’s rules.

Possible Costs

Registration costs include:

  • A base registration fee.
  • License plate fee and local city fees.
  • A fee based on how much your car is worth.

Transferring the Title

For Out-of-State Cars

Moving your car means transferring the title too:

  • Fill out a title transfer form and send it with your registration papers.
  • Pay any use tax if you transfer the title separately.

Special Situations

Moving Classic or Antique Cars

For classic cars:

  • Check if your car can get historical registration, which might have different rules.

Military Personnel and Students

Military and out-of-state students can have special rules:

  • Military members might register with their home state title.
  • Students might not need California registration if they’re not legal residents.

Tips and Resources for an Easy Move

Finding Forms

Get useful forms from the California DMV website or a DMV office.

Helpful Places and People

California DMV website: A main place for forms and help.
Local DMV offices: Get help in person.

Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t:

  • Miss the registration deadline and risk paying fines.
  • Forget to get a valid smog test if needed.

Conclusion

Moving your car to California doesn’t have to be hard if you plan well. Knowing the rules, preparing your car, and doing the paperwork ahead of time make everything easier. If you have questions, it’s always a good idea to get expert help.

Call to Action

Ready to make your move easier? Visit a local DMV service like Tags Clinic for professional help with car registration, so you can spend more time enjoying your new surroundings. Subscribe to our blog for the latest helpful tips and resources about cars!

Visit us at 3845 University Ave, San Diego, CA or call at 619-777-9046