How To Register A Vehicle In California From Canada

Find out what dealers are responsible for and what you need to do.

How to register a vehicle in california from canada. You may have to pay import duties depending on it s age. Ca smog checks inspections. The car must be identified using its unique vin number in this document manufacturer s certificate of origin and the vehicle title. To be registered in california it may need some vehicle modifications. If you re immigrating at a ground crossing you can choose to import your car at the border with your corresponding letter.

If you have imported your vehicle directly from another country a direct import you need to register the vehicle with dmv. California has certain areas that require a smog certification every 2 years. The process might look like this. When you buy your vehicle in canada you will need to get the following paperwork from your car dealership or private seller. When you return to canada in the spring a copy of a completed cbsa form e 24 personal exemption cbsa declaration listing all of the items being driven back in your car along with a copy of the completed form e 15 when your vehicle entered the u s.

Visit your state dmv s website. If you need to register a vehicle for use on california roadways waterways or trailways you ve come to the right place to find out all you need to know. Register for the first time or transfer your car s registration by visiting your local department of motor vehicles dmv or county tag office. Renew your registration. You should keep the original copy of form e 15 to present at customs when you return by airplane to inform customs of goods that will be following you home separately.

Skip the line and renew your vehicle registration online. If you bought from a licensed dealer certain registration tasks may be taken care of for you. Check locally to see where your nearest car registration office is and make an appointment. Almost every vehicle in california must pass a smog inspection prior to being registered. To register your imported vehicle you ll need.

Your car will be inspected in order to get a new registration and ownership. If it was in canada you will have to legally import the car into the united states. Learn about new vehicle registrations renew your registration. Any and all fines violations and debts to the ca dmv must be paid in full before you will be allowed to register a vehicle. You will also need to make sure it has passes a smog check which can be done by many certified garages.