Moving to San Diego: how do you register an out-of-state car in California?
Within 20 days of becoming a resident. Bring the out-of-state title and registration, proof of insurance and a California smog check (out-of-state tests don't count), and expect a vehicle license fee of about 0.65% of the car's value.
- Deadline
- 20 days
- Smog check
- California only
- Vehicle license fee
- ~0.65%
- New-resident fee
- $28
After you become a resident
Out-of-state tests don't count
Of the car's value, yearly
Plus title and registration
The short version
- California requires new residents to register their vehicles within 20 days of establishing residency.
- You'll need form REG 343, the out-of-state title and latest registration, proof of California-compliant insurance and, for cars under 10 years old, an odometer disclosure.
- Most vehicles need a smog check at a California station; out-of-state smog certificates aren't accepted. Electric cars and gas vehicles from 1975 or earlier are exempt.
- The DMV verifies the VIN; you can do this at a DMV office without an appointment or have it done before you move with form REG 31.
- Fees include a $28 non-resident service fee, title fee, registration and a vehicle license fee of about 0.65% of value; recently purchased cars may also owe use tax.
California is famously strict about cars, and new San Diegans run into it fast. The state gives you 20 days after you become a resident to register, which is a lot less time than most people expect when they're also unpacking.
The order that saves trips
- 01
Get California insurance
Switch your policy to your San Diego address first; you'll need proof at the DMV.
- 02
Get a California smog check
Use a licensed smog station. The DMV won't accept a test from your old state. EVs and pre-1976 gas cars are exempt.
- 03
Fill out REG 343
Have every owner sign it, and bring the out-of-state title (or lender information if there's a loan) and your current registration.
- 04
Get the VIN verified
Done at the DMV office; a VIN-only visit doesn't need an appointment. A peace officer in your old state can complete form REG 31 instead.
- 05
Pay the fees
You'll pay the new-resident fee, title transfer, registration and the vehicle license fee. Use the DMV's fee calculator for your exact total.
What it costs
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Non-resident service fee | $28 |
| Title transfer | About $15–$21 |
| Vehicle license fee | About 0.65% of the vehicle's value |
| Use tax | Possible if you bought the car recently out of state; 7.25%–10.25% |
California DMV out-of-state title transfer checklist, checked October 6, 2026. Registration and local fees vary; the DMV fee calculator gives an exact figure.
SOURCES
Everything above traces back to one of these. Follow them — if one has changed and we haven't, that's our mistake, not yours.
California DMV · Checked October 6, 2026
20-day rule, documents, fees
- PrimarySmog inspections
California DMV · Checked October 6, 2026
Smog exemptions
- PrimaryDriver's licenses
California DMV · Checked October 6, 2026
Out-of-state license transfer