Register a vehicle in California

By · checked

Title and register a vehicle in California: what to bring for a dealer purchase, a private sale or a car moved in from another state, and the fees the DMV lists.

Your situation

How did you get the vehicle?
Online or in person
No online option described · Field office or mailThe DMV says "You can transfer ownership of the vehicle by mailing your completed form to DMV or visiting a DMV field office in person." It does not list an online option. The DMV says you can transfer ownership by mailing your completed form to DMV or visiting a DMV field office in person.
Cost
Several feesOriginal registration: $76 (includes a $3 Alternative Fuel/Technology fee). Transfer: $15. Use tax of 7.25% - 10.25% (dealer page, based on the new owner's city and county). Other fees depend on vehicle type, value, weight and where you live; see the DMV fee calculator.
You leave with
Not stated by the agency

Your plan

  1. Gather your documents

  2. Get a smog certification if required

    See the documents list for which vehicles need one.

    Smog inspections on dmv.ca.gov ↗

  3. Estimate your fees

    The DMV calculates your fees when your application is submitted; its fee calculator gives an estimate of registration fees.

    Fee calculator on dmv.ca.gov ↗

  4. Pick the one that fits you:

    1. Option 1: Mail your form to DMV

      Transfer ownership by mailing your completed form to DMV.

      Private-party purchase on dmv.ca.gov ↗

    2. Option 2: Visit a field office

      Transfer ownership by visiting a DMV field office in person.

      Private-party purchase on dmv.ca.gov ↗

Common reasons people get turned away

  • Private purchase: buyers have 10 days after purchasing the vehicle to transfer ownership. Dealer purchase: you must pay transfer fees within 10 days of the sale or a late penalty is charged after 30 days.
  • A vehicle brought from another state must be registered within 20 days of becoming a resident or bringing it into the state.
  • Registration fees for nonresident vehicles must be paid within 20 days of the date they become due, even if you do not have all the requirements (title, smog, etc.).
  • Insurance is required on all vehicles operated or parked on California roads. If the DMV does not receive proof of insurance for a vehicle, its registration will be suspended.
  • California law prohibits residents from bringing in or registering a vehicle that is less than 2 years old with less than 7,500 miles at purchase, unless it was built to California emission standards or an exemption applies.

Offices that register vehicles

For a vehicle bought from a dealer the DMV says to "visit a DMV field office in person" to complete registration; for a private sale you can mail your form to DMV or visit a DMV field office. Agency source.

168 offices where you can register a vehicleSee them on a map, search by county or show the ones open now

Largest cities with them: Los Angeles (2) · San Diego (3) · San Jose (2) · San Francisco (1) · Fresno (2) · Sacramento (2) · Long Beach (1) · Oakland (2)

Results show offices where you can register a vehicle or may be able to, nearest first, each labelled.

Read more

Did it work on your first visit?

Tell us after you've been. One anonymous answer, no account, nothing else saved.


Sources · checked November 9, 2026

We wrote this plan ourselves from the official pages above on the date shown. Agencies change rules without notice: the official page always wins. DMV Decoded is independent and not a government agency; we don't book appointments or take payments.