Out-of-state title transfers
New to California with your vehicle? You have 20 days after becoming a resident to register it. We’ll help you line up what the DMV needs, starting with the smog check.
What you’ll need
- Application for Title or Registration (REG 343), signed by all registered owners
- Your out-of-state title and most recent registration (or your lienholder’s information)
- Verification of Vehicle (REG 31). We can do this one here for most vehicles
- A California smog certification for most vehicles: gasoline 1976 and newer, diesel 1998 and newer
- A weight certificate, for some commercial vehicles
- Proof of insurance and payment for DMV fees
Smog first
A smog check from another state doesn’t count. Most out-of-state vehicles need a California smog certification before they can be registered, and we can do it here in the same visit.
How it works
- Smog Check We test the vehicle and the result goes to the DMV electronically.
- VIN Verification We check the VIN and complete the REG 31.
- Paperwork Review We go through your title, registration, and REG 343.
- Processing We tell you the DMV fees before you pay, then process the transaction.
Fees
- Trucks, SUVs and vans: add $8
- 1996–1999 vehicles: $89.75
- 1995 and older: $99.75
- Our Service Fee
- Quoted before we start
- DMV Fees
- Set by the state, depends on your vehicle and transaction
DMV registration, transfer and use-tax amounts are set by the state and paid through us to the DMV. Our service fee is separate and we tell you what it is before we start.
Common questions
I just moved to California. How long do I have to register my car?
20 days after becoming a resident or bringing the vehicle into the state. Most vehicles need a California smog certification and a vehicle verification (REG 31) first.
My car passed smog in another state. Do I still need a California smog check?
Usually, yes. The DMV requires a smog certification from a California station for most out-of-state vehicles: gasoline 1976 and newer, diesel 1998 and newer.
Can you do the VIN verification for my out-of-state vehicle?
Yes, for most vehicles. Bring the vehicle and its title or registration from the other state, and we complete the Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) at our counter. Revived salvage, specially constructed, and a few other vehicles must be verified by the DMV or CHP instead.
Official sources
- California DMV: How to register an out-of-state vehicle (HTVR 9)
- California DMV: New California residents
- California DMV: Verification of Vehicle (REG 31)
- California DMV: Smog inspections
Checked against these sources on October 1, 2026.
Smog. Registration. Done.
Book a time or walk in.