Vehicle registration basics
- A vehicle must be registered in California before it can be used in the state.
Buying a vehicle
- After buying a vehicle, you have 10 days to get its ownership transferred into your name.
Selling a vehicle
- After selling a vehicle, you must let the DMV know within five days.
- To notify the DMV of a vehicle sale, you fill out a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability.
Registration eligibility
- Every vehicle registered in California has to meet the state's requirements, including emission controls that support California's clean air standards.
- The DMV is not able to register a vehicle that fails to meet California's requirements.
Out-of-state vehicles
- Once you become a California resident, you have 20 days to register your vehicle in the state.
- If you take a job in California, you have 20 days to register your vehicle in the state.
Restated from the California Driver's Handbook, Section 11. Read the official text.
Check yourself on this section
- What happens if a vehicle does not meet California's requirements, such as emission controls?
- You just became a California resident and own a vehicle registered in another state. How long do you have to register it in California?
- You just sold your vehicle. Within how many days must you notify the DMV?
- After buying a vehicle in California, how many days do you have to transfer ownership into your name?
- You keep your out-of-state residence but take a job in California. How long do you have to register your vehicle in California?
- Which form do you complete to notify the DMV that you sold your vehicle?