Car registration in CA question

[Blue Skies]

I am 99% sure that California will not register the vehicle until it is in the State of California. And if it is a 1975 or newer car, you will be required to have a smog test.
I do all my registration/DMV stuff at Automobile Club of So. Cal. Well worth the yearly price of membership to deal with them and not the DMV.

[hsg9000]

Originally Posted by trancedout

I'd actually like to sell this car, get something better for CA

In addition to registration fees, you also have to pay a one-time personal property tax on the car when you register it in California. The more valuable the car, the higher the tax. It's a splendid ripoff, because you already paid sales tax in another state on the same car. So you might be better off waiting until you get to California to buy another car.

[1200RT]

Originally Posted by hsg9000

In addition to registration fees, you also have to pay a one-time personal property tax on the car when you register it in California. The more valuable the car, the higher the tax. It's a splendid ripoff, because you already paid sales tax in another state on the same car. So you might be better off waiting until you get to California to buy another car.

....what?


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[JohnSoCal]

Originally Posted by hsg9000

In addition to registration fees, you also have to pay a one-time personal property tax on the car when you register it in California. The more valuable the car, the higher the tax. It's a splendid ripoff, because you already paid sales tax in another state on the same car. So you might be better off waiting until you get to California to buy another car.

That is not true. You pay personal property tax ( VLF ) on your vehicle every year as part of your registration costs. If your vehicle was purchased less than 12 months prior to moving to California then you will be liable for a "use tax" which is equivalent to the sales tax. This may be waived under special circumstances.

Here is a link with all the official info for newcomers to California bringing their vehicles.

Information For Persons New To California