DMV Out-of-State Vehicle Registration in San Diego, CA
Bringing a car, truck, motorcycle, or other eligible vehicle into California? Get help with California DMV out-of-state vehicle registration, nonresident vehicle registration, REG 343, DMV VIN verification REG 31, ownership documents, and related California registration requirements.
Register an Out-of-State Vehicle in California
California DMV has specific requirements for nonresident vehicles being registered in California. DMV lists REG 343, evidence of ownership, evidence of the vehicle's last registration when applicable, a vehicle verification REG 31 subject to exceptions, applicable fees and taxes, and smog certification when appropriate among the requirements that may apply.
Express Auto Registration provides DMV registration assistance in San Diego to help customers review out-of-state title and registration documents, California registration paperwork, and VIN verification requirements.
DMV Documents You May Need
- REG 343 — Application for Title or Registration
- Out-of-state title or other acceptable evidence of ownership
- Current or last-issued out-of-state registration when required
- REG 31 — DMV Verification of Vehicle
- VIN and odometer information
- Smog certification when required
- California DL/ID or applicable owner identification information
- Applicable DMV registration fees, use tax, and service charges
Out-of-State DMV Registration Help
- Register an out-of-state car in California
- California nonresident vehicle registration
- DMV REG 343 paperwork assistance
- DMV VIN verification requirement review
- REG 31 vehicle verification documentation
- Out-of-state title and ownership document review
- California DMV registration requirement review
California DMV Out-of-State Registration Forms
REG 343 and REG 31 are important forms for many California nonresident vehicle registration transactions. REG 256 may also apply in specific situations.
REG 343 — Application for Title or Registration / Verification of Vehicle
California DMV identifies REG 343 for vehicles being registered for the first time and for nonresident vehicles brought into California.
REG 31 — DMV Verification of Vehicle / VIN Inspection
California DMV generally requires vehicle verification for nonresident vehicle registration, subject to specified exceptions. REG 31 documents the physical inspection of the VIN and vehicle characteristics. REG 31 is not to be completed by the applicant; verification is performed by an authorized verifier or inspector as permitted for the transaction.
REG 256 — Statement of Facts
REG 256 may be required in certain California DMV nonresident vehicle transactions, including specified commercial vehicle, trailer, or vehicle-record situations.
DMV Out-of-State Vehicle Registration FAQs
How do I register an out-of-state vehicle in California?
California DMV requires applicable registration forms and supporting documents. For many nonresident vehicle transactions, these include REG 343, evidence of ownership, registration evidence when applicable, vehicle verification, fees and taxes, and smog certification when required.
Does an out-of-state vehicle need a California DMV VIN verification?
California DMV lists a completed REG 31 Verification of Vehicle among the basic nonresident registration requirements, with specified exceptions for certain vehicles and transactions.
What is REG 343?
REG 343 is California DMV's Application for Title or Registration. DMV states that it is used for vehicles being registered for the first time and for nonresident vehicles brought into California.
Do out-of-state vehicles need a California smog inspection?
California DMV states that a smog certification is required when appropriate and notes that the newer-vehicle smog exemption does not apply to nonresident vehicles. Other exemptions or requirements may still depend on the vehicle.
How long do I have to register my vehicle after moving to California?
California DMV's Driver's Handbook states that you have 20 days to register your vehicle after becoming a California resident or getting a job in California.
Need DMV Out-of-State Registration Help in San Diego?
Contact Express Auto Registration for California DMV registration assistance with an eligible out-of-state vehicle, REG 343 paperwork, VIN verification requirements, and supporting registration documents.