Like all other states, it is required that the vehicle owner must register their vehicle with California DMV. California law of DMV is applicable to the people who reside in California State. New and second-hand vehicles must be registered, regardless of whether they are purchased from a dealer or an individual. The new California residents who have registered their vehicle in other state must register their vehicle in California. According to the law, the initial vehicle registration must be done in person. It is also required to renew the registration once in a year, either in person, online or by mail.
You must register it within ten days of the purchase date if you have purchased an used vehicle while you must register it within 20 days if your car is new to California. If you fail to register your car in said limits, you will have to pay late registration fees.
If you are registering your vehicle in California for the first time, you must need to do following:
· When you register your vehicle you must provide proof of insurance as insurance is must in California.
· Collect the necessary paperwork. If you bought your vehicle from a dealer, then the dealer will have sent the necessary paperwork to the California Department of Motor Vehicles. In all other circumstances you will need to collect the additional papers
· An application for Vehicle Title or Registration signed by all registered owners.
· Collect the last registration certificate and a copy of the last issued out of state title if you do not need to change ownership of the vehicle.
· If you do need to change the ownership of the vehicle, make sure that you have completed the Change of Title for the vehicle.
· If you have newly purchased the vehicle, make sure that you have the Bill of Sale.
· An Odometer Disclosure Statement signed by both the parties for the cars less than ten years old.
· If your vehicle is not new, you may require a smog certificate.
· Make an appointment to visit your DMV center, making sure that you explain that you require a vehicle inspection.
· Once your vehicle has been inspected, you can submit your paperwork and order your license plates. These will be sent to you in the mail and must be fixed to your vehicle as soon as received.
· You are entitled to a tax reduction for a portion of the registration fees
California car registrations fees vary depending on the make and model of the car, the date of late registration, traffic tickets, etc. The California Vehicle Code is also important for anyone who is registering their vehicle. It contains all the rules and regulations for drivers and vehicles are subjected to drive on the road. License/ car registration plates cover the regulations for displaying and maintaining your plates as well as information on vanity, disability and vintage vehicle plates.